The 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan arrived as a game-changer, bringing a blend of sophistication, innovation, and family-focused features to the segment. Building upon its legacy as a top choice for American families, the redesigned Odyssey aimed to elevate the minivan experience with cutting-edge technology, versatile seating configurations, and enhanced safety features. This made the 2018 Honda Minivan a compelling option for families seeking comfort, convenience, and advanced functionalities.
Sophisticated Design and Family-Oriented Interior
Honda imbued the 2018 Honda minivan with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The exterior showcased Honda’s signature “flying wing” grille, complemented by available LED headlights, presenting a refined front fascia. The distinctive lightning bolt beltline added a touch of elegance, cleverly concealing the sliding door tracks within the rear quarter windows. At the rear, LED taillights and an optional hands-free power tailgate with foot activation further enhanced convenience and style.
Stepping inside the 2018 Honda minivan, occupants were greeted by a premium cabin crafted with high-quality materials. A soft-touch instrument panel and a driver’s meter featuring a new 7-inch full-color TFT display contributed to a sophisticated driving environment. The available 8-inch high-resolution Display Audio touchscreen served as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle controls. Recognizing the realities of family life, higher trims offered stain-resistant leather seating, door trim, and black carpeting, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The center console featured a practical grooveless tambour lid, minimizing crumb accumulation.
Advanced In-Vehicle Connectivity for the Modern Family
The 2018 Honda minivan prioritized family connectivity in the digital age. Beyond creating a quiet cabin conducive to conversation, Honda integrated a suite of advanced technological features:
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Display Audio: The 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen, powered by a new Honda-developed operating system, offered intuitive menus and customizable app tiles. It supported Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for seamless smartphone integration and included a physical volume knob for ease of use.
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Over-the-Air Updates: Software updates for the Display Audio and rear entertainment systems could be conveniently downloaded via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB, ensuring the systems remained current.
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CabinWatch: This innovative feature utilized a camera to provide drivers and front passengers with a view of rear occupants on the Display Audio screen, day or night, enhancing awareness and peace of mind.
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CabinTalk: Addressing the perennial challenge of communicating with rear passengers, CabinTalk allowed the driver to speak to second- and third-row occupants through the vehicle’s speakers and rear entertainment system headphones.
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Connected Rear Entertainment System: Rear passengers could enjoy streaming video on the 10.2-inch WSVGA Rear Entertainment System mounted on the ceiling. Supporting streaming via in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi, or a user’s cellphone data plan, it offered access to platforms like PBS Kids, iHeart Radio, and Spotify. The “How Much Farther?” app added a fun element by allowing passengers to track the journey’s progress.
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CabinControl App: This downloadable smartphone app empowered users to control the rear entertainment system, adjust rear cabin climate settings, and send destinations to the Honda navigation system, putting vehicle control in the palm of their hand.
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Social Playlist: Integrated within CabinControl, Social Playlist functioned as a virtual jukebox, enabling up to seven family members to contribute their music selections to the audio system via their smartphones, fostering a collaborative and personalized audio experience.
Cabin quietness in the 2018 Honda minivan was achieved through features such as triple door seals, available acoustic front and side glass, and increased sound deadening materials throughout the vehicle. Standard Active Sound Control technology further contributed to a serene cabin environment.
Magic Slide™ Seats: Revolutionary Seating Versatility
A standout innovation in the 2018 Honda minivan was the introduction of Magic Slide™ second-row seats. This system offered unparalleled versatility in configuring the second row to optimize passenger comfort, cargo space, and access to the third row. The various modes included:
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Easy Access Mode: With the center seat removed, the outboard seats could slide laterally through five positions, creating easy passage to the third row, even with rear-facing child seats installed. Sliding a second-row seat closer to the front placed a child within easy reach of front occupants.
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Super Mode: Similar to Easy Access mode, but with the driver’s side second-row seat moved to its walk-in position (fully forward and tilted), maximizing access to the third row.
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Wide Mode: Removing the center seat and positioning the outboard seats at their outermost positions created a wide center aisle to the third row, ideal for separating passengers.
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Buddy Mode: With the center seat removed and the outboard seats positioned together in the center, this mode brought two second-row occupants closer, facilitating interaction and accessibility to front occupants.
Uncompromising Safety with Honda Sensing™
Safety was paramount in the design of the 2018 Honda minivan. Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies became standard on EX and higher trims, anticipated to represent 95 percent of sales. This comprehensive suite included:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Combined with Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and advanced airbags, including new driver and front passenger knee airbags, the 2018 Honda minivan aimed for top safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The 2018 Honda minivan was powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), producing 280 SAE net horsepower. The engine was paired with either a 9-speed automatic transmission or, in upper trims, a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission – a first for minivans. These advanced powertrains, along with a lighter and more rigid body and aerodynamic design, contributed to enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system offered normal and snow modes, working with Agile Handling Assist and an upgraded braking system for improved traction and control in various conditions.
Advanced Chassis and Body Structure
The 2018 Honda minivan featured an all-new body and chassis, contributing to a remarkably quiet cabin, precise steering, and comfortable ride. The body utilized advanced materials such as ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Weight was reduced by up to 96 pounds, and torsional body rigidity increased by 44 percent compared to the previous model. New chassis features included a responsive Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a compact trailing arm rear suspension, enhancing handling, ride comfort, and cargo space.
Conclusion: The 2018 Honda Odyssey – The Modern Family’s Ideal Choice
The 2018 Honda minivan represented a significant leap forward in the minivan segment. With its sophisticated design, family-focused technology, revolutionary Magic Slide™ seats, comprehensive safety features, and refined performance, the 2018 Honda Odyssey solidified its position as a top choice for families seeking a versatile, comfortable, and technologically advanced vehicle. It truly redefined what a modern family minivan could be.
