The minivan. For many, it conjures images of suburban life and soccer practice. But for those in the know, minivans represent the pinnacle of interior space efficiency and family practicality. Among minivans, the Honda Odyssey has long been a frontrunner, a testament to Honda’s engineering and understanding of family needs. However, in an increasingly competitive market with rivals like Toyota and Kia pushing boundaries, questions arise about whether the current Honda Odyssey remains at the top of its game. This 2024 Honda Odyssey Review delves into its strengths and weaknesses, particularly in light of its aging design and the advancements of its competitors.
Aging Interior and Exterior Design
Stepping inside the 2024 Honda Odyssey, one can’t help but notice a sense of déjà vu. While functional, the interior design feels dated compared to more recently refreshed models in Honda’s lineup and certainly against competitors. The center display, in particular, appears small and somewhat cluttered, angled in an unconventional way towards the sunroof. This upward tilt, while perhaps intended to reduce glare, feels more like an ergonomic misstep. The button layout and overall aesthetic of the dashboard further contribute to this sense of being behind the times. While ease of use is present, the visual appeal lacks the modern, simplified design seen in newer Honda vehicles like the Pilot or Accord. The exterior, though still recognizable as an Odyssey, also hints at its age, lacking the fresh appeal of newer minivan designs.
Fuel Economy Concerns in a Hybrid World
In today’s market, fuel efficiency is a major consideration for car buyers, especially for family vehicles like minivans. The Honda Odyssey, equipped with a V6 engine, lags behind competitors in this crucial area. While the V6 provides adequate power, its fuel economy figures, averaging around 21 MPG in testing, are less impressive when compared to rivals. The Toyota Sienna, for instance, now exclusively offered as a hybrid, easily surpasses 30 MPG and even offers all-wheel drive, a feature absent in the current Odyssey. Kia has also entered the hybrid minivan arena with a Carnival variant. In an era of rising fuel costs and increased environmental awareness, the Odyssey’s reliance on a traditional V6 engine puts it at a disadvantage against more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Comfort, Space, and Practicality Remain Strengths
Despite its aging design, the 2024 Honda Odyssey retains its core strengths in comfort and practicality. The interior is remarkably spacious, offering generous room in all three rows. Even adults will find the third row accommodating, a testament to the Odyssey’s efficient packaging. While Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seats may offer ultimate convenience, the Odyssey’s seat manipulation levers are still intuitive and user-friendly. Cargo space is plentiful, even with the third row seats in use, providing ample room for luggage and family gear. However, a notable oversight is the lack of a dedicated cargo area light, making nighttime loading and unloading unnecessarily challenging. Despite this minor flaw, the Odyssey remains a highly practical vehicle for families, offering a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers and cargo alike.
Driving Dynamics: Still a Driver’s Minivan
One area where the Honda Odyssey continues to shine is in its driving dynamics. In a segment not typically known for driving enjoyment, the Odyssey stands out. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering a level of feedback that is rare in modern vehicles, let alone minivans. This responsiveness inspires confidence on winding roads and makes the Odyssey surprisingly engaging to drive. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Sienna, which prioritizes isolation over driver engagement, the Odyssey offers a more connected and enjoyable driving experience. While “hustling” a minivan might sound unusual, the Odyssey is arguably the most driver-focused option in its class.
V6 Engine Performance and Transmission Quirks
The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Odyssey delivers smooth and satisfying power, especially in the higher RPM range. It avoids the often less refined sounds of smaller four-cylinder engines, providing a more pleasant auditory experience. However, the engine can feel somewhat lacking in low-end torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while an improvement over previous 9-speed units, exhibits occasional quirks. Downshifts can be slow, and the shift logic can sometimes seem indecisive, particularly when using cruise control on hilly terrain. Despite these minor transmission issues, the V6 engine remains a strong point, offering reliable and refined power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
Conclusion: A Refresh is Due, But Still a Solid Choice
The 2024 Honda Odyssey review reveals a minivan at a crossroads. While it retains its core strengths in spaciousness, practicality, and engaging driving dynamics, its aging design and less competitive fuel economy are becoming increasingly apparent. Compared to newer rivals embracing hybrid technology and modern interior aesthetics, the Odyssey feels like it’s due for a significant refresh. A hybrid powertrain and an updated interior and exterior design, in line with Honda’s latest models, would undoubtedly revitalize the Odyssey and reaffirm its position as a top minivan choice. For now, the 2024 Honda Odyssey remains a solid, reliable, and spacious family vehicle, particularly appealing to those who value driving enjoyment in a minivan. However, prospective buyers should also consider the advancements made by competitors and weigh the Odyssey’s strengths against its growing weaknesses, especially if fuel efficiency and cutting-edge design are top priorities. The next generation Honda Odyssey, with anticipated updates, is certainly one to watch for minivan buyers.
