Honda has pulled the covers off its new 2018 Odyssey minivan. This is the latest iteration of Honda’s popular people-mover now comes with a more powerful engine, a sleek new exterior, an updated dash with new technology, and an innovative seating system in the second row. Called the Magic Slide system, it offers the flexibility of removing the center seat and sliding the outboard seats side to side. The Odyssey also comes packed with Honda’s new CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems. It’s clear the 2018 Odyssey is a big improvement over the outgoing model, but will it be enough to edge out Chrysler’s still-fresh Pacifica?

While the configurable second-row seating is cool, it doesn’t seem as convenient as the Pacifica’s Stow N’ Go seats that fold flat into the floor. The 2018 Odyssey’s biggest draw is the new CabinWatch system. It uses cameras to monitor second and third row passengers, with Mom and Dad keeping an eye on the closed circuit video via the 8.0-inch infotainment screen up front. The cameras are said to work both day and night.

In addition, CabinTalk gives Mom and Dad the ability to speak to rear passengers through their headphones should they be watching the available rear-seat entertainment system. It also works through the rear speakers, much like the Toyota’s Easy Speak.

For those who love being connected to the Internet of Things, the 2018 Odyssey now offers CabinControl – an app-based system that allows smartphone users to remotely control various in-cabin features, such as the rear entertainment system, the rear cabin HVAC system, and forwarding navigation destinations from a phone to the Odyssey’s navigation system.

The Odyssey’s rear entertainment system now offers “How Much Farther?,” an app that lets rear passengers keep track of the navigation route with a countdown to arrival – much like the Pacific’s “Are We There Yet?” system.

Other cool stuff includes Social Play List, which is part of CabinControl. Its said to act like a virtual jukebox, letting up to eight people upload their music choices to the audio system via their smartphone. 4G LTE Wi-Fi is present and several USB ports are scattered around for charging.

Of course, the 2018 Honda Odyssey is more than just cool apps and electronic gadgetry. Keep reading for more information on the chassis and drivetrain.

Continue reading for the full story.

The Rest of the Story

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is powered by Honda’s current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6. This is same V-6 powering the Ridgeline, and gets the same 280 horsepower. That’s a 32-horsepower improvement over the outgoing 3.5-liter V-6. Mated to the engine in lower trim levels is a nine-speed automatic. Upper trims, however, get a new 10-speed automatic. This marks the first time a 10-speed has been used in the minivan segment. Power is sent only to the front wheels.

The Odyssey rides on a new body and chassis. Advanced materials like ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium help reduce weight while adding rigidity. The result is a 96-pound drop in curb weight with a 44-percent increase on torsional body rigidity.

The Odyssey is also built in North America with many U.S.-manufactured parts. The engine, for example, is built at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama plant – the same facility that builds the Ridgeline pickup.

Pricing has not been announced, but Honda should make that announcement closer to the 2018 Odyssey’s on-sale date in the spring of 2017.

Why It Matters

The minivan segment is far more competitive than many like to give it credit for. Just look at the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, the Kia Sedona, and now the 2018 Honda Odyssey. These do-it-all family haulers are the epitome of practicality and offer unmatched utility that no crossover can begin to touch. It’s the stigma surround “mommy-mobile” minivans that keeps the segment held back, with most “cool parents” opting for a crossover or SUV rather than the more practical choice. That’s not to say crossovers and SUVs don’t have their place, but modern minivans are far from the doggishly awful box on wheels that dominated the 1980s and 1990s.

One honest look at the Honda Odyssey, or any other current minivan might sway customers from buying a compromised crossover. These vehicles really are worth the look.