By Christopher A Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 22, 2017) From the B-pillar forward, the new Odyssey shares its underbody with the Pilot crossover. From there back, however, it’s a unique vehicle. Ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium are used to reduce weight (up to 96 pounds, depending on trim level) and increase torsional rigidity 44%. In addition, the 280 horsepower direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 has 32 more horsepower.

Upper grade models get a new 10-speed automatic gearbox, while lower trim levels make do with Honda’s current nine-speed auto matic transmission.



A new suite of connectivity technologies make the 2018 Odyssey more powerful than some police surveillance vans. CabinWatch uses a camera to let the driver and front passenger keep an eye on the rear cabin day or night via the front 8.0-in. display screen. CabinTalk allows the driver to speak to second- and third-row passengers via the rear cabin speakers or rear entertainment system headphones. Updates to the Display Audio and rear infotainment systems can be accomplished via in-vehicle 4G LTE, WiFi or USB.

CabinControl uses an app to control the rear entertainment system, rear cabin climate control and send destination information to the vehicle navigation system via a smartphone. And those in the second and third rows can view streaming video on a ceiling-mounted 10.2-in. screen through the optional in-vehicle WiFi, public WiFi or the user’s cell phone data plan.

However, it is the Magic Slide second row seating that may tip the balance — for or against — for buyers. Removing the center seat allows the outer seats to slide side-to-side in one of five positions. Honda says there is enough room when they are at their outermost positions for an adult to pass easily to the third row, even with two rear-facing child seats in the second row.

Buddy Mode removes the center seat and puts the outer seats together where the occupants are within easy reach of the front seat passenger, especially when the second row seats are in their most forward position. In addition, with the center seat removed, the driver’s side outboard seat can be set to its walk-in position (full forward and with the seat back tilted) for access to the third row.

However, those who need to remove the second row seats in order to increase cargo capacity may not like the fact that each of the second row seats are six pounds heavier due to the fact that the seatbelts are now attached to the seats.

For them it may be enough to tip the balance toward the Chrysler Pacifica and its Stow and Go second row seating.

The Virtual Driver