2023 Honda Odyssey

Crossovers continue to take over in the USA and minivans are slowly becoming less relevant, which is a pity because the segment now fields far better players than it ever has. The 2023 Honda Odyssey is a case in point, as the current generation's rigid body and dynamic suspension setup give it car-like driving characteristics. Powering the front wheels is the brand's trusty naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. All trims come standard with the 10-speed automatic transmission. While the minivan segment has shrunken drastically in recent years, the Honda Odyssey's competitors remain the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Carnival, all of which are compelling opponents. If you are looking for maximum space from a passenger car, the 2023 Odyssey is your best option in Honda's current stable, but has Honda done enough to keep it at the head of the class compared to the superb Pacifica and the trendy pseudo-SUV Carnival?

The Odyssey range starts at an exceedingly reasonable $37,490. The EX-L goes on sale for $35,490, while the EX-L retails for $40,560. Sport model cost $41,360. The high-end Touring retails for $44,600, while the top-spec Elite has an MSRP of $49,620. These prices exclude Honda's destination charge of $1,295.

A review of the Honda Odyssey's ride and handling reveals that Honda has done an excellent job with the tuning of the suspension system, as it offers sharp and direct handling further amplified by a weighty electrically assisted steering system. This is a car that has clearly been designed to navigate suburbs and parking lots. For its size, it's light on its feet but it is not exactly what we would call athletic. The larger 19-inch wheels tend to spoil the ride quality a bit but the Odyssey's comfort levels are generally good for all passengers, making it an ideal people mover for urban and highway use. The only engine option is a 280-hp/262-lb-ft 3.5-liter V6 that is neither as torquey or as fuel-efficient as modern downsized turbos, but at least it's responsive and revs freely, with the ten-speed automatic always having a gear on hand to make most of the torque band.

In the minivan segment, the new Honda Odyssey minivan takes the fight not only to the Sienna, Pacifica, and Carnival, but the entire crossover market as well. Generously equipped trims, a composed ride, and more than enough cabin space make it a compelling multipurpose car choice for medium or large families traversing the urban jungle and highways alike. The range could do with a modern downsized turbocharged engine or a hybrid, of which Honda has both in its inventory, as the V6 just guzzles too much gas, especially when fully loaded. The new Sport trim tries to introduce a dynamic dimension to the Odyssey but the big wheels just firm up the ride unnecessarily and in the end, it's an aspirational appearance package only. We can't help but feel that the Kia Carnival's SUV-inspired approach would have won the Odyssey more fans. As it stands, neither the Odyssey nor the Carnival can touch the class-leading Pacifica, which offers not only a well-rounded driving experience, but AWD and PHEV options too.

Last year's review of the Honda Odyssey lamented the barebones LX model and its lack of driver assists. We appreciate that the better-equipped EX now becomes the entry point for the range. All the available trims are excellent, so it depends entirely on your budget. We'd have the EX, as it has everything we'd want in a minivan, but at a reasonable price. The durable cloth seats make more sense if you have smaller kids, and the other on-board tech is more than adequate. We wish the rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option on this trim, but buying two iPads is just as easy.