Hondas are ubiquitous in America and around the world. Their expert engineering, affordable value, and reputation for reliability have left Honda fans searching for a “Honda dealer near me” whenever they move to a new location. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is no exception. While there is a strong trend towards SUVs for family vehicles, minivans are still an excellent option. The most exciting features of the 2021 Honda Odyssey include second-row MagicSlide chairs, LED headlights, and a center console that’s equipped with CabinWatch and CabinTalk.
If you’re familiar with older versions of the Odyssey, you’ll love the new and improved driver information interface. This new model minivan is a strong addition to the Honda lineup. For a busy mom or dad on the go, there’s no better partner in crime than a 2021 Honda Odyssey.
Exterior Features
On every trim, the Odyssey’s lights have been upgraded to slim LEDs, and the chrome bar in the middle of the grill has been removed. These minor tweaks provide a more streamlined appearance to the fourth year of its fifth generation. The 19-inch alloy wheels are sharp, shiny, and bring together the overall design.
If you’re concerned about privacy while driving the kids around, darkened windows wrap around the sides and rear of the car. Your kids won’t spend another sunny morning commute complaining about the sun being in their eyes. Upgrading from the base model to the second-level EX also adds sunshades to the second row. On the EX-L, a sunroof invites the fresh air and open skies for everyone to enjoy.
Mornings are hectic, especially for parents. Don’t have time to warm up your van on a chilly morning? In the new Odyssey EX and above, heated mirrors and a remote engine start will get your vehicle defrosting before you have to rush out the door. If you opt for the Elite trim, automatic wipers mean you have one less thing to think about while you’re driving. With the Odyssey, Honda makes your life easier without having to spring for the most expensive trim. However, if you do want to invest a little extra in your Odyssey, the Touring model elevates your ride on 19-inch wheels. Several high-tech upgrades are also provided on this trim, but we’ll get into that a little later.
What’s Under the Hood?
Unlike sluggish minivans of the past, the Honda Odyssey springs into action when needed. The engine on all trims is a 3.5-liter v6 that gives you 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A responsive 10-speed automatic transmission guarantees the control you need and makes a smooth transition from slow to fast. Drivers can expect a respectable combined fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon (19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway). The Odyssey’s ample fuel tank capacity of 19.5 gallons means you’ll waste less time fueling up at the pump.
Enjoy a Tranquil Interior
If you are wondering what kind of driving experience the Odyssey has to offer, you can rest assured that it’s both smooth and comfortable. Honda has engineered the Odyssey to include all the creature comforts desired in a modern vehicle. Starting with an available acoustic glass and active noise canceling, the clashes and clangs of construction and noisy traffic will fade into the background as you carry on your merry way. The Honda’s quiet ride is especially helpful if you’ve got a little one napping in the backseat.
The Odyssey’s interior has all the room you could need and more. Folding seats configure to give you additional cargo space for strollers, diaper bags, bikes, and more. The 2nd row is equipped with Magic Slide technology that allows for easy third-row access. Adjust it to your preference so that you have better reach from the front.
Use the removable second-row as either captain’s chairs or a bench. This useful feature gives you full flexibility to get where you need to go. From one trim to another, you’ll love the appealing interior amenities that the Odyssey has to offer. In the EX, tri-zone climate control keeps all your passengers’ content on long rides. Lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, and heated front seats in the front row, ensure your comfort while navigating on a busy day. If you choose the EX-L, a leather steering wheel and power liftgate make your Honda that much more enjoyable.
As one would expect, some of the most exciting interior features are reserved for the Elite model. The Elite Odyssey comes equipped with HondaVac. This incredibly convenient feature must have been designed with parents in mind. The next time your little one spills goldfish on the floor, just open the vac system for quick and hassle-free cleanup. Ventilated front seats will help you keep your cool on stressful drives. The premium 11-speaker audio system makes driving fun for the whole family.
Brimming with High-End Technology
Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, it’s hard to ignore the most fun features of the 2021 Honda Odyssey– the technology. A push-button ignition powers up the Odyssey, starting with the base LX model. Along with a 5-inch central display and seven-speaker audio system, you won’t be disappointed given its reasonable MSRP that hovers just over $31k. Rear seat reminders alert you to double-check the backseat after parking the van for added safety.
All 2021 Odysseys come with Honda’s basic driver assistance technology. Forward collision mitigation warns you of potential crashes and even applies the brakes in some cases. Adaptive cruise control keeps your Honda at a safe distance from the traffic ahead, and lane departure mitigation steers you back into the center of your lane in case you start drifting without your turn signal on.
Moving up, the EX adds dynamic guidelines to give you better use of the rearview camera. The touchscreen is upgraded to an 8-inch that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To avoid the dangerous mistake of missing nearby vehicles, the blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are your second set of eyes on the road. The EX-L sweetens the deal with second-row USB charging ports, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and driver’s seat memory settings.
Significant tech upgrades happen if you opt for the Touring model. Here, you’ll find a USB charging port in the third row, an integrated navigation system, and an onboard wifi hotspot. The rear-seat entertainment system comes with wireless headphones, but that doesn’t mean your kids can tune you out. Feel free to interrupt as needed using the in-headphone cabin intercom system. Keep an eye on what’s happening in the backseats through the rear-cabin monitoring system, CabinWatch. You’ll even get some extra assistance parking with the addition of front and rear parking sensors.
For Elite Odyssey drivers, the sky’s the limit. A wireless charging pad and hands-free liftgate are just the start of the many interior and exterior upgrades provided on this high-end trim. Gone are the frumpy family minivans from the 90s. The Elite Odyssey seamlessly combines class, comfort, advanced technology, and power into its modern and refined, futuristic design, well-suited for any family.
Whichever trim suits your fancy, the Honda Odyssey is sure to give the SUV market a run for its money. Not only do you get the style and capability of an SUV, but you get plenty of configurable interior space to stretch your legs and get comfortable. If there’s one vehicle that every family could benefit from in 2021, it’s hands-down the Honda Odyssey. See your local dealer and test drive it yourself before these fantastic minivans make their way off the lot.
