2018 Honda Odyssey

2018 Honda Odyssey Highlights

The 2018 Honda Odyssey marks the debut of its fifth generation, bringing a fresh perspective to the minivan segment. This redesign introduces many innovations to enhance family travel, from clever interior solutions to cutting-edge technology.

Key Details

• Minivan body style
• Three-row seating for up to eight passengers
• All-new platform with improved rigidity and lightweight materials
• Redesigned exterior with a sleeker, more dynamic profile
• New 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with nine-speed or ten-speed automatic transmissions
• Magic Slide second-row seats
• Available advanced driver aids

Benefits

• Enhanced driving dynamics
• Flexible interior configurations
• Advanced technology features for entertainment and family connectivity
• Improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction for a quieter cabin

Related: How Long Do Honda Odysseys Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity

2018 Honda Odyssey Overview

Performance

A single-engine option powers the 2018 Odyssey:

3.5-liter V6 engine:

• 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• Nine-speed automatic transmission (LX, EX, EX-L)
• Ten-speed automatic transmission (Touring, Elite)

This updated V6 engine provides a notable power boost (a 32-horsepower increase) over its predecessor, delivering smooth acceleration and confident passing ability. The new ten-speed automatic on higher trims offers even more refined performance.

2018 Honda Odyssey oil capacity:

• 3.5-liter: 5.7 quarts

2018 Honda Odyssey oil type:

• 3.5-liter: 0W-20

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2018 Odyssey a Top Safety Pick, its second-highest designation, when equipped with front crash prevention and upgraded headlights.

Standard safety features across all trims include:

• Eight airbags
• Vehicle stability control with traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Rearview camera

The Honda Sensing suite, standard on EX trims and above, adds:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Road departure mitigation
• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control

Driving

The 2018 Odyssey redefines expectations for minivan drivability. Its new chassis, which uses more high-strength steel and structural adhesives, provides a solid foundation for confident handling and a smooth ride. The V6 engine delivers ample power for merging and passing, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Despite its size, the Odyssey feels surprisingly agile. The electric power steering provides good feedback, making navigating tight parking lots or winding suburban streets easy. The cabin remains remarkably quiet at highway speeds thanks to improved insulation and active noise control technology.

For those who need to tow, properly equipped Odyssey models can handle up to 3,500 pounds, making it capable of pulling small boats or campers.

Interior

The 2018 Honda Odyssey interior is a step up from the previous year. The family-friendly cabin blends versatility, comfort, and clever features that include:

• Magic Slide second-row seats that can move sideways, forward, and back
• Available CabinWatch camera system to monitor rear passengers
• CabinTalk in-car PA system for easy communication with rear passengers
• Available leather-trimmed seating (EX-L and above)
• Tri-zone automatic climate control (EX and above)
• Heated front seats (EX and above)
• Heated steering wheel (Elite models)
• One-motion 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat

Cargo space is generous and flexible:

• 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row
• 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 144.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded

Technology

The 2018 Odyssey comes equipped with a suite of technology features designed to entertain, inform, and connect:

• Available 8-inch touchscreen system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
• Available rear entertainment system with 10.2-inch screen
• CabinControl app for smartphone control of rear entertainment and climate
• Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability (Touring and Elite)

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Honda Odyssey offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class:

3.5-liter six-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined

2018 Honda Odyssey Reviews

2018 Honda Odyssey consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are subpar, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5. Owners are critical of the Odyssey’s value, quality, and reliability.

Reasons to Buy It

• Versatile interior with Magic Slide seats
• Powerful and efficient V6 engine
• The comprehensive suite of safety technologies
• Smooth and quiet ride

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher trims can be pricey compared to some competitors
• Second-row seats must be removed (not folded) for maximum cargo space
• Some advanced features are only available on top trims
• No hybrid or all-wheel-drive option
• Troublesome ten-speed transmission

Explore: The Best Year for the Honda Odyssey

CoPilot's Take

The 2018 Honda Odyssey represents a significant leap forward in the minivan segment. It combines practical, family-friendly features with a touch of innovation that sets it apart. The Magic Slide second-row seats are a game-changer for interior versatility, while tech features like CabinWatch and CabinTalk directly address the needs of modern families. Meanwhile, the revised V6 dials up the performance factor.

However, potential buyers should know that while the base model offers good value, prices can escalate quickly with higher trims and option packages. The lack of a hybrid option or all-wheel drive might also be a consideration for some shoppers. In addition, the ten-speed automatic has a history of not being perfect.

2018 Honda Odyssey FAQs

Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey a reliable minivan?

The first year of an all-new model tends to be a source of gremlins and other issues that often get resolved in later years. The 2018 Odyssey is no different. NHTSA has numerous owner complaints about the new and troublesome ten-speed transmission. There are also many reports involving the revised engine. While these problems don’t affect every 2018 Odyssey, they’re a reminder to approach this minivan cautiously. Also, an unusually high number of recalls (13) indicates many 2018 Odysseys didn’t leave the factory in ideal condition. As a result, any example under consideration should receive a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a detailed recall check (visit the NHTSA website to review the recall status of any vehicle).

How many miles can a 2018 Honda Odyssey last?

Not long ago, 300,000 miles was a reasonable achievement for a Honda Odyssey. However, given the 2018 edition’s less-than-ideal dependability history, dialing back expectations to 250,000 miles is more realistic. The lifespan will depend on driving habits, maintenance history, and environmental conditions.

What's the cargo capacity of the 2018 Honda Odyssey?

The 2018 Honda Odyssey offers notable cargo capacity:

• 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row
• 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 144.9 cubic feet with both rear rows removed

The Magic Slide second-row seats allow various configurations to balance passenger and cargo needs. However, unlike some competitors, the Odyssey's second-row seats must be physically removed (not just folded) to achieve maximum cargo space.

What trims are available for the 2018 Honda Odyssey?

Shoppers can choose from five trims:

• 2018 Honda Odyssey LX
• 2018 Honda Odyssey EX
• 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L
• 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring
• 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite

Check Out: Which Years Of Used Honda Odysseys Are Most Reliable?