DETROIT — Touting its ability to “keep everyone in the family happy,” Honda executives revealed Monday that the 2018 Odyssey will come equipped with noise-reducing technology, advanced connectivity and new entertainment features.
Honda took the wraps off its newest Odyssey minivan at the North American International Auto Show, announcing that the vehicle will launch at dealerships nationwide this spring. Its engine, a spokesperson said, will be made at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant.
The next-generation Odyssey includes “Magic Slide” second-row seating, new CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, a display audio touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, a rear entertainment system with streaming video and “Honda Sensing” safety and driver-assistive features.
“In all aspects of its design, the new Odyssey is made to keep every member of the family happy, no matter the seating position, no matter the destination,” said John Mendel, Honda executive vice president.
Seeing a need to connect third-row passengers with other riders, Honda has equipped the new Odyssey with noise-reducing features that Mendel said makes the vehicle “the outright quietest cabin in its class.”
A major innovation on the 2018 model is the Magic Slide seats that allow the second-row seat to reconfigure for “passenger comfort, people- and cargo-hauling flexibility and access to third-row seating.” The MagicSlide seats come in four modes: easy access, super, wide and buddy.
Odyssey’s CabinTalk feature enables the driver to talk to second- and third-row passengers through speakers and rear entertainment headphones. Using a camera, the CabinWatch technology lets the driver and front passenger keep tabs on other riders both day and night via an 8-inch display audio screen.
The 8-inch touchscreen interface also serves as the nerve center for a variety of audio and telematics options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Another feature, “CabinControl,” lets passengers use their smartphones to control the rear entertainment system, heat and air conditioning, and send destinations to the embedded navigation system. As part of CabinControl, a “social playlist” operates like a virtual jukebox, allowing up to eight family members to upload their music choices to the audio system with their smartphones.
Passengers can also track the family’s trip progress with a “How Much Further” app.
“We loaded up the new Odyssey with new features and technologies that will make it the most connected, most comfortable and most flexible Odyssey yet,” Mendel said.
The safety features include Honda Sensing technology with blind spot information and multiangle, rearview cameras.
Under the hood, the new Odyssey is the first-ever Honda minivan with 10-speed transmission. It also features a V-6 engine in the powertrain lineup.
Despite the many connectivity and technological features, Mendel said his favorite aspect of the 2018 Odyssey is its quietness.
“The technology is phenomenal, but the driving and quietness in this vehicle is beyond compare to any vehicle on the market,” he said. “You really have to experience it.”
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