In the world of drivers who seem to clamor for crossovers, the Honda Odyssey still garners a lot of love. Buyers who have stayed true to the Odyssey know this is a minivan with comfort, space, luxury, and is easy to drive. For such a large vehicle, it doesn’t feel ungainly, and the V6 under the hood of every model will mean you never struggle up any hill, even with a full load of passengers and luggage. The new 2020 Honda Odyssey has some flashy features to make life easier, but the reasons to keep coming back to this minivan are still there.
Now in the 25th year of production, Odyssey buyers will have five models to choose from: the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Each model offers specific upgrades as you go up in price, but this is all about the best features you’ll be excited to have when you roll off the lot. We’ll get into the features of each model, but first to be covered is what you can expect under the hood and behind the wheel. After that, we’ll also cover the basics of what you’ll get with any model of the Honda Odyssey, so you know what to expect when you buy.
Drivetrain and Performance
Every model of the 2020 Honda Odyssey comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that has a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an idle stop. Gas mileage is fairly good for such a large vehicle, with 19 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. All models also come standard with front-wheel drive. Driving this minivan will be most enjoyable with the 18-inch wheels, as recommended by testers who found the larger 19-inch wheels available in pricier models less responsive.
Though it may be a minivan, it doesn’t drive like one. The responsiveness of this vehicle is more like a sedan, but with the beefier engine, it has the power to handle tougher terrain like a crossover. Even in the snow, the Odyssey handles well with anti-lock brakes and traction control specifically designed for wintry conditions. Safety is top of the line with a five-star rating from the NHTSA, and lots of safety features are added, as is driver-assisted tech in the upper-range models.
Best Features On Each Trim
The features you will find on any model of the Odyssey’s long list of things to love are the quiet cabin, automatic climate control, powered front seats, Bluetooth streaming audio, push-button start, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. Three rows of seats accommodate passengers of virtually any size in the roomiest of all minivans, with plenty of space to spare in the trunk area for luggage when driving on long trips. When the need arises to move larger cargo, the seats fold down or come out to allow for a flat interior space.
The LX is the base model, which is loaded with all of the above listed features. Even with the base model, which is priced at an MSRP of $30,790, there is still the same comfort and luxurious driving experience as the other Odyssey models, and plenty of features to love. The third row of seats can be stowed on the floor with the one-motion tug of the strap located on the seat backs. Such a convenience is wonderful when traveling with a group that only needs one back row, and then the bigger cargo space allows for larger luggage you need for camping trips or cross-country driving. This model also comes with a seven-speaker audio system, a USB charging port with an audio interface, a five-inch color LCD screen, hill start assist, and active noise cancellation.
Moving up to the EX model, the MSRP is $34,790 and is the model most recommended by respected car sites when it comes to value. One of the best features of the Odyssey EX is the magic-slide second row of seats. This row sits on a track that allows the seats to be moved either front to back or side to side, which makes for a lot of flexibility for seating configuration. Other best features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda’s suite of driver-assisted safety features, smart entry to allow locking and unlocking without taking out the key, tri-zone climate control, and powered programmable tailgate.
Next up is the EX-L, which comes in at an MSRP of $38,060 and offers up a whole new array of best features. Starting with leather-trimmed seats, the Odyssey EX-L will lift the luxury up a notch. A powered moonroof with a tilt option, a rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system programmed with built-in streaming apps, a satellite-linked navigation system that is voice-activated, and the convenience of the home link system to program your home arrival are all standard.
Coming in at $45,060, the Touring is the next in line. This model really takes things seriously when it comes to family travel. Have you ever wished for a built-in vacuum in your vehicle? Now you can have it! The Touring comes standard with this feature, and it also thought about the fact that the third row can seem like another zip code. In case the kids claim they can’t hear you, a PA system from the front seat allows you to be heard. If that’s not enough, you can also view the back seat with a camera system. No hands to open the tailgate? No problem. Kick your foot under the back bumper, and the hatch opens.
The top of the line of Honda’s Odyssey is the Elite, which is priced at an MSRP of $47,420. Ever wish you could have different audio zones in the vehicle on long trips? Your wish is granted. The Elite allows you to choose which zone of the seating you want to be able to hear the speakers, so everyone can listen to what they want. This model also comes with a premium audio system that has 11 speakers, including a sub-woofer. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, a wireless phone charger, and a heated steering wheel wrapped in leather all come standard with the Elite.
Finding Your Honda Odyssey
By no means is this an extensive list of features on the 2020 Honda Odyssey models, but it’s a few of some of the best features to be excited about when buying. In the case of most of these features, it’s important to note that Honda doesn’t allow for much in the way of options when it comes to adding what you want from one trim level to another. A few features of the more expensive models may be options for the cheaper ones, but for the most part, each model comes standard with certain features that can’t be added to others.
Whether you’re buying a new Odyssey for space, comfort, or luxury, it will be sure to please anyone riding in the cabin designed for travel. In any weather, drivers can be assured of the Odyssey’s ability to handle the road conditions, and the safety suite covers a wide range of driver-assisted needs. Parents will be able to relax, knowing the kids will have plenty of options for staying busy and comfortable with the range of choices for cabin temperature and audio zones. There’s a reason the Honda Odyssey has lasted for 25 years. It’s a great family vehicle with dependability and versatility on its side.
