2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: Review, Features & More

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite. If you're in the market for a minivan that's packed with features, offers a smooth ride, and keeps the whole family happy, then this might just be the perfect vehicle for you. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior comforts to tech features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, providing ample power for both city driving and long road trips. The Odyssey accelerates quickly and confidently, making merging onto highways a breeze.

Handling is surprisingly nimble for a minivan. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you a good feel for the road. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable and composed ride for all passengers. Even on winding roads, the Odyssey remains stable and predictable, inspiring confidence behind the wheel. Fuel economy is also respectable, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This makes the Odyssey Touring Elite a practical choice for families who need a versatile and efficient vehicle.

One of the standout features of the 2018 Odyssey is its refined driving experience. Honda has clearly put a lot of effort into making this minivan feel more like a car than a bulky family hauler. The engine is quiet and smooth, and the transmission shifts seamlessly. Road noise is minimal, even at higher speeds, creating a peaceful and relaxing cabin environment. This is especially important on long trips when you want to minimize fatigue and keep everyone comfortable. Overall, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite offers a compelling blend of power, comfort, and efficiency, making it a top contender in the minivan segment.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-appointed interior. The cabin is designed with families in mind, offering plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Touring Elite trim comes standard with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and is easy to clean – a must for families with kids. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives. They're also heated and ventilated, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather.

The second-row seats are equally impressive, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The Magic Slide second-row seats are a standout feature, allowing you to easily slide the outboard seats to the side, creating more space for passengers to access the third row. This is especially helpful when you have child seats installed, as it eliminates the need to climb over them to reach the back. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, with enough room for adults to sit comfortably on shorter trips. When not in use, the third-row seats can be easily folded flat into the floor, creating a massive cargo area.

In terms of features, the Touring Elite trim is loaded with goodies. You get a premium audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with a large display, a built-in vacuum cleaner (HondaVac), and a host of advanced safety features. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration. The rear-seat entertainment system is a lifesaver on long trips, keeping kids entertained with movies, games, and other content. The HondaVac is incredibly convenient for cleaning up messes on the go, and the advanced safety features provide added peace of mind. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a comfortable, practical, and feature-rich space that's perfect for families.

Technology and Safety

The 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is packed with technology features designed to make your life easier and safer. The infotainment system is centered around an 8-inch touchscreen display that's easy to use and responsive. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music all through the touchscreen display. The navigation system is also intuitive and provides accurate directions.

One of the coolest tech features of the Touring Elite trim is the rear-seat entertainment system. It includes a large 10.2-inch display that can play Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and streaming content. There are also HDMI and USB ports, allowing you to connect gaming consoles or other devices. The system comes with wireless headphones, so passengers in the back can enjoy their entertainment without disturbing the driver. Another standout tech feature is the CabinWatch system, which uses a camera to display a live feed of the rear seats on the touchscreen display. This allows you to keep an eye on your kids without having to turn around.

When it comes to safety, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite excels. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Odyssey also earned excellent crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. Overall, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite offers a comprehensive array of technology and safety features that make it a top choice for families.

Overall Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite? In short, it's an outstanding minivan that offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. It's packed with features that make it a joy to drive and a pleasure to ride in, especially for families. The spacious interior, comfortable seats, and user-friendly technology make it perfect for long road trips, while the nimble handling and fuel-efficient engine make it practical for everyday driving.

Of course, the Touring Elite trim comes with a higher price tag than the lower trims. However, the extra features and amenities are well worth the investment if you're looking for the ultimate minivan experience. The rear-seat entertainment system, built-in vacuum cleaner, and advanced safety features are all valuable additions that enhance the overall value of the vehicle. Plus, the Odyssey has a strong reputation for reliability, which means you can expect it to last for many years with proper maintenance.

In conclusion, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a top contender in the minivan segment. It offers a winning combination of practicality, comfort, and technology that's hard to beat. If you're in the market for a minivan that can handle all your family's needs, be sure to give the Odyssey Touring Elite a serious look. You won't be disappointed! I hope this in-depth review has helped you better understand the features and benefits of this fantastic minivan. Happy driving, guys!