2018 Honda Odyssey Review and Road Test | In 4K UHD!

Honda's Odyssey goes head to head with Chrysler's brand new minivan. The result? It's more complicated than you might think as both companies have pulled out all the stops to make the best minivan in America. Who wins? The customer.
The 5th generation Odyssey is the first car in America to get Honda's all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, a first for any front wheel drive vehicle. Thanks to the new transmission, the Odyssey Touring and Odyssey Elite are two of the smoothest minivans you can buy. But which minivan is right for you? Let's find out.
0-30 : 3 Seconds
0-60 : 7 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 14.9 Sec @ 92 MPH
60-0 Braking : 130 Feet
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[@TT-dz8zf]

This is what a professional auto review is! I like the fact that the reviewer talking non-stop on the key points and not wasting viewers' time. Thank you!

[@gulererd]

Alex, you are the golden standard in family vehicle reviews. All the info a prospective buyer needs. I watch your reviews even when I'm not in the market. Keep up the good work.

[@juanjordan6697]

The more I watch the videos of the Odyssey the more I love that van. That's my dream van at the moment...

[@nidog]

Your review literally could not have come at a better time for us. Thank you!!

[@z28kindaguy]

Getting one?

[@0813frances]

Which van did you choose?

[@nidog]

EX. Love it...Great features for a great price

[@RemixedVoice]

Contrary to popular belief I think this is the sexiest minivan on the market right now. I know that isn't saying much lmao

[@Mr._POV_]

Pacifica minivan is the King, Odyssey minivan is the ultimate.

[@arunkaimal4196]

Hats Off to Gentleman who described the Vehicle in entirety.I made my choice after reviewing many vehicles and presentation .This was best.I want to surprise my Wife and Kids and was looking for detailed explanation of vehicle before deciding.MY NEXT FAMILY VEHICLE IS HONDA ODYSSEY.Job well done Gentleman.

[@natanaelbellorin1078]

Bad

[@c-hd5696]

No one beats your reviews. They are just so amazing.

[@epluribusunum7736]

Ive watched a TON of car overviews, and I have to say, this was an amazing presentation.

[@liquidshadow95]

Great review, Alex! Odyssey looks like a winner with that infotainment.

[@ronaldcarr2978]

Realistic Road Test and Review... Transmission Failure at 75,411 miles for my 2018 Honda Odyssey EX.. $6200 replacement ( still owe $24k).

[@liamcabal6925]

What did you feel before the tranny went?

[@markwilliams6378]

Ouch

[@eternityxie]

Honda designed 2nd row seat this way is for rear facing child seast. I tried to fit two rear facing child seats in the 2nd row of Pacifica, it ends up almost impossible to get into the 3rd row seats without removing the child seat. The only way is to move the first row all the way forward, and tilt/slide the 2nd row forward with child seat attached. This will create a small gap for the 3rd row but would be difficult for a full size adult.

[@natanaelbellorin1078]

Nope sienna did

[@AzamKhan-hm4wb]

Amazing reliable review from one of my favorite reviewers. I'm deciding between the Odyssey and the Sienna and this video comes at a great time.

[@cbalano]

I love that newly introduced track side-to-side control on the steering wheel. In my 2017 Ridgeline, getting to skip a track is THE MAJOR DISTRACTOR from driving, as I have to reach on the touch screen, in a location crowded with other buttons that are easy to touch inadvertently.

[@KevinYiHeWu]

Best car review by far. Very informative.

[@dipbleu]

Thank you for uploading this video in terms of comparisons between all minivans and some SUV. We went out and got the Odyssey after watching your video. Please keep up with great work!

[@cbadics]

The second row seats side to side sliding function in the odyssey is much more useful than stow n go for a family like mine (1,3 &5 yo kids).

[@CaptainDawg02]

Chuck Badics you mean 99% of buyers of minivans? Why is everyone so in love with stow-n-go????

[@cbadics]

idk. maybe stow and go comes in handy once the kids are out of car seats...

[@CaptainDawg02]

I really don't see it though...you still need the seats no matter the age and a beefier seat is better when they get bigger as well. The sliding seats in the Odyssey as one who owned an '08 which had it on one side, it is absolutely a plus! It wasn't nearly as easy to slide, but it was possible. Couple that with wide mode and you have absolutely the best minivan for families with kids in carseats/boosters.

[@benjaminparent4582]

The way you described the zf 9 speed was on point. I own a Honda Pilot touring with that transmission and it does seem to go into neutral between shifts sometimes

[@kp2947]

This was by far the best review on the Odyssey I've found. The segment on road noise was especially helpful. Thanks!

[@RicardoRoams]

Best car review I've ever seen. Great job!

[@ezekielmajor5511]

I want one of these bad. I had a 2000 Odyssey and it was the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. Love this minivan.

[@jaykerns1848]

Great review, although I'd never consider a Chrysler over a Honda or a Toyota with my personal experiences with reliability and more importantly resale. I like the amount of detail you give in your reviews. Good to know how the new 10 speed works compared to the previous ZF 9. I'm not a fan of the seat carrier on the floor, that'll be a bit of an issue with hauling long flat items in the van.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My favorite minivan! Amazing video Alex.

[@CaptainDawg02]

Alex - how many buyers regularly use these minivans without any seats in the second row? I rather have comfortable and highly functional seats for 99.8% of its use, then make a decision on a van if the seats come out easily for that one time in 5 years I have to...

[@PapaToddN]

Exactly. I'll take better seats over horrible stow n go seats.

[@AMD718]

Excellent review, Alex. We went with a 2017 Pacifica Limited in the 8-seater configuration. We have 4 kids in car seats but at times I take my parents out with us so we need seating for 8. When I'm not taking my parents around and only need seating for 6, we stow-n-go one of the captain chairs which leaves a huge opening for ingress/egress for the kids. I open up the sliding door and all four kids jump in and get to their seats. It's completely set-it-and-forget-it except for the 1-year old which cannot buckle herself yet. The amount of room left back there when one of the captain's chairs is stowed cannot be overstated. It's glorious. So roomy. When it's time to take the parents and switch to 8-passenger mode I un-stow the seat which takes about 15 seconds. The practicality is amazing compared to our last vehicle (Fully loaded Infiniti QX60). In addition to being more practical than the QX60 it replaced, it's faster (significantly faster, the QX60 was so slow off the line), handles better (significantly better ... the QX60 always felt like it was going to roll over in a turn), and is quieter (the quietness of the cabin on the Limited trim is better than my 5-series BMW, and significantly better than the Infiniti QX60). Of course, compared to the 3-row QX60 SUV, there's no comparison for people and cargo. Case in point, we recently took a trip to the beach with my parents. In the Chrysler Pacifica went the following: 4 adults (including my large and heavy father in the front passenger seat), 4 kids in car seats (two boosters and two front-facing), a double stroller, a beach umbrella, a beach tote wagon thing ... the Tommy Bahama one they sell at Costco ..., 6 (2 adult and 4 kid size) beach chairs, a cooler, groceries (these were stored in the stow-n-go bins), 3 luggage bags, and then a bunch of pillows and towels and other odds and ends. It barely fit, but it was incredible to be able to cart my family of 6 + my parents + all of our stuff, in comfort to the shore and back. The icing on the cake is 20" wheels, leather dashboard, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, power telescopic steering wheel, two position memory for everything, heated rear seats, Uconnect theater on the back of the front seat headrests, USB ports all over the place and the Rigid brand built-in vacuum. It's got pretty much everything. Styling is subjective, but for me it's miles ahead of the dated Sienna and angular Odyssey. I guess the only legitimate criticism would be the long-term reliability of a Chrysler product. Time will tell I guess. So far we haven’t needed anything though we only have 6K miles on it. If something goes wrong, it’s leased and it’s covered. When the lease is up I’ll turn it in and get whatever is best at the time.

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

This display is organized and neat not messed up like the previous gen odyssey.

[@khoiktran]

i love your reviews. always very detailed .

[@victorcocut528]

Well, this is a great minivan!Thenks for this reviw!All the best from Romania!

[@EdgardoDeJesus]

Wow, this review is very thorough. I really appreciate, how you compare and contrast features from multiple target users perspectives, such as families with young children, fam w older children, older customer and how you compare the Odyssey with other vehicles.

[@kingjulian291]

I like the design of my 2008 Odyssey even more now

[@losdesmayosdeNestor]

I wish the Pacifica would have the Sienna's reliability. There would be no contest.

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

Just bought a 2018 Touring. Super smooth. The 10 speed is so good. And the acceleration is nuts for a van. I'm also coming from a 2012 Prius V.....so yeah. lol. Wife and kids are much happier. I just wish I could've scored an Elite for the nicer audio system and ventilated seats. But, this one is super super clean with 55,000 miles on it.

[@stephanschmidt8494]

I typically don't write comments, but I have to say that this is an absolutely great review! Well done!

[@MBTUE]

Great review. So much detail on the seats. Love it !

[@cgrscott]

I understand that the Honda Engineered 10-speed Transmission drives nicer than the 9-speed Transmission that is the same one that Chrysler uses on their min-van.. But, something to keep in mind, the Dodge and Chrysler Mini-van transmissions have lasted over 300 when their transmission fluid is changed regularly, while the Honda Odyssey transmissions have been lasting only 140 to 200k. So, I would take the 2017 or 2018 Odyssey with the 9-speed Chrysler transmission most definitely. The new Odyssey shipping with the 9-speed Chrysler transmission might be the final solution to the Odyssey's longtime transmission woes.

[@user-fk4sz2vo4m]

Alex, Thank you for your kind and valuable reviews. Your review will help me buy the next minivan for my family!

[@magicrat34]

This is a fantastic review. I will be looking at your other minivan reviews shortly. Thanks!

[@tombomombodombo]

Your review was very good. I liked the points about the 10 speed transmission and the comparisons between the vans

[@Ricky-ms4fu]

I love the back end of van

[@omgitsme435]

Mid console mounted gear buttons? Are you kidding me, who thought that was going to be intuitive

[@CCandWally]

Finally 22 years after Chrysler, Honda was able to hide the sliding door guide rail where the window meets the fender.

[@wiibaron]

Replacing that door track gash with a hideous 'stamped in design' on the door and a retarded looking 2nd/rear window/pillar/style line was a stroke of engineering genius! Wow is that a lot going on back there.

[@mynameisray]

SuperShadow 78 - Haha, I guess if you want some unreliable piece of crap that will spend more time in the shop than on the road.

[@rockford2523]

mynameisray To your statement, you must be talking about the Honda.

[@mynameisray]

rockford2523 - Yes, considering most Hondas you can easily put over a million miles on. Most American scrap iron garbage barely gets off the lot before it stops working or explodes for no reason.

[@JremV]

I personally never thought that to be a big issue

[@XanthanGgum]

Outstanding review once again!

[@SimplexSM]

This has the best tech in all Minivans. It has the best front section (driver/front passenger) with the best sifter. But I just can't get over those middle seats! They are horribly inconvenient! Trust me, once you have lived with the Grand Caravan/Pacifica's stow n go system, you can't live without it.

[@Maxfli82]

Simplex SM the Kia Sedona with the tech package has all this tech plus more. The Pacifica is also just as tech laden plus a self parking feature. However no android auto or Apple CarPlay like the Kia and Honda.

[@CaptainDawg02]

I have kids in car seats. I have no use for stow-n-go.

[@goddesseddog]

I'd prefer to remove the seats to reduce weight. Makes little sense to keep them there if I don't need them. I'd like to get this van for shopping & road trips, no children allowed :D

[@donchmiel9217]

goddesseddog was

[@ctnguyen80]

Great review, but I personally don't think people would want stow or remove the second row that often to really matter. I personally would prefer the Odyssey magic seats versus stow away seats in the pacifica due to the having rear facing baby seats , which would impede the Pacifica seats from moving forward to allow easy passage to the 3rd row. Keep up the good work. 😉

[@junaki3430]

im positive at some point Honda will offer a hybrid. Honda has always been after Chrysler in this segment, and I dont think they will just let Chrysler one up them with a hybrid.

[@winstonrajendramm.d.700]

Alex your reviews are great. Just some feedback, include more music in your videos. They are quite long and some music will make the time go by faster. Maybe some shots of the car on the road with some tunes. Just a suggestion. I will still keep watching though.

[@kwangpark9472]

Thank you Alex. Your great review in depth more than any other's helps me alot.

[@fiouable]

Now will it be more reliable than the older version.

[@chomp54321]

As always, your review is detailed and informative, especially with the comparisons with the reviewed vehicle's competitors. Job well done. You commented on the firmness of the seats. My experience is that on long trips you are better off with firmer seats. You wind up being not as tired after sitting for a few hours in between stops.

[@GIGABACHI]

MOTHER OF GOD (SHOCKED)..... IT DOESN'T HAVE A STUPID CVT like everyone else does now a days ? ! Kudos to you Honda ! Great Work, Alex !

[@Pikminiman]

CVTs are comparatively unreliable under high torque scenarios, which includes most heavy vehicles.

[@damilolaakanni]

Only the Nissan Quest used a CVT in this segment, and it was discontinued around 2017.

[@JordsterMovies]

Another excellent and thorough review - thanks Alex!

[@tupacthadon]

I don't like the odyssey but I love your reviews so I had to watch

[@TheVitalishe]

You are making great reviews. Thank you for that.

[@cedricm5153]

I welcome the new tail lights. They stand above the standard boring minivan tail lights. Good on honda.

[@0813frances]

This was the best review that I have come across thank you for your review

[@conan900]

Sucks that they didn't make the 10 speed standard on the higher trims. Hard to believe it's worth paying an extra 6,000 for the touring trim. It's over 52K before any discounts for a touring up here in Canada. For a minivan.

[@conan900]

Yes. My first sentence there contradicts the rest. Meant to say the "lower" trims, not "higher".

[@forestgirl4071]

As should have been the new safety features on the base LX trim. SMH.

[@johnsteele8073]

Hi Alex. Love your detailed reviews. That said at 7:00...in my 15 oddy..the entire seat pivots forward when you grab the front lever. I dont see you trying this method. This allows rear seat entry even with a full carseat attached. If clearance is an issue when performing this, removal of the headrest may be needed. Carseat occupants arent using the headrest anyway plus it gives a better line of sight.

[@AMK20111]

John Steele thanks for this comment. Alex seemed to miss this point

[@woosailor3597]

Thanks for an excellent review. Your comparison was spot on. We loved a Pacifica

[@mykey06]

Great detailed review!

[@Robert-ig4vi]

Hello Alex. I have a question for you regarding the 2018 Honda Odyssey. I know that Honda is competing with Chrysler in the MiniVan market, and after looking at both vehicles. I wondered why Honda doesn't equip their vans with the "Park Assist" feature (this option is standard with the Advanced SafetyTec group. It's called the Parallel & Perp Park Assist w/Stop.) Chrysler does puts the Advanced SafetyTec group on the Touring Plus and Limited Pacifica vans. As a disabled guy I decided that I should do my best to buy a vehicle with the most safety features as possible. The Odyssey has just about every safety feature that the Pacifica does, except the Park Assist feature. Do you have any ideas about that, please? Thanks so much for your reviews on the vans. You have helped me choose the best vehicle for my purpose, and I thank you for that so much! I will buy a 2018 Honda Touring or Honda Elite van -- Sincerely, Bob

[@SSS-mp8th]

While this a good entry (family has a 2006 with 150k miles) the Pacifica has very large incentives as in $10k off sticker where you'll be able to get invoice at best on the Odyssey. Reliability would the main concern.

[@JremV]

SS S where do they have 10k off sticker on pacificas? I want an odyssey but that 10k might make me go to the chrysler

[@vasilyru]

Thank you for the review! Any news on infotainment system issues? How widespread is it?

[@ojongmcmoli1138]

Good job Alex! I have always liked the Honda Odyssey!!

[@jshell3]

Excellent review. You really spoke honestly. Good information. Thank you.

[@KrulciferEdenfelt]

Seen one today in Kentucky on the highway in the rain. Lights were beautiful

[@andrewatm216]

Thanks, Alex. Great review, as always. Does the 2018 Oddssey have a Timing BELT or a Timing CHAIN? Thanks.

[@alexvids9232]

#1 reviewer ever!!!

[@philipmarshall8065]

A fine review. My only complaint is there are far too many text graphics on screen which is very distracting. Eliminate that one on the right side of the screen, and and cut back on using so many pop ups.

[@lilac819]

Best review everrrr. Nice job!!!!

[@meogiee]

Good review very detailed.

[@leafqi]

I bought the 2017 Sienna, just because the price is so good right now, and it has the most comfortable second row seats...

[@Maxfli82]

Nice improvements to the odyssey but the exterior styling hasn't changed that much even though this is a redesign. Awesome safety features that start at lower prices. However the top-end Kia Sedona (SX and higher) interiors are amazing. Very intuitive and beautiful. Very Audi-like. Honda still is designing very busy interiors that don't have a cohesive design language.

[@damilolaakanni]

The major change here was the side profile. They hid the mechanism for the rear sliding doors and added some creases.

[@theblitz1687]

This review is literal perfection

[@PandaPP-yi5zl]

Great Review

[@woosailor3597]

....that we rented in Montana but felt that the Odyssey's reliability was the game changer. The Pacifica is plusher and nicer ( we had a top end model) but the Oddity had the better reputation.

[@SwitchbackGuitars]

The 2nd row captains chairs will recline much further if you magic-slide them a bit inward. That way they can clear the interior side wall.

[@forestgirl4071]

Good review, but you need to add more technical stuff to your reviews. Like the Odyssey's have a SOHC and timing belt while Siennas have DOHC and a noisy timing chain. Siennas have a rear torsion beam stabilizer bar which adds to safety. Odysseys cost more to maintain than Siennas since they require ATF, brake fluid, timing belt, water pump, and thermostat changes. Odysseys have standard 18" wheels while Siennas only have 17". What about the Odyssey's remote engine start and capless fuel filler neck? They also have a more elaborate TPMS system than the Siennas do.

[@kevinmlafleche]

Very thorough thanks. I'm still however more interested in the reliability and durability of these vehicles. Starting a familly, will a Toyota last me a good 15 years with very few problems. Do I end up buying two Grand Caravans for that asme time period? Yes, I'm interested in the Hybrid, especially living in Ontario, but what can I expect for reliabilityof a Chrysler brand versus gas savings? I hear the Hondas are now less reliable. Is there that much value in the Sedona? Thanks

[@evangelistmatthew783]

Hey Alex, which is more reliable in your opinion? is the obvious Honda Odssey or the Pacifica?

[@alexanderjamieson7971]

That gear shift contraption is absurd.

[@yellofury]

How true it is about third row seating. I have 2 kids and I also have to transport my parents on family trips and the minivan is the way to go. I recently spent time in the 3rd row of a first gen GMC ACADIA and my legs were crushed again the middle seat. I am 5 foot 7 so not really tall and it was brutal.

[@TheJackal917]

Amazing review. Although I miss a few tech details.

[@Tully3674]

In 2017, it is still surprising that reliability is in question for a Chrysler (domestic) product (as Alex mentioned when comparing it to the Honda). I would assume the same holds true on preferred reliability if the Honda was a Toyota, Nissan or Kia.

[@8Kexperience]

Alex also add reliability and resale value in your review.

[@ascsu98]

Hi Alex, What is you opinion of the Odyssey vs. Sedona? I saw your review of the Sedona and wanted to get your opinion of both. I live in a snow area and looking for something for my family.

[@jpmackin]

Alex, with the limits to seat adjustments for the front seat passenger seat- would you please start reviewing them as you do for the driver seat? I wish to know just how different seat comfort is for the front seat passenger..thanks!

[@cloudk2088]

To haul children around with some sanity left over at the end of the day, I say this looks like a great minivan. I really love the interior and the exterior looks like a design that grows on you over time. Comparing the price to a an SUV of similar size, it does seem like you get more bang for your buck in this segment.

[@CoralSea]

What is your opinion of the 2nd and 3rd air vents location. I think they work better is they’re located on the ceiling like previous generations.

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Do you mind doing another video and full review of the 2018 Honda Odyssey LX Base model?

[@damagedgoodies]

Great review!

[@skwebs]

Excellent video, thanks

[@rockford2523]

The Pacifica is the van I would buy. It looks better and has the stow and go seating. It's a much better van than any of the others.

[@CaptainDawg02]

rockford2523 literally no need for stow-n-go. Huge marketing gimmick. It makes the second row seats thinner and less safe. You buy minivans to haul families around...typically children of all ages. How often will you be randomly removing seats when you need them for your kids to sit in?

[@fultonchung8608]

I am on mini van market. Honda had well known transmission issue on previous model. Does honda resolved the issue on either 9 speed or 10 speed transmission? Sienna and Odyssey, which one is more reliable?

[@curemeister7443]

Rotary shifters are bad enough, but the small push buttons in the Odyssey are just ridiculous especially up here in the northeast where gloved hands are standard fare in the wintertime.

[@MrCarpediem6]

I remember when minivans were the rave back in the 80's to mid 90's and dad's showing off their minivans. I think they slowly started falling out of favor with the release of the TOyota Highlander and other related CUVs

[@Jaymac720]

The Pilot and Odyssey have the exact same engine. Also AWD isn’t really all that necessary; also with a minivan, it reduces practicality and fuel economy which is really important for a family vehicle

[@belowme4927]

and it even comes with 51 cents

[@TimJoseph08031990]

The instrument cluster almost reminds me of the S2000.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Great review

[@bestannenguyen5934]

I love it 😍