In the face of the continued dwindling minivan market in the U.S., Honda Odyssey sales have held steady this year, boosted most recently by introduction of a new SE model for 2016.
The value-based SE trim features a DVD rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch display screen and HondaVac, a built-in vacuum cleaner in the cargo area with hose that stretches throughout the van to clean up after the kids.
Sticker price on the ’16 Odyssey SE I drove recently was $34,255 and included also push-button start, trizone automatic climate control, dual power sliding side doors and AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB and Pandora internet radio interface.
The Odyssey is 202.9 inches long. Barely edging it out in overall length are the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan, each at 203 inches. A bit shorter than the Odyssey are the Kia Sedona at 201 inches and the Toyota Sienna at 200.2 inches.
These five models make up the bulk of minivan sales, which continue to slide against the deluge of new crossover offerings. The minivan market may fall below 500,000 sales this year; it traditionally generated well over a million sales yearly until recent years.
Once inside the new Odyssey, in spite of its disjointed exterior appearance at the rear quarters it all fits together nicely and provides plenty of accommodation.
The variable cylinder management of its 248-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-Tec V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission help it attain relatively high fuel-mileage readings on highway drives. Though it earned a 19/28 miles-per-gallon estimate, we averaged 21.7 mpg in overall driving. On flat highway cruises the engine cuts back to use of only three cylinders. The Odyssey’s dash-mounted shifter is short and easy to grip.
The screen used for the rearview camera also, when the right-turn signal is engaged provides a nice view along the right side of the van for added safety.
The beige finish of the cloth seats falls short in the level of attractiveness. Easy-to-use power controls for opening and closing of side doors are positioned on the dash at the left of the driver, in the key fob and at the doors. Controls for the rear heat are above the sliding door on the passenger side.
The Odyssey opens up 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. Only the Toyota Sienna tops that, barely, among minivans. The third row will fold flat into the cargo area behind, but the second row seats, which are relatively heavy, must be removed for opening up more cargo space.
The SE level falls between the EX and EX-L models for the Odyssey.
Here are the specifications for the ’16 Honda Odyssey SE minivan:
- Capacity 7-passenger
- Wheelbase 118.1 inches
- Length 202.9 inches
- Width 79.2 inches
- Height 68.4 inches
- Curb Weight 4,528 pounds
- Track 68.1 inches front, 68.2 rear
- Ground Clearance 4.5 inches
- Turn Circle 36.7 feet
- Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
- Engine 3.5-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque 248/250
- Transmission 6-speed automatic
- Steering electric power-assist
- Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink double wishbone rear
- Fuel mileage estimate 19/28
- Fuel mileage average 21.7
- Fuel Tank 21 gallons, unleaded regular
- Wheels 17-inch
- Tires Michelin P235/65R17
- Cargo Volume 38.4 cubic feet
- Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain
Competitors Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, Kia Sedona
Assembly Plant Lincoln, Ala.
Parts Content U.S./Canadian 75%
Base Price of Lowest Model $29,275; Base Price of Review Model $33,375; Destination Charge $880; Sticker Price $34,255.