Tested in Touring trim, Honda’s V6 is smooth and very punchy. The ten-speed automatic works seamlessly and harnesses the power of the big V6 very well. Fuel economy is aided by both the multi-speed automatic transmission and the cylinder deactivation system that is standard on the Odyssey. The push-button gear selector is unusual but works well enough once you are used to it.

The gigantic 19 inch wheels of the Odyssey Touring lend a crisp edge to its steering but Honda has managed to combine precise steering with a comfortable ride. The Odyssey’s ride becomes firmer when heavily laden but never becomes uncomfortable.

The Odyssey is powered by a 280 horsepower direct-injected V6 that sends power to the front wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Odyssey offers very generous space and cabin materials are luxurious. The so-called Magic Seat centre row seats can either be used as captain seats, moved laterally together to ease access to the third-row seat, and forward to be permit front row occupants to reach second row passengers more easily. Comfort and convenience features include WiFi as well as CabinWatch and CabinTalk devices that permit the driver to monitor second and third-row passengers visually and communicate with them through the audio system of the van.

Standard active safety equipment includes collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot with rear cross traffic warnings. Towing capacity of the EX, EX-L and Touring trims is 1360 kilograms (2998 lbs.) with the “Black” model rated for 1587 kilograms (3499 lbs.). With 4125 units sold last year, the Odyssey is about as popular as the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival, but way behind the sales of the Toyota Sienna.

The base EX trim is nicely equipped, including a rear entertainment unit, and will suit many buyers. Moving up to the EX-L adds leather seating, parking sensors front and rear, a power tailgate, an eight-way power passenger seat, and a memory system, but is poor value. The Touring upgrade adds an acoustic windshield and door windows, auto-dim rearview mirrors, power-folding mirrors, rain-sense wipers, navigation, wireless cellphone charging and a number of minor features, but is significantly overpriced. The $1800 supplement to attain a Black Edition Odyssey is a big price bump for no real content. Over time, the Odyssey has moved from a premium-priced vehicle to an expensive one. Odyssey delivery times are quoted at three to four months, much better than for the Kia Carnival or Toyota Sienna.  Dealers note that a high-trim van may arrive at a dealer lot faster than a more basic one. Given that, with a two year delivery time with its Sienna, Toyota has passively left the minivan segment, Honda could make some headway in the minivan segment if they can actually deliver some vehicles.

Good overall reliability predicted. However, persisting issues of infotainment screens show Honda does not really have a fix to the problem. Power sliding door durability could be a trouble spot.