2017 Honda Odyssey Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

For years, the Honda Odyssey has remained one of the most impressive family vehicles on the market. The popular minivan has received high marks for its roomy interior and smooth performance. While the base model is a great choice for the families who are on a budget, the Touring Elite model comes loaded with an impressive amount of modern technology. As usual, the 2017 Honda Odyssey continues to offer great crash protection.

What’s New for 2017?

The 2017 Honda Odyssey is mechanically the same as before. You can now opt for an upgraded windshield, which helps keep the cabin remarkably quiet.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Honda Odyssey – The Pros

1. Strong Engine

Under the hood sits a muscular V-6 engine. Honda’s renowned i-VTEC technology helps the engine to deliver a very strong performance. It pumps out a competitive 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic evenly transfers the available power. When accelerating from a stop, the Odyssey takes only 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph.

2. Reasonable Gas Mileage

Although the 2017 Honda Odyssey weighs more than 4,300 pounds, it still manages to deliver good gas mileage. According to the EPA, the new Odyssey should return a solid 19 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway. This is better fuel economy than most V6-powered SUVs. Furthermore, Honda tuned the Odyssey to burn regular unleaded fuel.

3. Very Good Handling

In the past, minivans were not known for their great handling. Fortunately, the 2017 Honda Odyssey is incredibly balanced on the road. You will like its stable driving characteristics. In fact, it behaves more like a family sedan opposed to a traditional minivan. Precise steering makes the Odyssey a joy to drive on an everyday basis.

4. Reliable

If you are familiar with Honda, you already know its reputation for manufacturing reliable vehicles. The new Odyssey is definitely well-built and dependable. This is a major advantage for the drivers who need to transport their family on a daily basis. Although Honda’s standard powertrain warranty is a convenience, you are unlikely to experience any problems with the engine or transmission.

5. Modern Styling

The 2017 Honda Odyssey does not look like a boring family hauler. A bright grille and projector headlamps give it a modern appearance. If you don’t like the base model’s hubcaps, the available 18-inch alloy wheels should catch your eye. Xenon headlamps come standard on the top-of-the-line Elite Touring model. Some of the popular exterior colors include Crystal Black, White Diamond, and Modern Steel.

6. Comfortable Seating for Everyone

Honda designed the Odyssey to accommodate up to eight people. Unlike some three-row vehicles, the Odyssey does not suffer from a cramped third-row seat. Even adults will have enough legroom when sitting in the third-row seat. Because of the minivan’s low step-in height, kids and older adults will have no trouble climbing aboard.

7. Versatile Minivan

When you are not hauling your family and friends around, the 2017 Honda Odyssey can be used to transport extra cargo. Whether you need to haul home improvement supplies or accommodate a new flat-screen TV, the Odyssey can get the job done. If needed, the Odyssey can also tow up to 3,500 pounds.

8. Base Model Costs Less Than $30,000

With a MSRP of $29,850, the base LX model deserves some serious consideration. It offers the same impressive performance and high-level of passenger comfort as the other trims. You can also factor in the minivan’s low cost of maintenance. Some of the standard features include a tri-zone climate control system, a backup camera, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen.

9. Elite Touring Model

The Elite Touring model is for the drivers who want all the bells and whistles. Featuring a wide-screen display and wireless headphones, the rear-seat entertainment system will keep your kids calm on long road trips. Music fans can crank up the volume on the surround-sound audio system.

10. High Crash Test Scores

You will be happy to know that the 2017 Honda Odyssey earned a five-star safety rating. Aside from the minivan’s strong crash protection, it also offers some useful driving aids. The upgraded backup camera gives you multiple angles of your surroundings. A true blind-spot monitoring system comes standard on the Elite Touring model. Forward collision warning and automatic braking are offered as well.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Honda Odyssey – The Cons

1. Fails to Offer an AWD System

All Honda Odyssey models come with front-wheel drive. While the minivan will perform well in rainy weather, snowfall may cause a lack of traction. If you need the extra grip provided by an AWD system, check out a rival such as the Toyota Sienna.

2. Rather Costly Top Trim

Some buyers won’t be able to afford the luxurious Elite Touring trim. It carries a hefty price tag of more than $45,000. If you can live without premium components such as the upgraded entertainment system, considered the well-equipped EX trim. It costs a more affordable $33,000.

3. Second-Row Seats Difficult to Remove

If you need to remove the Odyssey’s second-row seats, it will require a bit of effort. This will annoy the drivers who need the extra cargo space.

How it stacks up to the competition:

Some of the key rivals include the new Chrysler Pacifica and the 2017 Kia Sedona. In terms of dependability, the Odyssey’s reputation for being extremely reliable gives it a key advantage over these minivans. Furthermore, the 2017 Honda Odyssey delivers better gas mileage than the Kia Sedona.

Conclusion:

If you want to treat your family to a comfortable ride, the 2017 Honda Odyssey is destined to leave you impressed. It also handles the road much better than a truck-based SUV. Strong fuel economy is yet another one of the Odyssey’s attractive qualities. Although all-wheel-drive is not offered, the Odyssey will perform well in most weather conditions.