2018 Honda Odyssey Review

Name: 2018 Honda Odyssey Review
Brand: Honda

Price Range: $14,786 - $34,590

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$25,058 avg. price

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Brent Romans^{Senior Manager, Written Content
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.}

Pros

Configurable second-row seats are very useful
Packed with modern safety and tech features
Strong V6 engine and stable handling make it enjoyable to drive
Impressively quiet in the top Elite trim level

Cons

Second-row seats can be hard to remove
No power-folding third-row seats
Overhead view camera is not on the options list

What's new

The Honda Odyssey is fully redesigned for 2018
Part of the fifth Odyssey generation introduced for 2018

It's the "R" word: responsibility. Once upon a time, your life was fun and carefree. You only had to worry about yourself. You could stay out late, take impromptu trips to the lake with friends or hang out at sun-drenched cafes on Sunday mornings sipping flat whites and gossiping about the friends you just went to the lake with. But that was then. Now you have kids. You look at these miracles of life you're responsible for (and the insane pile of stuff that you need to schlep along with them) and you think, "I'm gonna need a bigger and safer car." Enter the 2018 Honda Odyssey.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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2018 Honda Odyssey
EX-L Passenger Minivan
$14,786
great price
$6,122 below market
- 102,336 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- Royal Auto Club (5 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5FNRL6H75JB043061
Stock: SAI2895
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Honda Odyssey
EX-L Passenger Minivan
$22,995
good price
$1,695 below market
- 66,103 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Land Rover Bethesda (20 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in North Bethesda, MD
MoonroofLeather Seats3rd Row SeatLane Keeping AssistKeyless StartRear SpoilerThis vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and passed our prec...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5FNRL6H7XJB039099
Stock: JB039099
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-31-2025

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Honda's been selling the Odyssey since 1995, and the fully redesigned 2018 represents the van's fifth generation. There have been a lot of evolutionary improvements along the way, but the basic functionality remains. The Odyssey has three rows of seating, sliding rear doors and more room for cargo than just about anything short of a full-size van. For 2018, the Odyssey's upgrades include improved performance and some truly useful upgrades such as the enhanced sliding of the second-row seats and the cabin-monitoring camera system. You can read more about these features in our 2018 Honda Odyssey First Drive.

Overall, we're fond of this Odyssey and think it's a wise choice, particularly if you're a new parent or if you're looking to own something with that same driving spirit found in other Honda automobiles. It makes that whole responsibility thing a little easier to swallow, too.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

With the fully redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey, the van's traditional do-it-all functionality remains, and everything else from performance to convenience features is just a little bit better. For new parents or repeat Honda owners, we think it's a wise choice.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite (3.5L V6 | 10-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.1 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	9.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is the driver's choice in the minivan class. A strong V6 gives you plenty of power for passing while the van's precise steering and stable handling instill confidence. It's still a box on wheels, yes, but it rarely feels that way from the driver's seat.

Acceleration

8.0

There's a lot of parity in the minivan class, but the Odyssey's V6 stands out with its smoothness and willingness to rev. Even with a few passengers aboard, the Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6 makes quick work of accelerating up to highway speeds or passing slow-going traffic.

Braking

7.5

In routine driving, the brake pedal is easy to modulate and has solid stopping power. We have yet to perform our emergency panic-stop testing, but we don't expect any surprises.

Steering

8.0

The Odyssey has precise and relatively quick steering. It gives you confidence when you're going around turns because you know how the van's going to react. It also tracks straight and true on the highway and is light enough for easy maneuvering in parking lots.

Drivability

8.0

Ten speeds might be overkill, but the transmission's shifting is quick and unobtrusive and will pick the best gear for your needs. Paddle shifters are standard, which is an unusual but welcome minivan feature. The V6's auto stop-start engagement is a little rough at times, though.

Comfort

8.0

We like how the Odyssey is comfortable in all three rows of seating. Whether you've got a van full of kids on a road trip or you're just taking friends out to dinner, the Odyssey should keep everyone happy.

Seat comfort

8.0

The driver's seat is wide, comfortable and supportive. You can drive for hours at a time without getting stiff or sore. The second row's outboard seats are similarly comfy and have soft padding and folding armrests. In the third row, adults should be fine on short trips.

Ride comfort

7.0

In general, the Odyssey rides smoothly over bumps. The suspension tuning is a little firmer than the norm, however, and that stiffness, along with the Elite's 19-inch wheels, means it can get a little jittery over rough pavement.

Noise & vibration

8.0

In Elite trim, the Odyssey is superbly quiet at highway speeds. Credit goes to the active noise cancellation system and the new noise-reducing body and windshield and windows. The 10-speed auto keeps engine rpm low at cruising speed, too.

Climate control

8.0

Automatic triple-zone climate is standard on most Odysseys, as are heated front seats. The front air vents blow hard if you crank up the fan speed. The second row's air vents are mounted in the door pillar rather than overhead, but they are still effective.

Interior

8.5

A minivan should make your life easier, and the Odyssey comes through in stellar fashion. It's easy to get in and out, particularly because of the new inward and outward sliding function for the second-row seats. Mediocre outward visibility is the only downside.

Ease of use

9.0

All main controls that you frequently use are physical buttons, and the layout is logical. The gauge cluster is almost all digital, and it presents information in a clear manner.

Getting in/getting out

9.5

Sliding rear doors are better than a crossover's traditional doors every time. Up front, stepping in and out is easy; just put your butt in and twist your legs in. The front doors, however, need a good tug to close. The multi-sliding second-row seat gives superb access to the third-row seat.

Driving position

8.0

The driver's seat has a lot of adjustment range vertically and horizontally. Just about any driver should be able to find a seating position he or she likes. At times, the driving experience is surprisingly sedanlike. A somewhat narrow footwell is our only complaint.

Roominess

9.0

It's one of the most effective people movers you can get. Room for adults in all three rows. The second-row seats slide and recline. Headroom and legroom are plentiful in the second row. Even adults can sit in the third row with the second row moved all the way back.

Visibility

6.0

It's hard to see the end of the hood through the windshield, and your view over the shoulder can be blocked by the second-row headrests. The front roof pillars and side mirrors are average in size. Honda doesn't offer a top-down camera system. Overall, the Odyssey doesn't rise above adequate.

Quality

8.0

Overall, the Odyssey looks modern and upscale inside, and most surfaces that you come in contact with are soft to the touch. Everything is solidly put together.

Utility

9.0

The newest Odyssey is still great at being a minivan. It seats up to eight passengers and has plenty of room for your personal items and bigger and bulkier cargo. Second-row seats have to be removed manually for maximum cargo space.

Small-item storage

9.0

There's plenty. Up front, there's a spot below the center stack for handbags, and the center storage bin is huge. Thirsty? You've got cupholders everywhere for all the rows.

Cargo space

9.0

Few vehicles can best a minivan here. The storage well behind the third row is useful for grocery bags. The third-row seats aren't power-operated, but the strap and handle system is easy enough to use. Max capacity is above average at 155.8 cubic feet. Second-row seats are bulky and hard to remove.

Child safety seat accommodation

9.0

LATCH anchor points are easily accessible for the second- and third-row outboard seats. We've yet to test the Odyssey with the second-row middle seat installed. The sliding second-row seat feature is super helpful. Seat contouring is flat, and there's plenty of room for rear-facing safety seats.

Technology

8.0

Up front is a singular 8-inch center touchscreen display that runs on a new software system. It boasts modern graphics and is impressively quick to respond to your finger touches and slides. Modern features such as the rear-cabin camera are useful.

Audio & navigation

9.0

Honda's new infotainment system has big virtual buttons and quick responses. Organization is customizable, with smaller button shortcuts. Some of the navigation operations are a little hard to figure out, though. The rear-cabin camera monitor is neat, as is the intercom feature.

Smartphone integration

7.5

Pairing phones is easy, and the Odyssey comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We noticed some intermittent drops of Bluetooth audio streaming during our testing.

Compare 2018 Honda Odyssey trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Honda Odyssey models

The 2018 Odyssey comes in six trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navi and RES, Touring and Elite. In typical Honda fashion, there aren't any packages or stand-alone options offered so finding the Odyssey you want largely comes down to picking a trim that matches your desired features and budget. All Odysseys come with a 3.5-liter V6 (280 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque) and front-wheel drive. The first four trim levels come with a nine-speed automatic and the Touring and Elite have a 10-speed automatic. There's seating for seven passengers in the LX and eight passengers in everything else.

The Odyssey LX starts you off with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, power front seats, a 60/40-split folding third-row seat, a 5-inch central display screen, Bluetooth, a USB charging port, and a seven-speaker sound system with a USB interface.

Next up is the EX, and it's here that you get features that really start to make your life easier. These include power-sliding rear doors, keyless ignition and entry, remote engine start, three-zone automatic climate control, driver-seat power lumbar adjustment, heated front seats, enhanced sliding functionality for the second-row outboard seats, a removable center seat and second-row window sunshades. The EX also has more modern tech with its 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and satellite and HD radio. But, wait, there's more! Honda also fits this trim level with extra driver safety aids that include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning and intervention.

Honda starts to crank up the luxury with the EX-L. You get a sunroof, a noise-reducing windshield, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings and two charging USB ports for the second row.

The EX-L with Navigation and Rear Entertainment System is similar but adds, as its name implies, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The latter includes a 10.2-inch overhead display, a Blu-ray player and an HDMI input. This version of the EX-L also has a 110-volt power outlet and a cabin intercom system (broadcasts the driver's/front passenger's voice to the rear seating areas).

Moving up to the Odyssey Touring gets you the above plus front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, automatic engine stop-start, a hands-free liftgate, an integrated vacuum cleaner, a rear cabin camera monitoring system and an onboard 4G LTE connection with a Wi-Fi hotspot and HondaLink services.

Finally, the Elite tops off the Odyssey range with 19-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, noise-reducing glass for the front and rear windows, ventilated front seats, an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless phone charger.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.02 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$164/mo

$196/mo

Avg. Large Minivan

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#7 out of 14 among Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda Odyssey from 2008-2022.}

$508/yr

vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.51x/yr

vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.1%

vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Honda Odyssey Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.3

180 reviews

5(34%)

4(14%)

3(17%)

2(13%)

1(22%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Enjoying my van

Upset Mom, 04/18/2018

2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan w/Navigation and Rear Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Love this thing! So comfy and reliable.

If one must own a minivan, the Odyssey is great

Scott, 01/01/2018

2018 Honda Odyssey Elite 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)

My wife and I swore that we would never own a minivan. Then she became pregnant with our fourth child. Combine that with the complexities of the car lines at the kids’ schools, and poof, we went from being cool kids to owning not just one but two 2018 Odyssey Elites. I previously owned a 2017 Lexus LX 570 and she owned a 2016 Volvo XC 90. Needless to say, we were pretty happy with … our former vehicles. But sometimes things happen in life that cause needs and priorities to change. We went with the Odyssey primarily because the magic slide seats are, well, magical. It is amazing how easy it is to configure the interior seating of this vehicle. I am 6’1” and a big guy. Because of various other family members who tag along sometimes, I’ve ridden in the second and third rows. Amazingly, with the magic slide seat pushed inbound and forward for entry purposes, I had no problem entering the third row. In addition, it was comfortable and I actually enjoyed sitting back there and watching a movie with my 6 year-old daughter (who thought it was hilarious that daddy was in the back with her). I have 2100 miles on my Odyssey and have had no problems with the vehicle whatsoever other than the doors (which I will get to). The van drives great, is economical, loaded with amazing technology, and has more utility and useful room than any large SUV I have ever owned. I still find myself wondering how a vehicle that small (I’ve previously owned Suburbans, etc.) can feel so big inside. I still haven’t towed anything yet (my 10 year-old sails competitively) so the jury is still out on that one. I also find myself why I previously owned much more expensive SUVs that had no more (and sometimes less) tech than the Odyssey. In a world where a loaded 2018 Expedition costs nearly $80k, a loaded Odyssey Elite at $44k (what we paid for both of ours) seems like a pretty great deal. Have there been a few occasions where I felt a little less macho with my minivan? Yes, a few; but surprisingly, not many. Being a man is about taking care of your family; and this van is the best family vehicle I’ve ever owned by a long shot. Two months into ownership, the stigma is long gone from my head and I stopped caring about what others think. The only “complaints” that I have about the vehicle are as follows; 1) the driver’s armrest is useless to me. There is no position in which it feels comfortable; 2) the sliding doors are a little quirky at times - usually closing in car line. I suspect that is some kind of sensor that relates to someone being close to the door on the outside. It’s pretty rare, but worth mentioning; 3) no 360 degree camera. This is the only thing my wife hates about the Odyssey. Acura has it. Nissan has had it for years. Honda, this would have been a simple addition; 4) the automatic emergency breaking feature, while it saved my behind on my last vehicle, is a little sensitive in the Odyssey in town with lots of traffic; and 5) the second row seats are heavy and difficult to remove. However, on the last point, the second row seats on the Pacifica are much less comfortable. Comparing apples to apples, I’ll take magic slide over stow-and-go any day of the week and twice on Sunday. While I have read complaints about the 10-speed transmission, we have not experienced any such problems. Good luck shopping.

3rd and last Honda - beware of the 2018 Odyssey

Eric, 06/25/2018

2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

We purchased this van brand new in March 2018. This van is scared of vacations. At 800 miles, van speed derated from 70 mph to 40 mph on vacation journey through north Florida. Drove van in limp mode 16 miles away to Lake City, FL Honda dealer. Van was repaired several days later for a stuck valve cylenoid. After returning home to north Georgia @ 1,700 miles, van derated again on …

Test Drove 2018 Odyssey - major issue with AC

Joseph V, 07/15/2017

2018 Honda Odyssey Elite 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)

We waited over 7 months to finally purchase a Honda Touring 2018. Went to dealership and it only had an Elite in stock. So, we finally got around to test driving it. Here are the results: Pros - Magic Seat (awesome!), performance - good, brakes - good, navigation system - good (thought there would be a glare; however, it was minimal), cabin watch - good, remote engine start (thank …

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2018 Honda Odyssey videos

2018 Honda Odyssey Review

The Honda Odyssey doesn't get a full overhaul very often, so the completely redesigned 2018 Odyssey is big news. Ride along with Edmunds editor Josh Sadlier as he explains what's new and notable about Honda's not-so-mini minivan — and how its features stack up against the competition.

2018 Odyssey Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	38.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Odyssey models:

Lane Keeping Assist System: Informs you if you start to drift out of your lane and can help steer you back. Standard on EX and above.
Collision Mitigation Braking System: Monitors what's ahead of you, warns about potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes. Also standard on EX and above.
HondaLink: Bundles various telematic features such as roadside assistance and automatic collision notification. Standard on Touring and Elite.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 Honda Odyssey Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale nearby

2018 Honda OdysseyEX-L Passenger Minivan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Honda OdysseyEX-L Passenger Minivan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Which Odyssey does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Honda Odyssey models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Honda Odyssey LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.02 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Honda Odyssey Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Enjoying my van

If one must own a minivan, the Odyssey is great

3rd and last Honda - beware of the 2018 Odyssey

Test Drove 2018 Odyssey - major issue with AC

2018 Honda Odyssey videos