Used 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L Minivan Review

The SUV may be a popular solution to the vehicular needs of a family, but in truth SUV buyers are missing out on the unparalleled packaging and capability of the modern minivan. No SUV can match the 2019 Honda Odyssey for ease of use or flexibility. It doesn't hurt that the Odyssey comes standard with a strong V6 and comfortable seats and has a list of available features longer than a junior-high choir recital.

The current generation of Odyssey debuted just last year, and it either added or evolved a slew of features that parents or practically minded people should appreciate. The configurable second-row seats are sure to be a favorite, and the night-vision-equipped, zoomable cabin camera makes checking in on passengers a cinch. Remember, it's never too soon to teach your kids about panopticism.

This 2019 Odyssey is, in most ways, a cut above the competition. It seasons Honda's clever packaging with the carmaker's sharp driving characteristics, making for a vehicle that's a thoughtful and enjoyable family hauler. Three-row SUV owners won't know what they're missing.

You can find out even more about the upgrades to this generation of Odyssey in our First Drive.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon as one of Edmunds' Best Family Cars for this year.

The 2019 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-adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split folding third-row seat, a 5-inch central display screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a seven-speaker sound system.

Next up is the EX, and it's here 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, heated front seats, enhanced sliding functionality for the second-row outboard seats (Magic Slide), 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 with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

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, which broadcasts the driver's or 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 (CabinWatch), 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.