Test Drive: 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring

2012 Honda Odyssey Touring. Click image to enlarge

The Odyssey Touring includes a premium second row video system with a 16.2-inch-wide screen that allows a split screen, DVD controls on the roof, remote control, and two wireless headphones. Gee, in my day all we had was an Etch-a-Sketch!

The climate control, which includes separate driver and front passenger temperature settings and a separate rear climate control, has its own mini screen just under the big screen. Separate climate controls for rear passengers are located in the second row just above the side window. To keep rear passengers cool, there are overhead air vents for the second and third rows.

Under the big dial on the dash are two slide-out cupholders and a 12-volt power outlet, and below that is a “cool box” for drinks. The centre console includes two cupholders with flexible grippers, a large tray, another two cupholders, and a large covered storage bin. A coin tray is located to the left of the steering wheel.

Second row bucket seats have outboard folding armrests and if the smaller centre seat is removed, the outboard seats can slide together. As well, all second row seats slide fore and aft to make more legroom for third row passengers. It’s also handy if you have a child seat in the centre seat because it can be moved within reach of the driver or front passenger. Child seats can be fitted to all three second row seats. When the centre seat is removed, passengers can walk between the second row seats, or, if the second row seats are slid together, third-row passengers have easier access to the third row.

The third row seats are more comfortable than they might appear. There is sufficient headroom and legroom behind the second row, the backrests recline, and the third row seats have slide-up head restraints. As well, there are sliding sunshades, and inputs for entertainment devices: an HDMI port on the left side, and AV inputs, headset volume dials and 115-volt outlet on the right side.

Folding the split third row seats into the floor requires pulling on two straps to lower the seats into the floor well. It’s not complicated, but the bigger side of the split seats is heavy to lift up back into place. With the third row seats in the up position, a deep storage well provides a surprising amount of storage space (1,087 litres/38.3 cu.ft.). There’s also a small open bin in the left fender well with a 12-volt outlet.

The rear hatch is huge, and opens up to reveal a very large cargo opening with a low liftover height. Power operated from the driver’s seat or from the rear, the rear hatch is easier to open and close by pressing a button.

Same goes for the power sliding side doors which can be opened from the driver’s seat or by tugging and releasing the door handle. However, on one occasion when parked on a side slope, the door wouldn’t close automatically due to the incline – but usually they work fine.

Direct competitors for the Odyssey Touring include the Toyota Sienna XLE Limited ($49,210), Nissan Quest LE ($48,578), Chrysler Town & Country Limited ($39,145) and Volkswagen Routan ($42,975). The Sienna XLE with the Limited package is the closest competitor and is my personal favourite.

If you’re thinking of buying a luxury SUV or luxury sedan, I would recommend test driving a top-of-the-line Odyssey mini-van too. You might just be seduced by its smooth ride, stable handling, roomy interior and multitude of features – even if you’re not a “soccer mum.”