2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: Review, Features & More

by Alex Braham 58 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, a minivan that seriously redefines family travel. If you're in the market for a vehicle that blends practicality with a touch of luxury, this might just be your ride. We're talking about a minivan that’s not just about hauling kids and cargo; it's about doing it in style and comfort. From its tech-loaded interior to its smooth ride, the Odyssey Touring Elite packs a punch. So, buckle up as we explore everything this top-tier trim has to offer, making sure you get the lowdown on why it’s such a popular choice for families.

Exterior and Design

When you first set your eyes on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, you'll notice it's not your average minivan. Honda has given it a sleek and modern look, moving away from the boxy designs of the past. The front grille is bold and assertive, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give it a contemporary edge. Chrome accents around the vehicle add a touch of sophistication, while the overall design focuses on aerodynamic efficiency. The power sliding doors are a game-changer for families, making it super easy to load and unload passengers, especially in tight parking spots. And let’s not forget the power tailgate, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling groceries or sports equipment. The Touring Elite also comes with stylish alloy wheels that enhance its overall appeal. Honda really thought about the details, ensuring that this minivan doesn't just blend in with the crowd. It stands out with its thoughtful design elements and practical features, making it a stylish and functional choice for modern families. The color options available also allow you to personalize your ride, ensuring you feel good every time you step inside.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, and you're greeted with a cabin designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. The leather seats are plush and supportive, making long road trips a breeze. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather outside. The second-row seats are just as impressive, with the Magic Slide feature allowing you to easily adjust the seats for better access to the third row or to create more space. Speaking of the third row, even adults will find it surprisingly comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. But the real highlight is the entertainment system. A large, high-resolution screen keeps the kids entertained on long journeys, and with features like Blu-ray playback and HDMI input, you can easily connect gaming consoles or other devices. The built-in Wi-Fi hotspot keeps everyone connected, while the CabinWatch and CabinTalk features allow you to keep an eye on and communicate with passengers in the back without raising your voice. The Touring Elite also boasts a premium sound system that delivers crystal-clear audio, making every drive a pleasure. With its thoughtful design and abundance of features, the interior of the Odyssey Touring Elite is a true oasis for families on the go.

Technology and Safety

The 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is packed with technology designed to keep you connected, entertained, and, most importantly, safe. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring a high-resolution touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This means you can easily access your favorite apps, make calls, and send texts without taking your hands off the wheel. The navigation system is accurate and easy to use, guiding you to your destination with ease. But the tech doesn't stop there. The Odyssey Touring Elite also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert system helps you back out of parking spaces safely. The multi-angle rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. With its comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, the Odyssey Touring Elite offers peace of mind and confidence on every drive. Honda has truly gone above and beyond to ensure that this minivan is not only convenient and comfortable but also incredibly safe.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite boasts a powerful and efficient engine that delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces ample horsepower, providing plenty of power for accelerating, merging onto the highway, and climbing hills. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride. The Odyssey Touring Elite handles surprisingly well for a minivan, with precise steering and minimal body roll. The suspension system absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for all passengers. The Eco Mode helps to maximize fuel efficiency, while the Sport Mode provides a more engaging driving experience. The Odyssey Touring Elite is also surprisingly quiet inside, thanks to its well-insulated cabin. This reduces road noise and wind noise, making it easier to have conversations and enjoy the entertainment system. Whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip, the Odyssey Touring Elite delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Honda has struck a perfect balance between power, efficiency, and comfort, making this minivan a joy to drive.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite strikes a commendable balance between power and economy. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, it’s quite competitive within the minivan segment. The 10-speed automatic transmission plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel consumption, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently at various speeds. The Eco Mode further enhances fuel efficiency by adjusting the engine and transmission settings to conserve fuel. While it's not a hybrid, the Odyssey Touring Elite's fuel economy is impressive for a vehicle of its size and capability. Real-world driving conditions can affect these numbers, but generally, you can expect to achieve fuel economy close to the EPA estimates. This makes the Odyssey Touring Elite a practical choice for families who want a spacious and comfortable vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The ability to go further on a single tank of gas is a significant advantage, especially for long road trips. Honda has clearly prioritized fuel economy in the design of the Odyssey Touring Elite, making it an economical and environmentally conscious choice for modern families.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite:

Pros:

  • Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seating for all.
  • Advanced Technology Features: Packed with tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear entertainment system.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: Includes advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
  • Smooth and Powerful Engine: The V6 engine delivers plenty of power for a confident driving experience.
  • Magic Slide Seats: The innovative Magic Slide seats make it easy to access the third row.

Cons:

  • Higher Price Point: The Touring Elite trim is one of the most expensive Odyssey models.
  • Styling Can Be Polarizing: Some may find the minivan styling less appealing than SUVs.
  • Infotainment System Can Be Complex: The infotainment system may take some time to learn and master.
  • Some Features Not Standard: Some desirable features are only available on the higher trims.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite? It’s a top-tier minivan that offers a winning combination of comfort, technology, and safety. While it may come with a higher price tag, the wealth of features and amenities make it a worthwhile investment for families who prioritize convenience and luxury. The spacious interior, advanced technology, and smooth driving experience make it a joy to drive and ride in. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Odyssey Touring Elite stands out as one of the best minivans on the market. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the demands of family life with style and grace, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is definitely worth considering. It's a practical, comfortable, and technologically advanced minivan that's sure to impress. Whether you're hauling kids to school, running errands, or embarking on a long road trip, the Odyssey Touring Elite is up to the task. It’s a versatile and reliable vehicle that will serve your family well for years to come. So, go ahead and give it a test drive – you might just fall in love!