The 2018 Honda Odyssey is well-regarded as a top minivan choice, and the Elite trim stands out as the pinnacle of luxury and features within this model year’s lineup. For families seeking the utmost in comfort, convenience, and advanced technology, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 delivers a premium experience. Let’s delve into the specifications that define this top-tier minivan.
Engineering Excellence Under the Hood
At the heart of the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerplant delivers 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, providing ample power for daily driving and family road trips. Honda’s intelligent i-VTEC® valve train and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology are standard, optimizing engine performance and efficiency. Direct Fuel Injection further enhances responsiveness and fuel economy. The engine redline is set at 6,800 rpm, with a bore and stroke of 89 mm x 93 mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The Drive-by-Wire Throttle System ensures smooth and precise acceleration, while the Eco Assist™ System helps drivers maximize fuel efficiency. The engine also features Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) for a refined and quiet cabin experience. It’s also designed with emissions in mind, holding a CARB Emissions Rating of LEV3-ULEV125.
Advanced 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Exclusive to the Touring and Elite trims, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite features a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters. This advanced transmission offers a wide gear ratio spread (1st: 5.246 to 10th: 0.517) for optimized performance and fuel economy across various driving conditions. The closely spaced gears ensure smooth transitions and responsive acceleration. The inclusion of paddle shifters gives the driver more control when desired. Furthermore, the Idle-Stop feature is integrated with the 10AT in these higher trims, further contributing to fuel conservation in city driving.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling Dynamics
The Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is built with a MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and a Compact Trailing Arm Rear Suspension. This combination is engineered to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining stable handling. Dual-Pinion Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) contributes to easy maneuverability and responsive steering feel. The stabilizer bars, with a 26.5 mm (solid) front and 20.0 mm x 3.5 mm (tubular) rear configuration for the Touring and Elite, help to minimize body roll during cornering. The steering system has a ratio of 14.35:1 and requires 2.97 turns lock-to-lock, resulting in a curb-to-curb turning diameter of 39.64 cu ft, which is quite nimble for a vehicle of this size. Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (12.6 in / 13.0 in) provide confident stopping power. The Elite trim is distinguished by its 19-inch Machine-Finished Alloy Wheels with Gloss Black Inserts, fitted with 235 / 55 R19 101H All-Season Tires. A T135 / 80 D17 103M Compact Spare Tire is also included.
Exterior Dimensions and Towing Capability
The 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite boasts a wheelbase of 118.1 inches and an overall length of 203.2 inches, contributing to its spacious interior. It stands at a height of 69.6 inches and a width of 78.5 inches. The track width is 67.3 inches at the front and 67.2 inches at the rear. The curb weight of the Elite trim is 4593 lbs, with a weight distribution of 55.0% front and 45.0% rear. For those needing to tow, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 offers a towing capacity of 3500 lbs, which is increased compared to lower trims and suitable for trailers and recreational equipment when properly equipped.
Interior Space and Comfort Measurements
Inside the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018, passengers are treated to generous space. Front headroom is 38.7 inches, middle row headroom is 39.2 inches, and rear headroom is 38.3 inches. Legroom is ample with 40.9 inches in the front and middle rows, and 38.1 inches in the rear. Shoulder room measures 63.1 inches in the front, 61.6 inches in the middle, and 60.0 inches in the rear. Hiproom is particularly generous in the middle row at 64.8 inches, while the front offers 58.6 inches and the rear 48.4 inches. Cargo volume is substantial, offering 32.8 cu ft behind the 3rd-row seats, expanding to 86.6 cu ft behind the 2nd-row, and a maximum of 140.7 cu ft behind the 1st-row seats when measured to the SAE J1100 standard. Passenger volume totals 160.1 cu ft, and the seating capacity is for 8 occupants.
Fuel Efficiency and Safety Features
The 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, equipped with the 10-Speed Automatic Transmission, achieves EPA mileage ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. It has a fuel tank capacity of 19.5 gallons and runs on regular unleaded fuel.
Safety is paramount in the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are LED for enhanced visibility. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators. A Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines aids in safe reversing. The Honda Sensing® suite is standard, incorporating Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Auto High-Beam Headlights further enhance driver assistance. Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor is also included.
Passive safety elements feature the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags, Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor, and Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Knee Airbags. Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) are present in all second-row positions and outboard third-row positions, with tether anchors in all second and third-row positions.
Elite Trim Exclusive Comfort, Convenience, and Technology
The Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 distinguishes itself with a host of premium features. Comfort and convenience highlights include Rain-Sensing Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Power Folding and Heated Side Mirrors, Body-Colored Parking Sensors (front/rear), and a Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate. Inside, you’ll find a Heated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration, Integrated Sunshades for the 2nd and 3rd rows, HomeLink® Remote System, Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror, HondaVAC®, and Blue Ambient LED Lighting. A Wireless Phone Charger adds to the modern conveniences.
In terms of audio and connectivity, the Elite trim boasts a 550-Watt Premium Audio System with 11 Speakers, including a Subwoofer. It features CabinWatch™ Rear Seat Monitor, HondaLink® services, and Mobile Hotspot Capability. The Advanced Rear Entertainment System with a 10.2-inch High-Resolution screen, Blu-Ray Player, and Built-In Streaming Apps keeps rear passengers entertained.
In conclusion, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 represents the zenith of the Odyssey lineup, offering enhanced engineering with its 10-speed transmission, premium comfort and convenience features, and advanced safety technologies. For buyers prioritizing a top-of-the-line minivan experience, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is a compelling choice.
