The Honda Odyssey is a great example of an under-appreciated MPV. It has flown under the radar for many years as larger vans lyike the Toyota Alphard takes the spotlight. Well, if you’re still as big a fan of the Odyssey as we are, you’ll be interested in knowing that it has undergone a SECOND facelift since the 5th generation model’s debut in 2013. The first facelift came in 2017, and it added Honda Sensing and other safety features along with a new front fascia and other ‘under-the-skin’ improvements. Do note, the JDM Honda Odyssey is not the same as the one in the US.
Now Honda are giving the Odyssey a second facelift. Very little was unveiled about the renewed MPV. What we do know is that it has a new front face that looks like this:
Like the current Honda Odyssey, the new fascia still features LED daytime running lights on the front bumper. The LED projectors seem to be replaced by LED reflectors, but let’s wait for the spec list to confirm that. The Honda wing grille shape has been replaced with a rather generic hexagonal shape with a smaller chrome strip up top and plainer looking horizontal chrome strips on the grille itself. The chrome finishing seems to take on a slightly ‘rose gold’ shade, but again we’ll need to confirm this once it’s launched.
They’ve also given the new Odyssey gesture-controlled sliding doors.
That’s pretty cool, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 and how that has affected personal hygiene. I think more MPV makers will consider implementing this touchless system on powered sliding doors.
There’s also a revised interior. Let’s compare it to the current Odyssey’s and see what differences we can spot.
Immediately what stands out is the brown interior finish, though we’re sure this is going to be an optional colour, with black still being available. The second thing that stands out is literally the ‘free-standing’ infotainment unit. Honda have been using Gathers audio since at least the 1980s on higher end models, and this larger screen looks like it could be optional. But it’s likely even standard sized screens will have a free-standing mount.
The change in the upper section of the dashboard also features a change in the shape and layout of air vents. Instead of flanking the infotainment, they’re now slimmer and slot between the upper and layer of the dashboard. The vent on the driver’s side seems to be the same as before. The hazard light switch now sits between the centre vents and looks tidier. The steering wheel also looks new, with neater switches and a leaner look to it. It’s also possible that the instrument cluster is fully digital, but it’s hard to tell from this distance. Capacitive climate control, the gear shifter and under-dash storage looks to be very similar to before.
That’s all we have for now. The new Odyssey will be launched ‘This Fall’, so stay tuned for updates.
