2019 Honda Odyssey
The 2019 Honda Odyssey continues its reign as a top-tier minivan, offering a compelling blend of practicality, refined driving dynamics, and family-friendly innovation. For the 2019 model year, Honda made several key enhancements, solidifying its position as a segment leader.
Highlights
- Powertrain: At the heart of every 2019 Odyssey is a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a 9-speed automatic transmission (on lower trims) or a 10-speed automatic transmission (on higher trims). Both transmissions are smooth and responsive, providing ample power for confident acceleration, merging, and passing, even when the minivan is fully loaded.
- Safety Features: Honda is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2019 Odyssey is no exception. Standard across all trims is the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies. This comprehensive package includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™): Helps brake the vehicle when it detects a potential frontal collision.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Can provide steering assistance to keep the vehicle in its lane if it detects an unintended road departure.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by making small steering corrections.
- Other available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
- Trim Summary: The 2019 Odyssey was offered in several well-equipped trims, catering to a variety of needs and budgets:
- LX: The entry-level trim still comes generously equipped, offering a solid foundation of features.
- EX: Adds more convenience features like power-sliding doors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
- EX-L: Introduces leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and a sunroof for a more premium feel.
- Touring: Further enhances comfort and technology with features like a rear-seat entertainment system and navigation.
- Elite: The top-tier trim boasts the most luxurious amenities, including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and advanced safety features.
- Cabin Flexibility and Innovation: The Odyssey is celebrated for its incredibly versatile "Magic Slide" second-row seating system, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo with ease. This system facilitates easier access to the third row and enables various seating arrangements for maximum comfort or cargo capacity. The available HondaVac® built-in vacuum cleaner is a standout feature for families, making quick cleanups a breeze.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Honda Odyssey typically translates to a dependable and comfortable ownership experience. Honda's reputation for reliability means you can generally expect fewer unexpected repairs. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, will be standard for any vehicle. Insurance costs are usually competitive for the minivan segment, reflecting the vehicle's safety features and overall market positioning. The interior is designed for family life, with durable materials and plenty of storage solutions, making it practical for daily commutes and long road trips.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Odyssey is a fantastic family vehicle, there are a few points potential buyers might want to be aware of. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, has been noted by some reviewers to exhibit a slight hesitation or indecisiveness at lower speeds in certain situations. Additionally, the infotainment system, while functional, might not feel as cutting-edge or intuitive as some competitors' systems from the same model year. The overall exterior styling, while more aggressive than previous generations, still adheres to minivan conventions and may not appeal to those seeking a more SUV-like aesthetic.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Honda Odyssey remains an exceptional choice for families seeking a well-rounded, practical, and enjoyable minivan. Its powerful V6 engine, comprehensive suite of safety features, innovative cabin flexibility, and strong reputation for reliability make it a compelling package. Despite minor quibbles with transmission programming and infotainment interface, the Odyssey delivers a superior ownership experience that consistently places it at the forefront of the minivan segment.