2013 Honda Odyssey Review and Prices
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Price: $29,600 - $44,900
MPG: 18 / 27 / 21
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2013 Honda Odyssey Buying Advice
The 2013 Honda Odyssey is the best minivan for you if you’re hip to the secret that minivans are people-movers nonpareil and you want a peerless example of the breed.
The 2013 Honda Odyssey is highly unlikely to change in any significant way, returning as a terrific all-around minivan and a bit of a style statement, too. Expect fuel economy to remain at or near top-of-class and for the 2013 version to reprise subtle but important bonus features, such as the ability to latch in five regulation child safety seats.
Should you wait for the 2013 Honda Odyssey or buy a 2012 Honda Odyssey? Minivans are life-stage purchases, so if your circumstances call for carrying up to eight or transporting endless combinations of people and cargo, don’t hesitate to buy a 2012 Odyssey. The 2013 isn’t apt to be altered enough to merit waiting for. In fact, it’s styling details and features particulars could slide into lame-duck status if Honda decides to freshen the Odyssey for model-year 2014.
2013 Honda Odyssey Changes back to top
Styling: The 2013 Honda Odyssey should be a mirror image of the 2012 Odyssey, except perhaps for a new color choice or two and maybe a slightly different-looking wheel design. The appearance of the nose and tail won’t change and neither will the unique character line that zig-zags at the base of the rear side glass. Honda calls this a “lightning bolt” and to some eyes it may suggest the tail section has fractured from the rest of the body. The functional payoff, however, is enlarged rearmost side windows that provide better visibility out and let more light in.
The 2013 Odyssey’s exterior dimensions won’t change, staying well within the minivan norm. Inside, however, the 2013 Odyssey will remain among the most spacious vehicles in the class. It’ll continue to furnish excellent room and comfort in the first two seating rows and adult-accommodating comfort in the third row -- so long as you’re not chauffeuring NFL linemen.
The 2013 Odyssey’s base-trim model will likely continue with seating for seven. All other 2013 Odyssey models should again be among the few minivans capable of carrying up to eight. That’s thanks to a 10-inch-wide cushioned section in the center of their second row. The outboard portions of the second row will again be capable of sliding laterally a few inches, creating enough width to fit three child safety seats; two more can be latched into the third-row seat.
Bins and pockets for brick-a-brac will again abound and cargo volume will remain among best in class with more than 38 cubic feet behind the third row, some 93 cubic feet with the third-row dropped into its rear floor well, and about 140 cubic feet with the second-row also stowed.
Honda could conceivably match the rival Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna and equip some versions of the 2013 Odyssey with a power-folding third-row seat. But it won’t adopt the Stow ’n Go fold-into-the-floor system standard on the Town & Country and Grand Caravan. Thus, Odyssey owners will again need to remove the heavy second-row seats to achieve maximum cargo capacity. And for ultimate second-row opulence Odyssey will likely again place second to the Sienna and its available La-Z-Boy-type bucket seats.
Expect the 2013 Honda Odyssey to repeat a seven-model lineup. It should again begin with the 2013 Odyssey LX seven-seat base model. Up a rung would be the better-equipped 2013 Honda Odyssey EX. That would be followed by the 2013 Odyssey EX-L with leather upholstery.
Honda says the EX-L level is Odyssey’s most popular and that the single best selling version probably will again be the 2013 Odyssey EX-L with Rear Entertainment; it takes its name from a DVD system with a 9 inch ceiling screen. The final 2013 EX-L iteration would again be the Odyssey EX-L with Navigation; instead of the DVD system, this model has Honda’s voice-activated navigation system.
To get leather upholstery and both the DVD and navigation systems you’ll probably again need to move up to the 2013 Odyssey Touring model. Remaining atop the 2013 Odyssey line should again be the Touring Elite model. It’ll probably continue to pack every available Odyssey feature topped off by a premium DVD entertainment system with Honda’s “Ultrawide” 16.2-inch-diameter ceiling screen capable of simultaneously displaying input from two separate video sources.
Mechanical: The 2013 Honda Odyssey isn’t likely to change mechanically, though Honda could surprise by installing a six-speed automatic transmission in all models, not just in the Touring and Touring Elite. The automaker has relegated LX, EX, and EX-L models to a five-speed automatic transmission since this fourth-generation Odyssey debuted for model-year 2011. In transmissions, more gear ratios increase opportunities to optimize engine efficiency and fuel economy. Every Odyssey rival has a six-speed automatic or its equivalent.
Honda probably will continue to treat all 2013 Odyssey models equally when it comes to the engine. Anticipate the return of a smooth-running 3.5-liter V-6 with ratings of around 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. (Consider torque the energy that gets a vehicle moving, horsepower as the force that keeps it moving.) This engine will again employ Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system to maximize fuel efficiency by automatically idling two or three cylinders in low demand driving conditions and then instantaneously restoring all six when power is needed.
Regardless of transmission, our tests show little difference in detectible performance among Odyssey models. All easily accelerate to highway speeds and pass with confidence. In the Honda tradition, ride quality is taut but never jarring and steering and handling response are arguably best in the minivan class. The 2013 Touring and Touring Elite would maintain a slight margin in overall road manners over the other Odyssey models if Honda again decides they’re the only versions to continue with 18-inch wheels and tires versus 17s.
The rival Toyota Sienna should remain the only 2013 minivan to offer all-wheel drive (AWD) in addition to front-wheel drive. Its rivals, including the 2013 Odyssey, will retain front-wheel drive, which positions the weight of the engine and transmission above the tires that both steer and provide propulsion. Efficient packaging and good poor-weather traction are advantages of front-wheel drive. Improved sloppy-surface grip is AWD’s ace, but the extra drive components add mileage-robbing weight and take up space at the rear that could be used for cargo or third-row foot room.
Features: The 2013 Honda Odyssey will again be available with just about every comfort, convenience, and infotainment feature automakers have thought up. Some might get upgraded capability, but the great opportunity for change would be a shuffling of their availability among Odyssey models.
In the capability-upgrade category, Honda could imbue its on-board audio and navigation functions to include smartphone interfaces. That level of connectivity is becoming common and allows owners to link, for example, to Pandora Internet radio and other custom-content providers.
Under the feature-shuffling heading, Honda could expand availability of Bluetooth hands-free mobile-phone connectivity and a USB iPod interface to the 2013 Odyssey’s base LX model rather than reserving those modern-day necessities for EX models and above. Similarly, it could expand the safety enhancement of a rearview camera to all versions of the 2013 Odyssey, not just EX-Ls and above.
Otherwise, expect Honda to hew to its policy of rigidly segregated features based on a model’s station in the lineup: the more expensive versions get a longer list of features. Certain to be included on every 2013 Odyssey, however, will be such items as air conditioning, power driver’s seat, manual tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, keyless remote entry, power mirrors, locks, and windows, and tinted rear privacy glass.
All 2013 Odysseys should again provide numerous interior storage bins and pockets, including 15 beverage holders on eight-seat versions and 12 on the seven-seat LXs; some of the holders will again adjust to accommodate fat Big Gulps or skinny Red Bulls. Models starting at the EX-L level also will come with a “cool box” that folds from the base of dashboard and is powered by Odyssey’s electrically system; it can hold four 20-ounce beverages.
Without any equipment-policy changes, expect 2013 Odyssey EX models and above to come with power sliding side doors, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, heated side mirrors, outside temperature indicator, second-row sunshades, and alloy wheels.
The same EX-and-above availability should repeat for an infotainment suite that includes Bluetooth, the USB iPod interface, two-gigabytes of CD music storage, and Honda’s i-MID, or “intelligent Multi-Information Display.” This last item places a 8-inch screen in the upper-center of the dashboard to display audio, phone, and climate information.
Expect the various 2013 Odyssey EX-L and Touring/Touring Elite models to again come with such features as leather upholstery, heated front seats, power tailgate, power moonroof, and the navigation and/or rear-DVD entertainment systems. They’ll likely also retain exclusive rights within the Odyssey line to such audio trinkets as satellite radio and Honda’s Song by Voice system that uses spoken instructions to access artist, song, playlist, or genre from the hard drive or a linked iPod.
2013 Honda Odyssey Prices back to top
Prices for the 2013 Honda Odyssey were not released in time for this review but don’t expect a big jump over 2012 Odyssey prices. That suggests a 2013 Odyssey price range of roughly $29,600-$44,900. (All estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandatory destination fee; Honda’s fee for the 2012 Odyssey was $810.)
Estimated price is $29,600 for the 2013 Odyssey LX and $32,800 for the 2013 Odyssey EX.
Expect the 2013 Honda Odyssey EX-L to be priced around $36,000. Figure the 2013 Odyssey EX-L with Rear Entertainment. System at roughly $37,600 and the 2013 Odyssey EX-L with Navigation System at $38,000.
Estimated price is $42,300 for the 2013 Odyssey Touring model and $44,800 for the 2013 Odyssey Touring Elite.
2013 Honda Odyssey Fuel Economy back to top
EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2013 Honda Odyssey were not released in time for this review. They’ll likely be unchanged from the 2012 Odyssey’s ratings -- unless Honda transfers some of the advantages that give the Touring and Touring Elite higher mileage than the lineup’s other models.
Without changes in specifications or equipment, the 2013 Odyssey LX, EX, and EX-L models would again rate 18/27 mpg city/highway and 21 mpg combined city/highway. And the 2013 Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite would repeat at 19/28 mpg city/highway, 22 mpg combined.
Those would again be among the best ratings for any minivan and the Touring and Touring Elite would again defend their status as America’s most fuel-efficient eight-passenger vehicles.
Dumping the five-speed automatic that’s been standard thus far in the LX, EX, and EX-L models for the six-speed used by the Touring and Touring Elite might have some affect on 2013 fuel-economy ratings. But Honda says the higher ratings earned by the Touring and Touring Elite aren’t attributable to their transmission’s additional gear ratio.
Rather, it credits their lower rolling-resistance tires and specially shaped mirrors and other subtle aerodynamic tweaks. Even if it doesn’t standardize the six-speed automatic across the 2013 Odyssey lineup, we’d like to see Honda extend these other mileage-enhancing advantages to the LX, EX, and EX-L family of Odysseys.
2013 Honda Odyssey Release Date back to top
Expect the 2013 Honda Odyssey to go on sale in late summer or early autumn 2012.
What's next for the 2013 Honda Odyssey back to top
If Honda keeps this fourth-generation Odyssey on the same product schedule as its 2005-2010 predecessor expect a midcycle facelift for model-year 2014 and a full redesign for model-year 2017.
Midcycle facelifts typically involve minor styling alterations to a vehicle’s nose and tail but no change to its overall shape or dimensions. Upgrades to cabin décor also can be included, all in the name of stoking interest as a model approaches the end of its design cycle.
For Odyssey, a midcycle facelift would probably entail subtle front and rear styling changes. It’d be more difficult and expensive for Honda to reshape that “lightning bolt” character line, though it might deem it necessary if it senses the look is turning off some potential buyers.
More promising as part of a midcycle freshening is the prospect that all Odyssey models would get the six-speed automatic transmission, though Honda probably would lean toward controlling costs rather than capturing incremental sales attracted by a change that’s academic to most minivan buyers.
As for Odyssey’s longer-term future, Honda acknowledges plans to introduce plug-in hybrid technology for “midsize and larger vehicles.” It’s targeting calendar 2012 or so for the first such offering, though it’s mum on which of its models are in line for this system. Plug-in hybrids are distinct from pure-electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, which aren’t supplemented by on-board gas engines. Plug-in hybrids combine gas and electric power and extend their electric-only range with battery charges drawn from wall sockets.
Honda’s plug-in hybrid plans for midsize and larger vehicles could include the Odyssey, and could be put into place around the time of this one’s midcycle updates. Another possibility, just as intriguing and perhaps a better fit for Odyssey would be a low-emission diesel engine.
2013 Honda Odyssey Competition back to top
Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan: These seven-passenger minivans share a basic design and Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 engine. They both have front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Caravan tackles the family-value strata of the market and 2013 base prices are expected to range from around $23,000-$31,000. With an estimated base-price range of $31,000-$41,000 the 2013 Town & Country will again chase upscale buyers attracted to the Odyssey. Both these minivans feature refined performance and good utility, and fuel-economy ratings should remain around17/25 mpg city/highway, 20 mpg combined. Their future is a bit cloudy, with corporate master Fiat wrestling over a decision to retain both lines or cut one and then determining what sort of design the survivor(s) should adopt. Some reports say the next-generation version – in whatever form -- is due in model-year 2014 or 2015.
Toyota Sienna: Sienna chases the same upmarket import demographic as the Odyssey and is the only competitor to match the Honda’s eight-passenger capacity. Expect the 2013 Sienna to return in a choice of front-wheel drive or class-exclusive all-wheel drive and to also be the only minivan to offer both four-cylinder models and V-6s. The former should again rate around 19/24 mpg city/highway, 21 combined and have a base-price range of around $26,000-$28,000. Expect 2013 V-6 Siennas to again rate around 18/24/20 -- 16/22/18 with AWD -- and have a base-price range of around $28,000-$42,000. This Toyota goes toe to toe with Odyssey for overall utility and features. And it favors a slightly softer driving nature and simpler ergonomics. Don’t expect any major changes until a midcycle freshening around model-year 2015.
Nissan Quest: Quest comes out of left field with a distinct sense of space-age styling and use of a continuously variable transmission to perform the duties of a conventional automatic. But it’s surprisingly competitive, with roomy comfort for seven and fine performance courtesy of a well-tuned suspension and a willing V-6 engine. Nissan solves the cargo challenge by folding the second and third seating rows into a floor that’s slightly elevated, thereby creating a flat load surface. It’s not as elegant a solution as that employed by the competition but isn’t a deal-breaker. No changes are expected for model-year 2013, so anticipate fuel-economy ratings of around 19/24/21 and a base-price range of roughly $29,500-$43,500.