2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: Review, Features & More

by Alex Braham 58 views

Hey guys! Let's talk about the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, a minivan that's not just about hauling kids and groceries, but doing it in style and comfort. If you're in the market for a family-friendly vehicle that's packed with features, this might just be the ride you've been searching for. Buckle up as we explore everything that makes the 2018 Odyssey Touring Elite stand out from the crowd.

Overview of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite

The 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite represents the pinnacle of the Odyssey lineup for that year. It builds upon the already impressive features of the lower trims and adds a host of exclusive amenities and technologies designed to enhance the driving experience for both the driver and passengers. From its powerful engine to its luxurious interior, the Touring Elite trim aims to provide a premium minivan experience. This model year of the Odyssey was part of a significant redesign, bringing a more modern and sophisticated look to the popular minivan. The Touring Elite specifically targets families who want all the bells and whistles, offering features like a rear-seat entertainment system, Honda Sensing safety suite, and premium audio system. The Odyssey has long been a favorite in the minivan segment, and the Touring Elite version only solidifies its position by offering a comprehensive package of comfort, convenience, and technology. If you're considering a minivan, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is definitely one to put on your list, especially if you value high-end features and a comfortable ride for the whole family. The attention to detail and the inclusion of advanced technology make it a standout choice in its class. With its blend of practicality and luxury, the Touring Elite aims to make family travel as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Whether it's a long road trip or just the daily school run, this minivan is equipped to handle it all with ease and style. So, let's dive deeper into what makes this minivan a top contender in the market.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, it's all about the details. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a smooth and responsive 280 horsepower. That's plenty of power to get you and your crew moving, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the Odyssey Touring Elite offers a refined driving experience. Fuel economy is also quite respectable for a minivan, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Inside, the Touring Elite boasts a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory functions. The second-row Magic Slide seats make it easy to access the third row, and the third-row seats can be folded flat into the floor for added cargo space. One of the standout features of the Touring Elite is the rear-seat entertainment system, which includes a 10.2-inch display, Blu-ray player, and built-in streaming apps. This keeps the kids entertained on long trips, reducing the chances of backseat boredom. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features are also incredibly useful, allowing you to keep an eye on the rear passengers and communicate with them without raising your voice. Safety is a top priority in the Odyssey Touring Elite, with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features coming standard. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision 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 with rear cross-traffic alert is also a great addition, making it easier to change lanes and back out of parking spaces. Overall, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is packed with features that make it a top choice for families. From its powerful engine and smooth transmission to its luxurious interior and advanced safety features, this minivan has a lot to offer.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Let's face it, the interior is where you and your family will be spending most of your time, so it better be good! The 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite doesn't disappoint in this area. The first thing you'll notice is the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The leather seats are soft and supportive, and the dashboard and door panels are nicely finished. The front seats are heated and ventilated, which is a welcome feature on hot summer days or cold winter mornings. The driver's seat is power-adjustable and includes memory functions, so you can easily find your perfect driving position. The second-row Magic Slide seats are a game-changer. They allow you to easily slide the outboard seats to the side, creating a wider path to the third row. This is especially helpful when you have child seats installed, as it eliminates the need to climb over them to access the back. The third-row seats are also surprisingly comfortable, even for adults. They can be folded flat into the floor with ease, creating a large, flat cargo area. One of the biggest draws of the Touring Elite is the rear-seat entertainment system. The 10.2-inch display is large and clear, and the Blu-ray player and built-in streaming apps provide endless entertainment options. There are also HDMI and USB ports, so you can connect your own devices. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features are incredibly useful for keeping an eye on and communicating with rear passengers. CabinWatch uses a camera to display a view of the rear seats on the front display screen, while CabinTalk allows you to speak to the rear passengers through the speakers and headphones. Other notable technology features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a premium 11-speaker audio system, and a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a comfortable and tech-filled space that's perfect for families. From the luxurious seating to the advanced entertainment and convenience features, this minivan is designed to make every journey a pleasant one.

Performance and Handling

Okay, so the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is great for families, but how does it actually drive? Well, I'm happy to report that it's surprisingly good. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving. Acceleration is brisk, and the Odyssey can easily merge onto the highway or pass other cars. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and it always seems to be in the right gear. One of the things that sets the Odyssey apart from other minivans is its handling. It feels surprisingly nimble and responsive, and it doesn't wallow or lean excessively in corners. The steering is also well-weighted and provides good feedback. The ride quality is comfortable and composed, even on rough roads. The Odyssey does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, and it doesn't feel floaty or disconnected. Noise levels are also well-controlled, with minimal wind and road noise entering the cabin. This makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable driving experience, especially on long trips. The Odyssey also comes standard with several features that enhance its performance and handling. These include vehicle stability assist, traction control, and electronic brake distribution. These systems work together to help keep the Odyssey stable and in control, even in challenging driving conditions. Overall, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a surprisingly enjoyable vehicle to drive. It's powerful, responsive, and comfortable, and it handles well for a minivan. Whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip, the Odyssey is up to the task.

Safety Features

When it comes to family vehicles, safety is paramount. The 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your loved ones. Standard on the Touring Elite is the Honda Sensing suite, which includes:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane.
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Gently steers the vehicle back into the center of the lane if you start to drift.
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts you to a potential collision with the vehicle ahead.
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Automatically applies the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision.

In addition to these features, the Touring Elite also includes:

  • Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSI): Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts you to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
  • Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up.
  • Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure: Designed to enhance occupant protection in frontal collisions.

The 2018 Honda Odyssey has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Odyssey a 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent safety ratings, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite provides peace of mind for families on the go.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite with a quick look at its pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seating and high-quality materials.
  • Powerful Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for everyday driving.
  • Smooth Transmission: The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly.
  • Advanced Technology: Packed with features like a rear-seat entertainment system, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: Includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety features.

Cons:

  • Price: The Touring Elite is the most expensive trim level of the Odyssey.
  • Styling: Minivans aren't exactly known for their stylishness.
  • Infotainment System: While the infotainment system is generally easy to use, some may find it a bit dated.
  • Fuel Economy: While respectable for a minivan, fuel economy could be better.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite? Well, if you're looking for a top-of-the-line minivan that's packed with features, comfortable, and safe, then this is definitely one to consider. It's not the cheapest option on the market, but you get a lot for your money. The spacious and comfortable interior, powerful engine, smooth transmission, and advanced technology make it a joy to drive and ride in. And with its comprehensive suite of safety features, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are well-protected. Of course, no vehicle is perfect. The styling may not be for everyone, and the infotainment system could use a refresh. But overall, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is an excellent choice for families who want the best of the best. It's a minivan that's not just about practicality, but also about luxury and convenience. So, if you're in the market for a minivan, be sure to give the 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite a serious look. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your family.