2015 Honda Odyssey Expert Review

After a significant refresh for the 2014 model year, the 2015 Honda Odyssey is unchanged.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 Honda Odyssey is a minivan sold in five grades. Its sole powertrain is a 3.5-liter V-6 with 248 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Top of the line Touring Elite models come with the HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum cleaning system that operates on the Odyssey's 12-volt electrical system.

Overview

The 2015 Odyssey is an ideal family car due to its seven- to eight-passenger seating capacity and cavernous interior. Cargo space is generous with up to 148.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. Innovative available features such as the HondaVAC built-in vacuum cleaner and the Cool Box distinguish it from the rest of the segment by gearing towards families and their needs. However, these options come at a price since they are only available on the higher trim levels. The availability of leather seating, 10-way power driver's seat with memory, tri-zone climate control, and heated from seats on upper trim levels make the Odyssey feel luxurious.

The 2015 Odyssey possesses impressive performance with sedan-like driving dynamics and good handling for a minivan that weighs over two tons. Fuel economy is also notable with the EPA rating the 2015 Odyssey at 19/28 mpg city/highway, making it one of the most frugal minivans on sale. Safety is another strong suit of the 2015 Odyssey with many available passive and active driver aids such as Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning on the top three grades.

UPDATE: Additional safety aids available in EX-L and higher trim levels include blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert on.The 2015 Honda Odyssey has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) and is considered a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, earning a Good score in five categories (Good is the highest possible score) and offering Basic front crash prevention (front crash prevention awards include Basic, Advanced, and Superior).

What We Think

The 2015 Honda Odyssey remains one of the best choices for minivan buyers due to its cavernous interior and the availability of family friendly features such as the HondaVAC and the center console-mounted Cool Box. However, we said in a 2014 First Test review that these features, like the majority of tech and convenience options, come at a price because they only come in the EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite grades, which are the most expensive versions of the Odyssey. Additionally, Honda's packaging of each trim level means there are no stand-alone options except for dealer-installed accessories.