2015 Honda Odyssey

The 2015 Honda Odyssey comes in 5 major variants- LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite. Odyssey has the same engine on all its variants, so choosing the correct trim comes down to the features needed. LX trim has all the basic features along with Bluetooth handsfree, infotainment system with 7- inch high-resolution screen. The EX-variant adds power sliding doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the Honda Lane Watch feature. The EX-L trim comes equipped with leather upholstery, a sunroof, a satellite radio, and cruise control with steering wheel controls. Then there is Touring and Touring Elite with a rear entertainment system and more luxury features.

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There is a large difference in the features available on the first three trims of the Honda Odyssey. The last two trims Touring and Touring elite are almost similar with a few entertainment improvements and optional luxury features. We recommend the EX-L model as it offers most of the necessary upgrades available. EX-L comes with amenities like a one-touch power moonroof, power tailgate, coolbox, leather-trimmed interior, and heated front seats. It also offers multiple technological improvements, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and satellite radio. Compared to Touring and Touring Elite; EX-L trim lacks only the rear entertainment system, fog lamps, and 18-inch alloys.

The 2015 Honda Odyssey provides impressive performance with decent driving dynamics and good handling for a minivan. This minivan comes equipped with a proven 3.5L V6 i-VTEC engine. The engine churns out an impressive 248 hp at 2700 rpm and a torque of 250 lb-ft at 4800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which features a grade logic control. All this power is sent to the front wheels as standard and you don’t have an option to upgrade it to AWD configuration.

This minivan can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. This is excellent considering that minivans are quite large vehicles. The Odyssey features impressive acceleration and is one of the best-in-class performances. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Moreover, the 6- speed automatic gearbox is also excellent; it shifts smoothly and quickly. The 2015 Odyssey lacks a sport mode but it won't be much missed in a minivan.

While the Honda Odyssey offers the least power on paper, it has a 0 – 60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and appreciable quarter-mile timings. The 3.6L V6 engine in the Chrysler produces the most torque and power. On the flip side, the Sienna has the least torque and the slowest performance figures in terms of 0 – 60 mph and quarter miles. All of them minivans come equipped with 6-speed automatics and standard FWD configuration.

The 2015 Odyssey returns an impressive 19 and 28 MPG in city and highway respectively; these figures are above the class average. The fuel tank can hold 21 gallons of fuel which can help cover 399 and 588 miles on city and highway respectively. Combined, the 2015 Honda Odyssey manages best-in-class fuel efficiency and allows you to travel a distance of 399 miles in the city and 588 miles on the highway.

While Chrysler, Toyota, and Kia offer similar ranges in both city and highway conditions, the Honda Odyssey takes the lead in every category. The Chrysler Town and Country on the other hand have the lowest fuel efficiency at 17 and 25 MPG in city and highway respectively with a combined efficiency of 20 MPG. It also has the smallest fuel tank along with Toyota Sienna at 20 gallons. Even though the Kia Sedona has the largest tank it falls behind the Odyssey in terms of driving range owing to its poor fuel efficiency.

The cabin is where the 2015 Odyssey stands out; the leather-trimmed interior is beautiful and welcoming with heated seats on the front. The cabin was built with comfort and convenience in mind. It is constructed with top-shelf materials and has outstanding build quality. The leather-wrapped tiltable steering wheel with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat offers a perfect driving position. All three rows of seats offer ample space for adult passengers. The seats are well cushioned and fairly high. Also, the Odyssey offers rear climatic control. In short, the interior is quite spacious, with plenty of legroom and a lot of convenient storage spaces.

One particularly unique feature is the Honda HVAC on the Touring Elite trim; this built-in vacuum comes with a 10-foot hose capable of cleaning up the entire cabin. The Odyssey offers a generous 38.4 cubic ft boot space which can be extended up to 93.1 cu ft by folding the last row of seats; the seats provide a 60-40 split. If you find yourselves in need of more storage space, it can be extended up to 148.5 cu ft by removing the second row of seats. This is the only notable drawback of the vehicle.

The Odyssey is quite spacious inside. With bench seats, it can carry a family of eight with all the luggage and accessories. The headroom and shoulder room provided by the Odyssey is on par with that of its rivals. But when it comes to legroom, the Odyssey offers the most legroom on all three rows. The Chrysler offers the least boot space and the least legroom and headroom in the rear and middle rows of seats. Some of the Standard interior features:

• Tri-Zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air filtration.
• Heated front seats
• Lower storage with a cool box
• Two-position memory for driver’s seat
• Honda VAC in the top trim.

How intuitive is the 2015 Honda Odyssey Minivan’s infotainment unit?

The 2015 Odyssey’s infotainment system offers stunning technology at our disposal. As standard, you get a 7-inch multi-information display along with a seven-speaker audio system. Apart from that, you also get a CD player, an optional Fm Traffic Real-Time Traffic Display, and Bluetooth Handsfreelink Wireless Phone Connectivity. As you go up the trim level, you also get a Premium 12-speaker surround sound system and an additional 8-inch touchscreen with HondaLink smartphone app integration. Standout infotainment features:

• 8-inch multi-information display
• Rear-seat DVD player
• Wireless Cell Phone Hookup
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• MP3 Player

The 2015 Odyssey has a few stylish elements but refrains from overdoing itself. The minivan borrows most of its styling elements from Honda’s sedan lineup rather than the crossover segment. The front hosts a similarity to Honda Civic or Accord with the headlight design. The headlight has projector headlamps with halogen bulbs. 

The front grille features two chrome bars that bend upward at both ends. The rear fascia has a clean layout with few chrome bits. As standard, you get 17-inch steel wheels which can be upgraded to 18-inch alloy wheels as you go up the trim level. Moreover, it happens to be the largest car in its segment but lacks behind when it comes to ground clearance. As a result, it affects driving on rough terrains.

While Odyssey is the longest minivan in the segment by a fraction over the Chrysler Town & Country, it also has the shortest wheelbase and the lowest ground clearance. The weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed to all wheels ensuring a smooth and comfortable long ride. The Chrysler is the heaviest in the segment and has the longest wheelbase. It is also the shortest minivan of the bunch while the Kia Sedona is the tallest with the most ground clearance. Some Standout exterior features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Honda Lane watch camera
• Power liftgate
• Privacy Glass
• Rear Spoiler

The NHTSA stepped up its crash safety tests in the previous years. This did not affect the Honda Odyssey’s performance at all as it scores an impressive five stars and earns a Good rating in all the crash tests conducted by the IIHS which makes it a very robust car. The Odyssey comes loaded with advanced safety features such as Honda LaneWatch, Forward Collision Alert (FCW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDW), and Rearview Camera. Apart from the advanced features, the Odyssey is still packed with a lot of standard safety features. Standout safety features:

• Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring system
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure which enhances occupant’s protection
• Brake Assist
• Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera system.
• Child Safety Locks

The Honda Odyssey is an excellent minivan that deserves a top place in the consideration list. It comes with a tried and proven V6 engine that moves passengers and cargo smoothly through both city and highway conditions. The Odyssey provides smooth handling along with balanced suspension, ensuring a smooth drive with good gas mileage for the class. The high quality and spacious interior provide a lot of storage space with plenty of legroom. Apart from the need to physically remove the second-row seats to access full storage capacity, the 2015 Odyssey remains an impressive option and a top choice for anyone considering buying a minivan.