The 2012 Honda Odyssey, highly rated by reviewers despite steep pricing, is a sleek minivan with a uniquely customizable second-row seat. This offers the option of configuring the car for seven or eight passengers. Five trim levels are available: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. The starting MSRP covers a wide range, from $28,225 for the basic LX to $43,675 for the high end Touring Elite.
Engine, Drivetrain and Suspension Specifications
All Odysseys are built with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and front-wheel drive. The LX, EX and EX-L carry a 5-speed automatic transmission; the Touring and Touring Elite’s transmission is a 6-speed automatic. All models feature MacPherson Strut front suspension and Multi-Link Double Wishbone rear suspension. All models use Variable Cylinder Management to increase fuel economy to 18/27 mpg city/highway for the 5-speed and 19/28 for the 6-speed.
Exterior
The base LX model comes standard with 17″ wheels with full covers, remote entry system, power side mirrors, heat-rejecting glass, and rear spoiler. One step up, the EX wears 17″ alloy wheels and adds power sliding doors, programmable remote entry system, security system, and heated power side mirrors. Next, the EX-L throws in power moonroof and tailgate. The top-of-the-line Touring and Touring Elite also feature standard fog lights, memory side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, and acoustic windshield.
Interior
Standard features on the LX model include programmable power door and tailgate locks, cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering column, 8-way power driver’s seat, adjustable second-row seats with walk-in feature, and split folding third row seats. The EX adds tri-zone automatic climate control, information display with 8-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, more wheel-mounted controls, HomeLink remote system, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and multi-function second-row center seat. The EX-L also offers as standard: integrated cooler, automatic dimming rearview mirror, power passenger’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, and heated front seats. Available options include a navigation system with voice recognition and multi-angle rearview camera. The Touring and Touring Elite feature a standard navigation system and memory driver’s seat. The Touring Elite also includes the Blind Spot Information System.
Entertainment Options
The basic LX sports a CD player with five speakers, MP3/auxiliary input jack, MP3 playback capability, and radio data system. The EX carries seven speakers, a 2-GB CD library, and a USB audio interface. The EX-L offers standard SiriusXM radio and optional DVD entertainment system. The Touring includes all these features as standard, and the Touring Elite upgrades to a DVD system with HDMI technology, 12 speakers and surround sound theater mode.
Safety
All safety features come standard on every trim level: front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, daytime running lights, and LATCH system. In recent years, the Odyssey earned 4 or 5 stars in NHTSA crash ratings and a “good” rating in IIHS tests.
Reviewers cite the 2012 Honda Odyssey as excelling in the areas of comfort, practicality, responsive handling, and versatile interior. It remains the top minivan pick in many editors’ minds, but lacks a few features that can be found on competitors’ vehicles. Overall, the Odyssey is seen as a strong choice for a family vehicle.
Image Credit: Honda Media Newsroom
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