Introduction
Thanks to a continuing evolution since its initial debut, the Honda Odyssey remains one of the market's best-selling family vehicles. For 2013, all trim levels--LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite--include standard features such as Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. A revised Odyssey will arrive for the 2014 model year, offering improved safety and an optional built-in vacuum cleaner.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Honda Odyssey's entry-level LX trim level features 17-inch steel wheels, manual rear sliding doors, power-adjustable outside mirrors, and a rear windshield wiper. A move up to the Odyssey EX brings with it power rear sliding doors, programmable keyless entry, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the EX-L offers a standard power tilt/slide moonroof and a power tailgate.
Near the top of the lineup is the 2013 Odyssey Touring model, which is home to heated turn signal mirrors with memory and an automatic tilt-down function that's activated when the minivan is shifted into reverse. Fog lights are also included, as are 18-inch alloy wheels and front and rear park-assist sensors. The most luxurious Odyssey, the Touring Elite, adds standard HID headlights.
Interior Features
For 2013, the Odyssey LX has been upgraded with a rearview camera, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-inch high-definition display screen that can be controlled via voice commands or a large dial on the instrument panel. These items come in addition to a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a 229-watt sound system with 2 GB of disk space for stored CD tracks. Seating accommodations include front seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver, second-row captain's chairs that slide slightly sideways for added convenience, and a 3-passenger, 60/40 split-folding third-row seat that transforms into a float load floor with the simple pull of a strap. With the second-row seats removed and the third row stowed, the 2013 Honda Odyssey's cargo area encompasses 148.5 cubic feet.
The Odyssey EX builds on the LX's foundation by adding tri-zone climate control, universal garage door opener, removable front console, exterior temperature gauge, wide-angle conversation mirror, second-row sunshades, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment, and a 3-passenger second-row seat. From there, the Odyssey EX-L introduces leather upholstery to the list of standard features, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio service, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats with 4-way power adjustment for the passenger, and a cooler located below the instrument panel that can chill 4 20-oz. bottles.
At the top of the 2013 Honda Odyssey lineup are the Touring and Touring Elite trim levels, which move further upscale courtesy of a touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system, rear DVD entertainment system, additional sunshades for the third row, 2-position memory for the driver's seat, 115-volt rear power outlet, and a 246-watt sound system including 15 GB for music storage. The Touring Elite goes a couple steps further with a 650-watt surround-sound system and an upgraded rear entertainment setup featuring a 16.2-inch wide screen and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI).
Optional Features
There are no unique option packages available for the 2013 Honda Odyssey, though buyers of the EX-L can pay extra to have their van equipped with navigation or the basic rear entertainment system.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Honda Odyssey minivan is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 248 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, and features cylinder-deactivation technology engineered to maximize fuel efficiency in low-load situations. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on LX, EX and EX-L trims, while a 6-speed automatic is fitted to Touring and Touring Elite variants.
When equipped with an optional trailering package, the 2013 Odyssey can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Honda Odyssey are:
- Odyssey with 5-speed automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Odyssey with 6-speed automatic transmission: 19/28/22 mpg
Safety
Honda has equipped the 2013 Odyssey with a host of safety-related features including 6 air bags (including head curtain air bags for all three rows), traction control, front active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. A rearview camera is now standard across the lineup, but a blind-spot monitoring system is reserved exclusively for the top-of-the-line Odyssey Touring Elite.
In government crash tests, the 2013 Honda Odyssey received an overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Odyssey received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection; the Odyssey also received a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Institute.
