2018 Honda Odyssey updated with new safety techs and styling tweaks

Honda has announced a refreshed Odyssey people mover range, headlined by the introduction of Honda Sensing driver-assist technology on the range-topping Odyssey VTi-L.

Arriving January 2018, the updated Odyssey range boasts a number of exterior design changes, interior updates and NVH improvements, while the Odyssey VTi-L now also adds towing capability to its extensive list of standard equipment.

“The addition of Honda Sensing on the new Odyssey VTi-L represents another step in our plan to introduce the full suite of intelligent driver-assist features and active safety technologies right across the Honda vehicle range over the next few years,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins.

“So while it will take some time before the Honda Sensing system is standardised across all models and all grades, we are committed to supporting the safe and comfortable driving of our customers with Honda’s driver-assist technologies.”

Honda Sensing comprises a suite of driver-assist technologies providing warnings to the driver and, under certain conditions, aiding the driver in avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision.

Honda Sensing on the latest Odyssey VTi-L includes the following driver-assist features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

“With the introduction of Honda Sensing on the Odyssey VTi-L, it becomes the only model in the People Mover segment to offer Road Departure Mitigation technology, which alerts the driver if the vehicle is detected drifting out of its lane without a turn signal in use. It can also provide steering assistance to help you return to your lane or provide braking to help keep the vehicle from leaving the road entirely,” Mr. Collins said.

Visually, both Odyssey variants gain a number of exterior enhancements to mark the arrival of the refreshed 2018 Year Model (18YM) range. The entry-level Odyssey VTi has adopted the full Odyssey family-look, picking up the ‘aero’ front fascia design previously reserved for the top-of-the-range VTi-L, along with chrome surrounds for the new front fog lights.

Meanwhile the Odyssey VTi-L now showcases the latest evolution of Honda’s ‘solid wing face’ design, with a new aero package comprising redesigned front and rear bumpers, LED fog lights and a dark chrome finish on upper and lower grilles. The same dark chrome finish has also been applied to the door handles, while new design two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and revisions to the rear fascia, badge and tailgate applique set the new VTi-L apart from its predecessor.

Inside the VTi-L, the second row captain’s chairs are now fitted with larger, more luxurious headrests and additional seat-mounted storage compartments, while the driver will notice new trims on instrument panel and doors, new engine start/stop button and electric door mirrors that now retract on locking the vehicle.

Other developments for 2018 Odyssey range include improvements to NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), while the VTi-L now has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,000kg.

Two new paint colours have also been introduced as part of this model update on Odyssey, with Cobalt Blue Pearlescent and Platinum White Pearlescent replacing Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearlescent respectively. The new paint colours are available on both Odyssey variants.

2018 Honda Odyssey pricing (excluding on-roads)