Why the New Honda Odyssey is the Family Car Everyone's Talking About!

I recently took the 2023 Honda New Odyssey for a round of golf.

Initially, I had planned to use this popular family car for a camping trip with my family, but due to rain, we had to cancel our plans. While I’m disappointed that I couldn’t share a travel review this time, let’s move on to the next topic...

Today, I will share the changes, specifications, and features of the 2023 HONDA NEW ODYSSEY, along with my experience using the roof tent.

First, let’s look at the specifications of the ODYSSEY.

Overall Length: 205.5 inches

Overall Width: 78.5 inches

Overall Height: 69.5 inches

Wheelbase: 118.1 inches

Front and Rear Track: 67.3 inches

Engine: V6 3.5L direct injection SOHC i-VTEC

Displacement: 211.9 cubic inches

Maximum Output: 284 hp at 6,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 26.7 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,608 lbs

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Drive Type: Front-wheel drive

Combined Fuel Economy: 21.1 mpg

City Fuel Economy: 18.2 mpg

Highway Fuel Economy: 26.4 mpg

This model, which seats up to eight, is a popular choice for families.

My spouse and I enjoy golfing, so we found the Odyssey appealing as it allows us to carpool with four people to the golf course.

With its spacious seating and cargo capacity compared to other models in its class, I recommend this vehicle for camping, road trips, or long-distance travel.

While there are popular domestic cars for families, if you want a unique design and a comfortable ride, the ODYSSEY could be your best choice.

This model comes equipped with a factory roof rail and a Thule four-person roof tent, making it ideal for outdoor activities with family.

Setting up the roof tent is very simple, and I will explain the details below.

This model features Honda Sensing technology, which earned it the IIHS's highest safety rating of 'TOP SAFETY PICK+'.

It boasts top-level safety performance, making it a reliable car for families who prioritize safety. Anyone who test drives it will likely feel that it’s a well-built vehicle.

Although it weighs 4,608 lbs, the 3.5L direct-injection i-VTEC engine delivers 284 hp and 36.2 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a smooth driving experience.

The adaptive cruise control and low-speed follow system enhance driving comfort, helping to reduce fatigue during weekend highway traffic.

Additionally, the auto high-beam system activates during late-night driving, maximizing the driver’s visibility without blinding oncoming traffic.

Driving on dark country roads often presents challenges due to oncoming drivers using high beams. However, Honda's Auto High Beam system considers all drivers, ensuring everyone's safety.

On this test drive, which involved a lot of nighttime driving, I appreciated the lane-keeping assist and collision mitigation braking systems, which provided various safety features for both the driver and passengers, allowing for a comfortable ride.

After a round of golf in Gangwon Province, I felt quite fatigued, but the numerous smart features helped alleviate my tiredness.

For those who enjoy camping, car camping, or leisure activities, the Odyssey's smart features will surely be beneficial.

The spacious interior is one of the greatest advantages of the 2023 Honda Odyssey.

Above all, the practical spatial efficiency, along with generous legroom, headroom, and storage space, truly impressed me.

Sitting in the driver's seat, I noticed that the interior design gives off a strong impression rather than a soft one, likely due to the high proportion of physical buttons.

Compared to recently released models, it leans more towards an analog feel than a digital one.

The design prioritizes the safety of all family members, with various driving assistance systems and convenient space utilization; however, the interior decor feels more analog compared to the smart systems.

My junior, who accompanied me to the golf course, mentioned that he liked the unique design.

While preferences for design vary among customers, the interior decor may elicit mixed feelings compared to the universally liked exterior design.

Among the four people who joined me for the golf round, three expressed their approval of the design.

However, I was slightly disappointed that the dashboard does not support the Korean language, but since it wasn’t incomprehensible English, I can let that slide.

The spatial efficiency compared to other models exceeded my expectations.

With this amount of space, not only can you carpool with four people to the golf course, but you can also comfortably take parents and children along for weekend trips.

This generous space and various conveniences make it a highly recommended family car.

The second-row captain seats now come with a folding feature, and the ability to detach the seats or utilize various seat variations enhances spatial utilization even further.

While driving, parents often worry about whether their children in the second row are safe and secure. By activating the cabin watch feature, you can check the situation in the second and third-row seating areas through the monitor.

Additionally, the cabin talk feature allows the driver's voice to be transmitted through a microphone to the speakers and headphones in the second and third rows.

The voice transmitted through the speakers and headphones is especially a feature that young children will love.

If you’re looking for a family car for trips, I recommend the Thule roof tent.

The HONDA NEW ODYSSEY I test drove came equipped with a Thule roof tent.

Unfortunately, heavy rain forced us to cancel our outdoor camping plans, but as an automotive blogger, I decided to set up the Thule roof tent in a park parking lot.

I was initially worried since I had never set it up before, but it turned out to be much easier than I expected.

I guess this simplicity is why so many outdoor enthusiasts choose to equip their vehicles with roof tents.

First, I removed the Thule roof tent cover.

Next, I found the zipper and just needed to turn it; even shorter individuals can easily remove the cover by using a small ladder in the trunk.

After removing the cover, I could simply store it back in the trunk, eliminating any worries about losing it.

Once the cover is off, you can find a ladder on the upper part.

First, extend the ladder and secure it, then pull it down gently, and the tent will start to unfold.

This was the most exciting part for me, especially since it was my first attempt.

As you pull the ladder, the tent unfolds easily.

Then, secure the bottom of the ladder to the ground so that people can climb up to the tent, and roll up the entrance part of the tent to create an opening.

I completed the tent setup in less than 10 minutes, even as a first-timer! Of course, there’s a manual, so just take your time to follow it.

Was it really this easy to set up a tent?

With this ease, I think it would be great to set it up in a Han River parking lot for car camping.

With a 2023 Honda Odyssey, I can see myself looking for camping or car camping spots every day.

The spaciousness also makes it enticing to go on trips with family or loved ones.

The launch of the 2023 Honda New Odyssey has led to an increasing number of people choosing it as a family car.

Not only does it offer ample space compared to other models in its class, but it also features advanced safety and convenience systems, including a Thule roof tent that can be mounted on the factory roof rails.

With its various attractions, it’s worth considering for family use or outdoor activities.

This concludes today’s test drive review. If given the chance, I will share my experience of car camping or camping in good weather next time.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.