Honda showed off its latest and greatest family mover at the New York Auto Show this week.
The 2014 Odyssey offers occupants a safer ride thanks to a revised structure that helped it earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5-Star overall crash rating. It also achieved top honors in the IIHS’ new small-overlap frontal crash test.
To help avoid using those spiffy structural upgrades, the Odyssey offers Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror on the top trim level, the Touring Elite.
Perhaps the biggest news surrounding the Odyssey is the industry’s first built-in vacuum cleaner. Located in the left rear quarter panel in the cargo compartment, the so-called HondaVAC uses a canister-style system with an integrated hose that reaches throughout the cabin. It’s only designed for dry messes, but will most certainly come in handy when chauffeuring rug rats and their clumsy cousins.
Other improvements can be found with the slightly revised exterior styling and updated instrument panel. Features like an SMS texting function, keyless Smart Entry with push button start, HD Radio, and HondaLink with cloud-based content and mobile interfacing help keep front seat occupants entertained, while the optional theater package keeps second and third row passengers busy.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 2014 Odyssey goes on sale this summer.
