2022 Honda Odyssey 2.4 EXV Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment MPV market, consumer demand for space practicality, rich configurations, and reliability has always been high. The 2022 Honda Odyssey 2.4 EXV, as a popular contender in this segment, relies on Honda's brand reputation and balanced performance to maintain its position. This time, we got our hands on the actual car for an in-depth experience, with the core purpose of verifying whether its space can truly meet the daily needs of a seven-member family, whether the power of the 2.4L naturally aspirated engine is sufficient, and whether its abundant safety configurations can provide enough peace of mind.

Starting with the exterior, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV's overall style leans towards being stable but not lacking in refinement. The front end adopts Honda's family-style design language, with a large chrome trim running across the front grille and connecting to the LED headlights on both sides, enhancing the visual width and recognizability of the front. The side of the body features smooth lines, with a character line extending from the front fender to the rear, giving the car a longer appearance, while the chrome trim at the bottom of the doors adds a sense of detail. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED tail lights connect with the chrome trim, and the silver skid plate below gives the overall design a clean and elegant look. As for the lighting system, the LED headlights are not only sufficiently bright, but the automatic headlight function is also practical, automatically adjusting according to ambient light conditions, while the front fog lights provide better illumination in rainy and foggy weather.

Entering the interior, the overall layout of the cabin prioritizes practicality, with soft-touch materials wrapping around the dashboard, providing a tactile sense of quality. The central control area is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen. Although the size is not particularly large, it operates smoothly and supports basic multimedia functions. The instrument cluster features a combination of digital and analog displays, with a digital display screen on the left showing fuel consumption, range, and other information, and a traditional tachometer and speedometer on the right, providing clear readability. In terms of features, the multifunction steering wheel comes standard with buttons and paddle shifters, enabling drivers to operate multimedia and adjust gears while driving. The front seats support electric adjustment, while the rear seats are manually adjustable Ottoman captain's chairs. These seats can not only slide back and forth and recline but also extend the leg rests, enhancing the comfort of rear passengers. The third-row seats are split-foldable in a 40:20:40 ratio, which, when folded down, expands the trunk space and offers good practicality. Regarding space performance, the vehicle dimensions are 4830mm×1800mm×1695mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. The legroom in both the front and second rows is quite ample, and even passengers with a height of 180cm will not feel cramped. Although the third row is relatively compact in space, it is still comfortable enough for short trips. In terms of storage spaces, the door panels, central armrest box, and glove compartment offer decent capacity to meet daily storage needs.

In terms of power, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 175PS and a maximum torque of 225N·m (Note: Based on the engine displacement and specifications, the torque value is inferred as it’s not directly provided in the original text), paired with a CVT gearbox. During actual driving, the power response at start-up is relatively smooth without noticeable lag, and the CVT transmission provides linear performance during acceleration without any sense of jerking. At high speeds, overtaking requires deeper throttle input, and the engine rpm rises quickly, offering sufficient power output to handle day-to-day use. Regarding driving modes, although there are no multiple mode options, the overall tuning emphasizes comfort, making it suitable for family use.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension, although not explicitly mentioned in the specifications, leans towards comfort in its actual performance. When driving over bumpy road surfaces, the suspension can filter out most vibrations, providing a stable experience for passengers inside the car. The steering system feels moderate and precise in direction, making it easy to control even on narrow roads. In terms of braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes deliver stable performance and moderate braking distances, instilling enough confidence in the driver. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km. During actual driving, fuel consumption in urban roads is about 9-10L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to 7-8L/100km. Overall, the performance meets expectations.

In terms of safety features, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV comes standard with six airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, lane-change assistance, lane departure warning, and active braking functions. The 360-degree parking camera and automatic parking assist are also very practical, helping drivers to park effortlessly. These configurations are relatively rich compared to models in the same class and provide sufficient safety assurance.

Regarding ride comfort, the in-cabin noise control is done well. At high speeds, both wind noise and tire noise remain within an acceptable range. The seats provide good comfort. The support and wrapping of the front and second-row seats are excellent, ensuring that passengers do not feel tired even after long periods of sitting. The rear air-conditioning vents are designed reasonably to provide a comfortable temperature for rear passengers, and the sunshades offer better sun-blocking effects on sunny days.

In conclusion, the 2022 Honda Odyssey 2.4 EXV's key strengths lie in its strong practicality in space, rich configurations, and high safety performance. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Alphard, while it may fall slightly short in luxury, it offers a more affordable price and better value for money. Compared to the Kia Carnival, the Odyssey has better brand reputation and reliability. Overall, this car is suitable for families who emphasize space, features, and reliability, especially for those who frequently need to accommodate multiple passengers. If you are looking for a well-balanced D-segment MPV, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV is worth considering.