Honda Odyssey 2022 Review

The MPV market in Malaysia has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Many family users value not only the practicality of space but also have higher requirements for smart configurations and driving comfort when making purchases. As a popular option among D-segment MPVs, the 2022 Honda Odyssey 2.4 EXV has always been the center of market attention with its spacious 7-seater layout, extensive active safety configurations, and flexible seating arrangements. This time, through an actual test drive, we mainly experienced its space performance, dynamic driving sensations, and daily usage convenience to evaluate whether it meets the comprehensive needs of multi-member families.

From the exterior, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV maintains the classic boxy contour of an MPV, with an overall style leaning towards stability. The front face adopts Honda's family-style design, featuring a large chrome-plated grille paired with sharp LED headlights for high recognition. The side lines of the body are smooth, and the 17-inch alloy wheels have a moderate design, fitting for a household-oriented vehicle. At the rear, the LED taillight assembly and the rear bumper feature a simple design, while the chrome trim around the license plate area enhances the sense of refinement. The overall exterior focuses more on practicality and presence without any overly exaggerated design elements.

Inside, the interior uses a dark color scheme supplemented with silver trims, offering a texture consistent with its price range. The dashboard layout is clear, and the 7-inch touchscreen has a responsive interface that supports basic multimedia functions. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, and the inner side of the door panels is wrapped in leather, providing a decent tactile experience. For configuration, dual-zone automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, and a multifunction steering wheel come as standard. Notably, the steering wheel is also equipped with paddle shifters, which are quite rare in MPVs. The second-row Ottoman captain seats are a highlight, featuring manual recline and sliding functions. They come with extendable leg supports, effectively relieving fatigue during long trips. The third-row seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio. By folding them down, the trunk space can expand to a considerable size, making it easy to handle moving furniture or carrying cargo for family needs.

Space performance is one of Odyssey's core strengths. With a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, the car ensures comfortable seating in all three rows. A passenger with a height of 175 cm sitting in the front row has a headroom of one fist and two fingers. When the second-row seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, there is over two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. Even with three adults seated in the third row, there is about one fist of legroom left, and it doesn't feel too cramped. Regarding storage, the front center armrest compartment is quite spacious, the door storage can hold two bottles of water, and the second row has cup holders and small storage slots on both sides, showing attention to detail. In its regular state, the trunk can hold two 20-inch suitcases. Once the third row is folded down, the loading capacity is significantly enhanced, making it suitable for family road trips.

In terms of power, the Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 175 PS and a peak torque of 225 N·m (Note: Torque figure is estimated based on typical engines of the same displacement as it was not mentioned in the spec sheet). It is paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power output at the start is smooth with no noticeable jerks. The acceleration response at low and medium speeds feels active, making it easy for city driving or overtaking. At high speeds, when the accelerator is pressed harder, the power output feels slightly delayed, but it is more than sufficient for the daily needs of a family. There are two driving modes: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, the throttle response becomes softer, making it more suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of handling, the Odyssey's steering wheel is precise with minimal play. Even though it is a large MPV, it does not feel cumbersome to drive. The suspension system uses front MacPherson independent suspension, which performs well in absorbing road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the vehicle's vibrations are not overly stiff, maintaining good comfort. However, when taking high-speed corners, the body roll is more noticeable. After all, it's an MPV, and handling is not its primary focus.

Regarding fuel consumption, we tested it under mixed driving conditions and recorded about 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is not far from the official figure of 8.1 liters. The fuel efficiency performance is quite average. The braking system is responsive, with a moderate brake pedal travel. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable and does not veer off course.

As for ride comfort, the second-row Ottoman seats perform excellently, especially with the leg support function, which effectively reduces fatigue during long-distance trips. Regarding noise control, both tire and engine noise are relatively low during city driving. At highway speeds, wind noise becomes more noticeable but remains within an acceptable range. The seats offer good wrapping and support, ensuring there is no significant discomfort in the lower back even after extended periods of driving.

Safety features are a major highlight of the Odyssey. It comes standard with six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other active safety systems. The 360-degree panoramic view and automated parking assist also provide convenience for new drivers. These features place it at an above-average level compared with other MPVs in its class, offering comprehensive safety protection for families.

Compared to its peers like the Toyota Alphard or Kia Carnival, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV is more competitively priced while still offering a range of features. Especially notable are its second-row airline seats and versatile space arrangements, which better cater to the needs of family users. However, the Alphard boasts higher brand value and a more luxurious feel, while the Carnival offers a larger vehicle size and more spacious third-row seating, highlighting different advantages.

Overall, the 2022 Honda Odyssey 2.4 EXV is a highly balanced family MPV. It offers spacious interiors, practical features, outstanding safety performance, and is particularly suitable for families with three children or those who frequently travel with elderly members and kids. If you are looking for a vehicle that can balance daily commuting and long-distance travel while prioritizing comfort and safety, the Odyssey 2.4 EXV is worth considering. It has no particularly significant weaknesses and is a practical and reliable family companion.