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With petrol costs rising to a point where you pause to think if you should drive or walk to the shops there’ll be a big shift to more fuel economical cars! Yet Families are not quite downsizing just yet we still want a large car to comfrotably and safely carry all that we desire. Although SUVs are still the choice for many, their pricing and space efficiency have overlapped with the MPVs formerly call vans! The latest MPVs are no longer based on commercial vehicles except for the very oldest models and are now largely purpose designed models. They also happen to be global models and very popular in some countries. So we decided to look at the best SUVs and the best MPVs in the same price range over the next few months and have come up with the following comparisons!
Welcome to the old Honda Odyssey an the all new Odyssey comparison. Ok we can’t help but say we have always been impressed with the Odyssey – it is a very clever design that is also amazingly well made and looks good inside and out. The latest model returns the car to ‘van’ like design of the late 1990’s version, skipping the last and sleekest generation of 2013. We regarded the superceeded model more of a wagon than an MPV…
The Honda Odyssey otherwise known as the Absolute in Japan was Honda’s first model to address the large market for this type of car. Toyota already had lovely Alphard and Mitsubuishi had the Grandis and Nissan still has the Elgrand and Mazda had the model called the MPV. Of course Mitsubishi and Mazda models fell of the grid in most parts of the world. The market was taken over by SUVs and smaller wagons and estates model. All MPV models have long life spans due to smaller production run and limited appeal and have incremental upgrades to keep them relevant.
Since there are 2 versions of the Odyssey we should be thankful that we have access to the latest JDM Honda Odyssey version (Japanese Domestic Market) which is much more preferable to the bloated US version. The Odyssey is considered as a stylish, ‘right’ size and good value for money package.
2013 Honda Odyssey Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey exterior: The old Odyssey was sleek and very good looking car/MPV but it was more like a wagon. The New Odyssey is more van like but it still looks good. We prefer the old one in this regard but the change of style to suit a larger interior is justified in the new model and it does look quite nice and certainly better than any other MPV at the moment.
2013 Honda Odyssey Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey interior: The Odyssey has always had the high quality Japanese style interior. The last version was up there with luxury cars and in many respects more impressive. The new Odyssey continues that standard but is a more practical design it also has much more space and seating configurations than the old model and any other current MPV or SUV on sale to date. The ‘Lazy-boy’ style chairs that can more forward backwards and sideways are brilliant. Quality of materials are as good any traditional luxury car. In the end prefer the older models design but like the new models to date interior features.
2013 Honda Odyssey Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey engine and technology: The only problem with the new Odyssey is the merely adequate engine and a slightly modified carry over. With only a 2.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine and the weight it will struggle loaded but most of the time is will be quite a decent drive. Power deficit is supposedly over come by the CVT with fixed ratios – so why not 7 or 8 proper gears? it’s supposed to be more fuel efficient too. Apart from that safety and entertainment equipment, like the touch screens, it is much improved from the last model. By assumption the same engine in the older Odyssey is still a decent choice.
2013 Honda Odyssey Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey road test: N/A new one – We thought the old one was good.
The Honda Odyssey is serious value for money compared to other MPVs like the ugly Kia Carnival, still good looking but overpriced Toyota Tarago the only two models we see around. The Odyssey represents real ‘luxury’ MPV in the class. The quality of materials easily exceeds all competitors in this class and even the small SUV class! The new Odyssey is different from the old one but lives up to what the badge is all about.
| Honda Odyssey |
New Honda Odyssey |
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| Engines | |
| K24Z IL4 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 2.4 Litre (2354cc) Claimed 132Kw @ 6500RPM Claimed 218Nm @ 4500RPM |
K24W IL4 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 2.4 Litre (2356cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 225Nm @ 4000RPM |
| Weight | |
| From 1700Kg Towing capacity up to 1000kg |
From 1819Kg Towing capacity up to 1000kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 60 litres IL4 Petrol 8.9 litres per 100km |
55 litres IL4 Petrol 7.6 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1545/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4810/2830 NCAP safety rating 5/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size: 215-55-17 |
7 speed CVT Overall height/width 1695/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4840/2900 NCAP safety rating 5/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size:215-55-17 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| – | – |
| Pricing | |
| 2013 $35,100 – 42,920 AUD | 2014 $38,990 – 47,620 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |