What's New for the 2019 Honda Odyssey?

The Honda Odyssey has been America's most popular minivan for years in a row. And although the completely redesigned fifth-generation model of Honda's top-selling minivan was released only last year, the Japanese automaker has made some enhancements to the 2019 Honda Odyssey that have made this excellent automobile even better. The changes have resulted in improved performance, better technology and a roomier, more comfortable, family-friendlier feel. It all starts with the platform. The new Odyssey uses the same platform as the Honda Odyssey SUV and the Ridgeline pickup truck. There's also a new chassis and a new lightweight aluminum and magnesium frame that makes the vehicle more solid, yet lighter. Plus, the body of the 2019 Honda Odyssey is sleeker and more aerodynamic than the previous model. Its electric-powered double-pinion steering system reacts quicker and maneuvers better and easier. The Odyssey 3.5-liter V6 engine now has more horsepower, and it's paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission on the Elite and Touring trims and a 9-speed version on the other trims. Together they make the 2019 Odyssey among the best, most fun to drive minivans in the United States.

The exterior of Honda's 2019 Odyssey has several changes as well. The new Active Shutter Grille element is wider, more defined and has dual chrome louvers that extend around the lights in the front. It's flanked by headlights that are smaller and sleeker with LEDs in the middle of and around the lenses. The indicators and fog lights are also encircled with chrome. Plus, there's a new, more muscular hood with high haunches. It's more aerodynamically designed body has two distinct lines running through it. One shoots downward and inward from the headlight while the other wraps around the front wheel well along the lower body and around the rear wheel well. They give the vehicle a sporty, aggressive look. Inside the 2019 Odyssey, there have also been many upgrades. The cabin is spacious, quieter, has more cargo space and a new narrow center segment that formally held the gearshift and connects to the dashboard. The dashboard itself is smoother and curvier and perfectly designed for convenience. The gearshift has been replaced by a press-switch set-up below the infotainment display flanked by other control switches. It's a great layout that offers easy access to everything. Honda's new 'Magic Slide' system now lets the second-row captain's chairs slide forward and backward, and the center seat can be removed to create more cargo room. These are just a few of the changes on the 2019 Honda Odyssey.