New 2012 Honda Odyssey

Redesigned last year, the 2012 Honda Odyssey with its potent mix of fuel efficiency and interior refinement remains one of the best minivan options out there.

The Odyssey features some of the more unique styling to be found in this normally stoic segment. Its beltline, the line right below the windows that run up and down the sides of the Odyssey, isn’t straight like it is on most cars but instead sharply drops off when you get to the rear windows. Honda says this is to improve third-row visibility, but it also gives the Odyssey a defining visual characteristic.

Under the hood lies a 248-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 which produces 250 pounds-feet of torque and is the only engine option. The Odyssey’s V-6 also features cylinder deactivation technology, which improves fuel economy by shutting down cylinders when they’re not needed.

Fuel efficiency ratings come in at 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Touring Elite trims get an upgraded six-speed automatic, which increases each of those figures by one respectively. These figures mean the Odyssey features better fuel economy than competitors like the Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest, and Chrysler Town & Country.

Inside, the 2012 Odyssey offers a flexible, refined interior with seating for seven or eight passengers. On all trims but the LX, the second row features a flexible second seat that can be installed when needed that folds down to make a center armrest and is also very convenient for young children, as it features LATCH anchor mounts and can slide forward almost six-inches so parents can keep children closer. The Odyssey offers 38.4 cubic feet or cargo space behind the third-row and a cavernous 148.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-rows removed.

Standard features include a power driver’s seat, air conditioning, power windows and locks, auxiliary audio input jack, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.