Honda Odyssey Goes Dark for 2023
The Honda Odyssey is arguably not the most desirable minivan you can buy right now. It recently lost its segment-exclusive, built-in vacuum and still doesn’t offer all-wheel drive or a hybrid variant like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, both of which are ahead in terms of Canadian sales.
Speaking of sales, the Odyssey is currently neck and neck with the brand new Kia Carnival, a boldly styled minivan that wants to pass for an SUV. As we wait to see what the next chapter will be like, Honda is adding a new model with a little bit more character for 2023.
- Also: Three Good Reasons to Buy a Pre-Owned Honda Odyssey
- Also: Is a $6,000 Honda Odyssey with 400,000 km a Good Buy?
Called Sport in the U.S. and Black Edition in Canada, this darker-looking Odyssey gets the same treatment as similar versions of the CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline. The grille, headlight trim, fog light surrounds, door mirrors, B-pillar, C-pillar and taillight trim all feature a gloss-black finish. The rear spoiler and 19-inch wheels are also black, while darkened taillights complete the exterior look.
By the way, three body colours are available including Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl, the last one a first-time offering on the Odyssey.
Inside, black leather with sporty red contrast stitching covers the steering wheel along with the first- and second-row outboard seats. The roof pillars and headliner are also black, so you better not be claustrophobic despite the generous space. At night, the interior glows red with accent lighting on the dash, in the driver and passenger footwells, and in the front door handles and door pockets.
The Odyssey Black Edition is the new top-line model, slotting above the Touring. Highlights include acoustic glass for the windshield and side doors, hands-free power liftgate, heated/cooled front seats, navigation, rear-seat entertainment system, 11-speaker audio unit and Wi-Fi hot spot.
As is the case with every other Odyssey, the engine is a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 horsepower through a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the whole suite of Honda Sensing advanced safety features is included as standard.
The 2023 Honda Odyssey is now on sale at Canadian dealers with a base MSRP of $45,590. The Black Edition retails from $58,590, or nearly two grand above the Touring. Even for that kind of money, you still don’t get AWD, remember.