2024 Honda Odyssey

Up front, the Odyssey is all about function. Everything is easy to see, easy to reach, and laid out in a way that just makes sense when you’re driving with kids. I love the physical climate controls, heated seats, and all the open storage — between the center console, cubbies, and cup holders, there’s a place for everything. It feels practical without feeling overwhelming, which is exactly what I want in a family car.

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This is where the Honda Odyssey really earns its reputation. When I review cars for families, I compare every second-row setup to the Odyssey — and there’s a reason for that. It’s not just flexible on paper. It actually works in real life, with real car seats, in all the messy seasons of parenting.

• Best-in-class second-row bench: All three seats work independently, each with their own lower anchors and tether anchors. That means you can do true three-across, stagger seats for third-row access, or adjust layouts without compromising safety or usability.
• Removable middle seat: This is a total game-changer. I can switch between an eight-seater and captain’s chairs depending on my season of life, and it’s ridiculously easy to remove — without sacrificing car seat compatibility.
• Magic Slide (and yes, it’s iconic): I can slide an outboard seat inward even with a rear-facing car seat installed. No uninstalling, no gymnastics. It solves one of the biggest pain points families have with three-row vehicles.
• Seat belts attached to the seat, not the ceiling: This matters more than people realize. Because the seat belt moves with the seat, the entire seat can slide even with a car seat installed — especially important since seat belts allow longer use than lower anchors.
• Car seat hardware everywhere you want it: Lower anchors and tether anchors throughout the second row, plus lower anchors on both outboard third-row seats and tether anchors across the back. That’s five sets of lower anchors and six tether anchors total — as good as it gets.
• Built for longevity: This setup grows with your family. Whether you’re rear-facing, forward-facing, doing three-across, or rotating kids in and out of the third row, the Odyssey keeps working instead of forcing compromises.

The Odyssey isn’t a hybrid, but what you give up in fuel efficiency you gain back in best-in-class car seat flexibility and family-friendly features you can’t get elsewhere.

This is where the Honda Odyssey really seals the deal for families. The trunk is deep, wide, and incredibly usable, which is exactly why minivans just work so well for real life. I can fit a full-size stroller back here with room to spare, plus groceries, bags, or sports gear, and it never feels like I’m playing trunk Tetris. The loading height is low and flat, so getting heavy items in and out is way easier than in a three-row SUV, and the extra hidden storage underneath is perfect for things like diapers, wipes, or anything you want tucked away but still accessible.

And then there’s tailgate mode, which is honestly one of those features you don’t realize you need until you have it. The third row flips around and turns the back of the Odyssey into a built-in sofa, which is perfect for soccer games, park days, trunk-or-treat, or just hanging out while kids play. It’s peak minivan energy in the best way, and it’s one of the reasons families fall in love with the Odyssey once they actually live with it.

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