In the world of minivans, the 2022 Honda Odyssey rules the roost. Sure, there are other family haulers worthy of consideration, such as the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2022 Toyota Sienna, not to mention the brand new 2022 Kia Carnival.
But we feel the Odyssey offers the best combination of practicality, comfort, features, and quality.
As the Odyssey received a major overhaul for the 2021 model year, there are virtually no changes this year, except for the discontinuation of the built-in vacuum cleaner due to a supplier issue. Cleaning up those spilled Cheerios will be a little less convenient.
2022 Honda Odyssey EX (starting at $35,490)
It’s worth spending the extra $3,400 over the base Odyssey LX trim to get the EX grade, which comes with several desirable features.
For starters, all Odyssey trims are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6, 280 horsepower engine, which drives the front wheels (all-wheel drive – AWD – is not available, unlike on the Sienna and Pacifica) through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 3,500 lbs for all trims.
Standard on all grades is a strong suite of safety features. These include forward-collision warning/braking, lane-departure warning/keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, rear-seat occupant alert, and adaptive cruise control. On the EX trim and above, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is added to the list.
The base LX trim comes with 18-in alloy wheels, LED headlights, power front seats, a 5.0-in center screen, and seating for seven passengers.
The EX trim adds tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, remote start, an 8-in center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, power-sliding rear doors, and a bench second-row seat that bumps seating capacity up to eight.
As such, we think the EX is the trim to choose for buyers looking for the best value proposition in the Odyssey lineup.
Adding in the $1,175 destination fee, the Odyssey EX sticker comes to $36,665. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $629. Find a Honda Odyssey EX for sale
2022 Honda Odyssey EX includes:
- 10-speed transmission — makes for smooth, refined progress
- Honda safety systems — plethora of airbags and driver aids are welcome for family users
- Power sliding rear doors — a must-have convenience feature
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility — hard to do without this feature
2022 Honda Odyssey EX-L ($38,760)
Climbing the trim ladder to the EX-L brings a few more frills, but not enough in our estimation to justify the expense.
One useful added standard feature is the power liftgate. The front seats are leather-trimmed, as are the outboard second-row seats, and the front passenger seat is 8-way power-adjustable, with 4-way power lumbar adjustment. A power/tilt sunroof is added, the second row gets USB ports, and the rearview mirror is auto-dimming.
If we stick with the same 60-month loan at 3% financing as used for the EX, an Odyssey EX-L would cost an extra $60 per month. Find a Honda Odyssey EX-L for sale
2022 Honda Odyssey EX-L includes:
- Power lifgate — good to have when struggling with an armful of groceries
- Power sunroof — nice to let the light in such a long cabin
- Second-row USB outlets — young passengers will be crabby without power for their devices
2022 Honda Odyssey Touring ($42,800)
For buyers looking for some luxury touches, the Odyssey Touring trim represents the best value.
The upgrades start with a move to 19-in wheels. There are USB ports and sunshades in the third row, an integrated navigation system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rear entertainment system that sports a 10.2-in screen, Blu-ray player, wireless headphones, and an HDMI interface.
To help parents keep an eye on unruly offspring, there is a rear cabin camera that displays a view on the dashboard touchscreen. A useful added safety feature is a set of parking sensors front and rear to warn of hidden obstacles.
One cool Touring trim feature is ambient cabin LED lighting in blue.
With destination fee included, the Touring trim will cost around $43,975, for a monthly payment of close to $755. Find a Honda Odyssey Touring for sale
2022 Honda Odyssey Touring includes:
- Wi-Fi hotspot — a great feature to get the kids to settle down
- Rear entertainment system — another tool for calming the kids
- Rear cabin camera — good for spotting troublemakers
2022 Honda Odyssey Elite ($47,820)
Layering on a series of nice-to-have but not essential features, the Elite trim tops out the Odyssey range.
Heated and cooled front seats are on the standard equipment list, as are a 550- watt premium audio system with 11 speakers, wireless phone charger, automatic windshield wipers, hands-free liftgate, heated steering wheel, and cabin intercom which pipes driver’s commands to the rear speakers.
On top of these items, the Elite boasts elaborate door mirrors that are power folding, auto-dimming with integrated turn indicators, and feature memory setting and reverse gear tilt-down.
The Odyssey Elite costs $48,995 including the destination fee, which works out at $841 a month in payments over 60 months, about $85 more than the Odyssey Touring. Find a Honda Odyssey Elite for sale
2022 Honda Odyssey Elite includes:
- Heated and cooled front seats — welcome when your road trip takes you to extreme climates
- Cabin intercom — useful for rear-seat occupant management
- Premium audio system — for when you need to drown out any ruckus from the rear cabin
