2017 Honda Odyssey VTi she says, he says review

He: Seven-seat SUVs are all the rage these days for families, Dani. On the surface they offer the benefits of a people mover (carrying seven people) but without the stigma of driving a 'minivan'. But in reality most seven-seat SUVs are not big enough in the third row and boot to be used the majority of the time. Which is why people movers like the Honda Odyssey we're driving here still exist. So what were your first impressions?

She: Let's be honest Steve, people movers aren't the sexiest vehicles, nor are they head turners. They're designed to be practical. So I was perplexed when I attempted to put a baby seat in the second row but couldn't, because there were no ISOFIX latches  The only option was an anchorage point situated above the third-row, which truthfully felt substandard. So my Odyssey journey began with a slow take-off. What was your reaction?

He: You're right, it's not sexy. Which is more disappointing when you consider the old Odyssey was a much sleeker and more stylish machine. But when this model arrived in 2014 it went for a much boxier and upright look. The fact it is now three years old is part of the problem with ISOFIX, they only became legal in Australia after this car was launched and Honda has added them with this 2017 update. On the positive side the unsexy, boxier exterior means more space inside, which is the most important element of a people mover. What did you think of the cabin?

She: The interior is neat, though I wasn't sure what to make of the thick black carpet. It's bit kitsch but in a weird way also had a homey feel about it. It brought me back to the days when I was a kid. I found the touchscreen a bit temperamental and some better lighting in the front centre console would be good when looking for items at night. However, the electric sliding door was pretty cool. How was it for you on the road, Steve?

He: This was another big disappointment with the changing generation of Odyssey. Whereas the previous model was arguably the most dynamic people mover to drive, this one drives just like it looks - unsexy. The engine has modest power and with peak torque not arriving until 4000rpm it needs to be wound up to get going. And that means it can be noisy with the CVT auto droning on.

She: Yeah it's no racecar but it feels very capable and sturdy on the road. It takes corners well but I found the cabin to be a bit noisy. The paddle shifters didn't do much for me. I took several passengers for a spin and it didn't lose much power, which is a good thing. But you have to go over bumps very slowly, especially if there are adults in the back. My poor husband nudged his head on the roof a few times in the third row. Cruelly, I found it somewhat amusing. Needless to say, he wasn't impressed with me.

On a serious note, my rear vision was obstructed. This was because of the straps from the babyseat attached to that single anchorage point on the roof.

Also, having a child seat in the third row didn't feel safe for me. With less boot space, the impact of being hit from behind would be greater. So I had limited driving time with my daughter in it, which isn't ideal if this is being considered a family car. The Odyssey has the highest five star safety rating but the VTi doesn't have advanced safety features. That's only available in the top spec VTi-L.

He: My kids are a bit older and enjoyed the novelty value of sitting in the third row. I agree to your point about the top tether for the babyseat, I much prefer the type that have the anchor on the seat back. So that does limit its usefulness as a true family hauler if you have younger children.

But overall I think the cabin layout is good, there's decent room in both the second and third rows and still useful boot space when you're using all the seats. The boot is deep, even if it is a bit narrow.

She: If this is aimed at families too, then certain areas need a rethink or redesign. Inserting ISOFIX points in the second row is a must. Personally, I'd prefer that rather than paddle shifters. More standard safety features would also be beneficial. It would provide some added peace of mind when ferrying little ones and everyone.

He: The Odyssey certainly has appeal for those who need to carry six or seven on a regular basis. Personally though, I think the Kia Carnival does a better job in all areas. It is bigger and more spacious than the Honda and the driving dynamics are a step up too. And to be honest, I actually reckon it looks better too - even if it still isn't sexy.

2017 Honda Odyssey VTi pricing and specifications

Price: $37,610 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 129kW at 6200rpm

Torque: 225Nm at 4000rpm

Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.6L/100km

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