The 2020 Honda Odyssey, now in its fifth generation, is one of a few remaining minivans available to moms in the SUV-fixated U.S. market. It is also the top seller among its peers likely because its exterior styling is modern-ish and its spacious interior is full of innovations such as side-to-side sliding second row captain’s chairs, a rear camera system to spy on wayback passengers and a PA system to ensure they hear the driver’s instruction to stop messing around. Certain models also have a retractable vacuum in the rear cargo area.

Now in its fifth generation, the Odyessy is slated to get a mild facelift for the 2021 model year. Honda

The Odyssey is available in five trims, LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite. As expected, the Elite trim includes all the good stuff, from the aforementioned on-board vacuum system to a raucous 550-watt, 11-speaker, subwoofer-powered audio system, to the complete Honda Sensing safety suite. All the while, you’re whisked down the road in comfortable leather heated/cooled front seats, and the second-row pair slide both back and forth and side to side. Yes, the third row still requires manual wrangling, but when in use, eight full-sized people can sit back and relax with copious legroom and personal space. 

Regardless of trim, a slick-shifting 10-speed automatic sends the power from the 280-horsepower V6 to the front wheels, and the ride is supple but controlled. Overall, it’s much more like a car than a ponderous van. Mashing the accelerator actually results in rapidly increasing velocity, which is very welcome joining freeway traffic. Honda claims a zero to 60 time of about 7.5 seconds

Honda’s corporate design language is evident in the instrument panel and dashboard. Highly functional in most respects, the infotainment system can still be a bit confusing to operate. Honda

A wireless phone charger is available on the front of the forward pod. When it starts raining, the wipers jump into action along with the headlights. There’s not-so-great GPS on the 8-inch center touchscreen and a bright drop-down widescreen for in-car cinema. The CabinWatch in-van camera system and rear-seat PA system is a handy tool for tired parents on long road trips (or a short jaunt to the market).

Any parent will confirm a little screentime for the children on long trips can be beneficial for everyone. Honda

Did Honda miss anything with the latest Odyssey? An all-wheel-drive version or even a hybrid or electric option would be great, but for now age 25 looks pretty good on the Odyssey.