Honda Odyssey – Top alternatives

Honda Odyssey – Top alternatives

Full-size premium MPVs (or Multi Purpose Vehicles) are primarily designed to cater to families that require the best possible interior space, without having to compromise on features and amenities - something the Honda Odyssey is adept at. Honda introduced the Odyssey in Malaysia for the first time back in2013, and it wasn’t long before it found its customer base. Nowadays, seven-seater MPVs such as the Odyssey have to compete with SUVs which offer the same number of seats, but without having to haul around the tag of being a people carrier. However, most SUVs (even full-size ones) simply can’t match a large MPV’s sheer versatility and usable interior space -- and that’s where ones like the Honda Odyssey score.

Honda Odyssey exterior

In 2018, the Japanese automaker launched the facelifted Odyssey. The newer incarnation came with several improvements over its predecessor, and the Odyssey now came equipped with even more safety and convenience features than before. In Malaysia, there’s only one variant of the new Honda Odyssey: the RM 258,896 2.4L EXV. As its name suggests, the EXV variant of the new Honda Odyssey is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 173hp and 225Nm of torque. It spins the front wheels and comes mated to a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission), and is capable of decent performance -- 0-100 kmph comes up in around 11 seconds, while top speed is 197 kmph. While its fuel economy of 12.3 kmpl isn’t excellent, the interior material quality and fit-and-finish are easily impressive enough.

However, if you’re open to options, you ought to check out the following cars before signing on the dotted line.

Alternative 1 – Kia Grand Carnival

Kia Grand Carnival

Despite being quite a large vehicle, the Honda Odyssey is dwarfed by the even larger Kia Grand Carnival -- it’s longer, wider, taller, and boasts even more space between the axles, along with seating for up to eight people. And at RM 183,788, even the range-topping SX variant of the Grand Carnival is far more affordable than the Odyssey. Also, in typical Kia fashion, this goliath of an MPV is loaded to the gills with features and conveniences. There’s automatic HID projector headlamps, LED fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, smart tailgate, power-operated rear sliding doors, tri-zone climate control, power-operated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, all-round parking sensors with rearview camera, electric parking brake, wireless charging pad, twin headrest-mounted rear entertainment displays with Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 7-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2019 Kia Grand Carnival Dash

Under the bonnet, the Kia Grand Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, making 197hp and 440Nm of torque. This is pushed through a 6-speed automatic transmission and sent to the front wheels. In terms of performance, the Grand Carnival can go from nought to 100 kmph in 13.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 kmph. Though slightly slower than the Odyssey, the Kia makes up for it by averaging 12.9 kmpl - 0.6 kmpl better than the Honda. Its standard safety tech includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, hill assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

Alternative 2 – Ford S-Max

Ford S-Max

Coming in at RM 221,728, the Ford S-Max sits in between the Odyssey and Grand Carnival in terms of its price. The American MPV is slightly shorter than the Honda, though it’s wider and can seat seven people (albeit, not as comfortable as the other two). It’s the sportiest of the bunch though and is powered by a 2.0-litre four-popper EcoBoost petrol motor that delivers a healthy 236hp and 345Nm at the front wheels, managed by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Floor the S-Max, and you’ll hit 100 kmph in 8.4 seconds, while maximum velocity is 226 kmph. Of course, all that performance comes at a cost - the S-Max is only good for up to 11.2 kmpl.

Ford S-Max touchscreen

The Ford S-Max is also more fun to drive (relatively speaking) than the other MPVs here, though it isn’t as practical at carrying seven people and their luggage. However, it’s packed with features and comes with seven airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, roll stability control, lane departure warning, adaptive LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, all-round parking sensors, ambient lighting, dual-zone AC, shift paddles, power-operated front seats with massaging and heating and cooling functions, a nine-speaker Sony Premium sound system, and an 8-inch Ford SYNC2 touch-infotainment head unit.

Alternative 3 – Toyota Vellfire

Toyota Vellfire

Priced at RM 362,000, the Toyota Vellfire is the most expensive option on this list. For your extra dough, the Vellfire comes with a head-turning (albeit slightly controversial) exterior styling, the Toyota brand value, and one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins in the segment. The Vellfire’s cabin also boasts superb build quality, supple and supportive seats, and a well thought-out ergonomics, while the whole vehicle is bristling with features.

Toyota Vellfire 2019 dash

It gets adaptive LED headlamps, mood lighting, a wireless phone charger, power-sliding rear doors, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, power reclining front passenger and rear Ottomans, front & rear moonroof, second-row captain seats, full leather upholstery, smart rearview mirror with built-in wide-angle camera, a 7-inch touch-navigation display, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Toyota Vellfire uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that produces 177hp and 235Nm of torque, capable of pushing this two-tonne leviathan to 100 kmph in 11.3 seconds and on towards a top speed of 170 kmph.

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