Twenty years ago, the roads were full of children fighting, backaches and a cargo space so full that it spills out like a jack-in-the-box when you open the trunk. Today’s minivans, like the 2025 Honda Odyssey, ease all of those road pains, though they might not realize it until you’re two hours into the car and the kids in the back row aren’t even looking.

Fortunately, Honda supplied the Odyssey Elite, the top-level version, for review. The $50,880 minivan was equipped with the Rear Entertainment System (also available on the Odyssey Touring ($46,610)) – a small price to pay to complain about the bare minimum.

The Odyssey system folds down from the roof and was connected to Wi-Fi and an Amazon Fire Stick in this vehicle. With this setup, the buyer can log into Amazon and enjoy any other apps that are commonly used at home, including Disney Plus and Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. The 12.8-inch display is one of the largest in its class, and the HDMI connector has been relocated to the inside of the console for easier access. It partially blocks the view through the rear window.

But this system isn’t the only reason the Odyssey (and minivans) are great for families. There is also a low load height of the large cargo area, which means that children can help pack the vehicle for the trip. In the rear cargo area, there is a deep compartment behind the third-row seats, which is enough for several cases of beer or a couple of bags.

There’s also more available power than you’d think in a family hauler. The 285-horsepower V6 has been around since the second-generation Honda Odyssey, meaning it’s perfectly dialed in with smoothness, proper shift points (and downshift points) from the ten-speed automatic transmission, and 28 miles per gallon (mpg) on ​​the expressway. if the driver keeps a light foot. When you’re overtaking, the van has no problem shifting down several gears at once to get as much power as you need.

The motivation of a smooth V6 with plenty of Honda power and driving dynamics. As a previous owner of a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Odyssey felt lighter and tighter than this model on the highways heading into northern Michigan.

The Honda Odyssey is front-wheel drive only, while both the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offer all-wheel drive for the harshest climates. However, even here in Michigan in the winter, the Odyssey will probably do just fine, as will our front-wheel-drive Pacifica.

For the 2025 model year, Honda did not change the dynamics of the car. The fifth-generation Honda Odyssey debuted in 2018 and has since received light updates including a new grille, redesigned front and rear fascias, and additional wheel and exterior color options. The refreshed front end features larger black fog lamp bezels, and the redesigned rear bumper features elements from the second-generation Acura NSX.

Slipping into the buyers’ seats, I realized how easy it was to get into the Odyssey compared to SUVs, many of which are now lifted for off-road use. The hip point here is perfect for the average (5’10”) person. Like many minivans, the front captain’s chairs have individual and adjustable armrests for comfortable travel depending on what you want to hold while driving, along with heating and cooling in this Elite. adjustable in multiple directions so it’s easy to find a comfortable position where I can have an impressive view of the road while still being comfortable.

Other new features include an easy-to-read, 7-inch digital instrument display with a digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. It also shows the status of the Honda Sensing safety settings, which was a good way for me to know when the adaptive cruise was activated and what it was seeing.

This screen is flanked by a new, larger 9-inch color infotainment touchscreen that has a faster processor than the screen it replaces. Honda has helpfully placed a small shelf under the screen that you can lean against while trying to hit the right icon.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and a wireless phone charger and multiple USB-C ports are standard.

The space between the second-row captain’s chairs is a boon, keeping kids almost at arm’s length, as is the interior rearview mirror and Cabin Watch system, which displays video of the rear passenger compartment even at night. The children opened and closed their doors using buttons.

In addition, the tri-zone air conditioning ensured that I could be warm, my wife could be comfortably at a lower temperature, and the children could be freezing at the same time.

The 2025 Odyssey comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety package including emergency braking, lane keeping, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. There are currently no hands-free driver assistance systems in minivans like GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s Blue Cruise, which seems like an oversight since they’re all excellent vehicles for hands-free, hands-free driving makes long journeys more comfortable.

The three main players in the minivan game are the Odyssey, which starts at $41,920 before destination and handling, the Pacifica ($44,145) and the Sienna ($39,185). The interior of the Pacifica feels the most luxurious, but both the Sienna and the Odyssey have better handling.

The Honda’s infotainment system worked flawlessly, while the Sienna is by far the most efficient with just the hybrid powertrain, delivering 36 mpg in both city and highway driving.

Toyota Sienna in terms of price and efficiency is the best solution; The Odyssey is the best to drive and the Pacifica is still the warmest/coziest. All are loaded with easy and convenient features like flip and fold seats, but if driving dynamics are part of the equation, a Honda dealership should be the first stop not just for families, but for anyone who needs a huge amount of utility in a smartly sized vehicle.