Honda had a big day at the North American International Auto Show. The all-new 2017 Ridgeline was named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year, and then the 2018 Odyssey had its global debut at the North American International Auto Show!
This was a second NATOTY win for the Ridgeline, which was completely redesigned this year with a bevy of industry-exclusive features like “unibody construction, a Dual Action Tailgate, In-Bed Trunk, a scratch-and-dent-resistant composite truck bed and the world’s first Truck Bed Audi System.” These items coupled with the Ridgeline’s impressive 2017 Top Safety Pick+ safety rating from IIHS* (the only truck to get the distinction) gave this class-defying truck a push over the competition. Last year, the Civic took away top honors as the NACOTY, and both the Civic and the Ridgeline won back in 2006 as well.
The North American Truck/Car/SUV of the Year award is distributed by a group of over 50 automotive media members, but it is unique in that it is not tied to a specific organization or publication. Only vehicles that represent the best of the best in their respective categories are chosen, and the winner is picked based on design, safety performance, driver satisfaction, technological innovation and more.
The excitement continues with the global reveal of the new 2018 Honda Odyssey, which will be available this spring! According to Honda, the Odyssey has been the most popular minivan with individual American car buyers for the past seven years, and with these updates, it’s only going to be better.
Some of the key new features include:
- Versatile new Magic Slide second-row seat that can be adjusted to four separate modes
- CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies that allow the driver to stay connected to second and third-row passengers
- Display Audio touchscreen with a Honda-developed operating system and a physical volume knob
- In-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity that allows second and third-row passengers to stream videos to ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch WSVGA Rear Entertainment System
- Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies will be standard on EX and above trims
One of the first notable changes is the exterior design, which has been given a dose of modern styling and sporty feel. The Odyssey has adopted Honda’s signature flying wing front grille and available LED headlights. Other new items include an Active Shutter Grille that helps to improve fuel efficiency, LED taillights and an available hands-free power tailgate with foot activation.
Honda has brought a reinvented version of the Fit’s Magic Seats to allow for maximum passenger comfort and cargo-carrying capabilities when needed. The four separate modes include the following:
- Easy Access mode – remove the center seat to move the outboard seats laterally for easy access to the third row. The center seat can slide forward to put a child in the seat within reach of the front seat occupants.
- Super mode – similar to Easy Access with the driver’s seat set to walk-in position for maximum access to the third row.
- Wide mode – the two outboard seats are moved to their outer most position, which creates a walkthrough to the third row.
- Buddy mode – with the center seat removed, the outboard seats can be placed together in the center of the van to allow second row passengers to sit close together and be within reach of the front seat occupants.
These updates and more are going to push the Odyssey into a category of its own by providing unparalleled technology, safety and convenience features for families. To get more information on the 2018 Odyssey or the Ridgeline, click the links below.
*When equipped with available front crash prevention system and LED headlights.
Links: Ridgeline, Odyssey
