Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport, a minivan that's trying to inject a little excitement into the family-hauling game. If you're like me, the word "minivan" might conjure images of soccer practice and spilled juice boxes, but Honda is aiming to change that with the Odyssey Sport. Let's see if it hits the mark. We will cover everything from performance to interior and technology, and will help you decide if this is the right vehicle for your family.

What's New with the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport?

Let's kick things off by talking about what makes the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport stand out from the rest of the Odyssey lineup. This isn't a complete redesign, but rather a specific trim level that adds some visual flair and a few unique features. The main draws of the Sport trim are its blacked-out exterior accents, including the grille, headlight trim, taillight trim, and alloy wheels. It definitely gives the Odyssey a more aggressive and modern look, which is a welcome change in a segment not typically known for its style. Also, the black leather interior with red stitching gives it a sporty feel and a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from the other trims. These aesthetic upgrades give the minivan a sleek and modern appearance, differentiating it from other models. The Odyssey Sport includes features such as a power liftgate, Honda Sensing safety suite, and an 8-inch touchscreen display. These enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. The Honda Sensing suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, adding to the safety and convenience of the vehicle. Are these changes enough to make it a compelling option? Let's dig deeper.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. The 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport is powered by a familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is proven and reliable, offering adequate power for most driving situations. Acceleration is decent, and the Odyssey can merge onto the highway without any drama. In terms of handling, the Odyssey is surprisingly nimble for a minivan. The steering is responsive, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections. It's not going to set any track records, but it's definitely not a chore to drive. The ride quality is comfortable, making it suitable for long road trips. While it's no sports car, the Odyssey handles competently around turns. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The engine delivers ample power for city and highway driving, making it a reliable choice for various driving conditions. Overall, the Odyssey Sport offers a balanced driving experience that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The V6 engine provides enough power for daily commutes and family trips, while the refined suspension ensures a pleasant ride for all passengers. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Odyssey Sport delivers a composed and confident driving experience.

Interior and Comfort: A Family-Friendly Space?

The interior of the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport is where it really shines. As a minivan, it's designed with families in mind, and it offers a ton of space and practicality. The first two rows are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is best suited for kids or smaller adults, but it's still usable for short trips. The black leather seats with red stitching in the Sport trim look and feel great. The Magic Slide second-row seats are a standout feature, allowing you to easily reconfigure the seating arrangement to accommodate passengers and cargo. The seats can slide sideways, making it easier to access the third row or create more space between passengers. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and cupholders. The Odyssey also offers a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, which can keep the kids occupied on long drives. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone stays comfortable, regardless of where they're sitting. The cabin materials are of decent quality, although there are some hard plastics in certain areas. Overall, the interior of the Odyssey Sport is a comfortable and functional space that's well-suited for families. The spacious layout, versatile seating options, and thoughtful storage solutions make it a practical choice for daily use. The rear entertainment system and tri-zone climate control enhance the comfort and convenience for all passengers, ensuring a pleasant ride even on long journeys. The Honda Odyssey Sport is designed to provide a comfortable, practical, and enjoyable experience for families on the go.

Technology and Features: Staying Connected

In terms of technology, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. The system is relatively easy to use, but it's not the most modern or visually appealing interface. It does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which is a must-have for most buyers these days. The Odyssey also includes a range of safety features as part of the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Other available tech features include a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-angle rearview camera. The Odyssey also offers a CabinWatch feature, which allows you to monitor the rear passengers via a camera displayed on the touchscreen. CabinTalk is another useful feature, allowing you to speak to the rear passengers through the speakers. The available Wi-Fi hotspot ensures that everyone stays connected on the go. The technology features in the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport are designed to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment for all occupants. While the infotainment system may not be the most cutting-edge, it offers essential connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The comprehensive suite of safety technologies provides peace of mind, while the available entertainment and communication features make long journeys more enjoyable for families. The Honda Odyssey Sport aims to keep you connected, informed, and safe on the road, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Fuel Economy: How Thirsty Is It?

Let's face it, fuel economy isn't usually the top priority for minivan buyers, but it's still worth considering. The 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 22 mpg. These numbers are fairly typical for a minivan with a V6 engine. Your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you do a lot of city driving or have a heavy foot, you can expect to get lower mileage. However, if you do mostly highway driving and drive conservatively, you may be able to achieve the EPA-rated numbers or even slightly better. To maximize fuel efficiency, try to avoid excessive idling, accelerate smoothly, and maintain a steady speed. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing the oil, can also help to improve fuel economy. While the Honda Odyssey Sport may not be the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road, it offers reasonable gas mileage for its size and capabilities. The V6 engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. By adopting smart driving habits and keeping up with maintenance, you can optimize fuel consumption and save money at the pump. The Honda Odyssey Sport is designed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience without sacrificing too much in terms of fuel economy.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Money?

The 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport sits in the middle of the Odyssey lineup in terms of pricing. It's more expensive than the base LX trim but less expensive than the top-of-the-line Elite trim. The Sport trim adds some desirable features and a unique look, but it's up to you to decide if it's worth the extra cost. When considering the value of the Odyssey Sport, it's important to compare it to other minivans on the market. The Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica are all strong competitors in this segment. The Sienna offers standard hybrid powertrain and excellent fuel economy. The Carnival boasts a stylish design and a comfortable interior. The Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid variant and a luxurious interior. Ultimately, the best minivan for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as budget, features, fuel economy, and reliability when making your decision. The Honda Odyssey Sport offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and features, making it a worthwhile option for families seeking a versatile and reliable minivan. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it provides a good value proposition for those who appreciate its unique design and well-rounded performance. The Honda Odyssey Sport is a solid choice for families looking for a minivan that stands out from the crowd.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport?

So, should you buy the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport? It really depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a stylish and well-equipped minivan that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of space for your family, the Odyssey Sport is definitely worth considering. The blacked-out exterior accents give it a unique and modern look, while the spacious interior and versatile seating options make it a practical choice for daily use. However, if you're on a tight budget or prioritize fuel economy above all else, there may be better options out there. The Toyota Sienna, for example, offers a standard hybrid powertrain and excellent gas mileage. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Odyssey Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it fits your needs. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and priorities when making your decision. The Honda Odyssey Sport offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and features, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment. Whether you're hauling kids to soccer practice or embarking on a family road trip, the Odyssey Sport is designed to provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience. If you value style, comfort, and practicality in a minivan, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport is definitely worth a closer look. Thanks for reading, and I hope this review has been helpful!