Hi loves! So our family expanded last December and we welcomed our 3rd baby boy 🙂 Being a family of 5 it was time for a car upgrade so we went with the Honda Odyssey EX-L in color white pearl.
As a mom of 3 I will explain in details why I think Honda’s odyssey mini van is the best family car and even include my YouTube video down below for you to watch.
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Seats 8 passengers
Honda’s Odyssey EX-L mini van allows you to seat up to 8 people inside of your vehicle! All seats are leather-trimmed and recline as well.
This 8 passenger seating is a game changer for many with big families. I am one of those parents that loves to bring extended family members along with us on trips. Having extra seats to accommodate them is really great. The boys love it when they sit next to them.
3rd row seats
This mini van come with a 3rd row & you can seat up to 3 people in the back! I will say the middle seat is a bit tight for an adult so I suggest having a child sit there instead.
One of the many reasons why I really wanted a mini van was for this. I was tired of trying to change my son’s diaper inside of my 7-seat passenger SUV. It wasn’t spacious but instead stressful.
I personally hate changing him in the public bathrooms. However, this mini van is perfect! I have all the space in the back row (seats can recline even more than this) plus I’ve added a changing mat, baby wipes, and diapers at arms reach for when needed.
Magic slide 2nd-row seats
This is such a cool new feature. The magic slide allows you to move any of the captain seats on the 2nd row from left to right stopping at any time. Make sure you hear the “click.”
This features also allows you to completely remove the middle seat (awesome right!) and put captain seats side by side. Both of my young boys sit next to one another. This seating position allows my baby boy to be in the middle. It also gives extra space for my oldest to get into the 3rd row (see image)
It is spacious and he likes it. Sometimes the boys switch seats in order to sit next to the baby.
Furthermore, if it’s a longer car ride I distance both captain chairs apart (just enough to create a middle aisle) so my oldest has some extra leg room and to see him better. The possibilities are endless.
Captain chairs can also move forward and back allowing you to be closer to the carseat. I will say that I always keep my baby boy closer to us and not the sliding doors. I only move his captain seat (side to side) when I am taking out the carseat or attaching it back on.
Power sliding doors
This is by far the best feature for any parent of small children. The power sliding doors were the main reason why I really wanted to give a mini van a try. No more worrying about them accidentally hitting another vehicle when exiting the car, especially in tight parking spaces.
In addition, removing and putting a baby’s car seat is way easier too with the power sliding doors. By having the doors open side to side it provides a wider space for you and baby.
I also have to mention how convenient it is to drop off my children in the mornings. Pushing the sliding door button from the driver’s side allows them to exit the vehicle straight onto the sidewalk. Love it! I leave them right at the entrance of the school and watch them walk inside together.
They also include child-proof door locks if you were wondering.
Lots of cargo space
This is amazing for bringing along extra clothes, blankets, toys, bikes, groceries, etc. The cool thing about the Honda Odyssey mini van is that the 3rd row back seats (total of 3) can be easily stored away.
Once put away you get lots of space to load bigger items.
Power tailgate
The trunk can be opened and shut with a push of a button. You can do this from your key fob (remote keyless entry) or from the driver’s side. The honda odyssey mini van even allows you to adjust the height of the power tailgate making it easier for you to touch the Botton.
Moonroof
Need some extra sunlight and cool breeze no worries. This family mini van car includes one. One of my must haves when picking out our vehicle. We previously had a panoramic sunroof and I absolutely loved it! Perhaps in the future we will get one again but for now comfort over style 🙂
Backup camera
I cannot express how amazing this backup car camera is. It’s super helpful especially when parking bigger and heavier vehicles such as a mini van. I love their different angles providing you with a more precise view.
Extra features to enjoy
This 2023 Honda odyssey EX-L mini van comes with these extra features: push button start, remote starter entry, front-row bag hook, lockable glove compartment, cupholders in all rows, capless fuel filler, mirror with sunglasses holder, floor mats in all rows, front passengers adjustable seat-belt anchors, heated front seats, 7-speakers, both front seats with memory seat, LED fog lights, rear privacy glass, full LED headlights, 18 inch wheels, 10 speed automatic transmission, 280 hp V-6 engine, apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, 8inch touch screen, blind spot, cruise control, collision mitigation, child-proof door locks, rear seat reminder, 3 point seat belts at all seating positions, brake assist, lane departure warning and more.
Check out Honda’s website for the full complete list.
Extra features w/additional $ cost
We did not get these but you can pay for an additional cost to have heated steering wheel, CabinWatch/cabin talk, parking sensors, wireless phone charger.
I hope this blog post on the Honda Odyssey best family car in my opinion was helpful. Don’t forget to visit your nearest honda dealership to test drive one, they can help you further more.
Best of luck!