Advanced connected car tech, CarPlay, Android Auto, vac & safety in new Honda Odyssey

Honda’s new 2018 Odyssey minivan will have advanced connected car and entertainment features with new Display Audio, CabinWatch, CabinTalk & streaming video with 4G LTE Wi-Fi. It also features a new Rear Entertainment System with streaming video; and Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered standard on EX and above trims. HondaVac is also available to help keep the vehicle clean.

Mutiple Connected Features

In-vehicle connectivity is taken to a whole new “family connectivity” concept. Old-fashioned family connectivity – sometimes called a conversation – is made easier than ever with the quietest cabin in the class, and is augmented with a multitude of new connected-vehicle features and technologies, including:

The new Display Audio features a new Honda-developed operating system, more intuitive menus and customizable app tiles. The 8-inch high-resolution (720P) touchscreen interface serves as the nerve center for a multitude of new audio and telematics options, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, and adds a physical volume knob for improved usability.
System updates – users can download available updates to the Display Audio operating and rear entertainment system at their convenience via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB.

CabinWatch employs acamera and lets the driver and front passenger keep tabs on passengers both day and night via the 8-inch Display Audio screen.

CabinTalk enables the driver to talk to second -and third-row passengers though the second-and third-row speakers and rear entertainment system headphones.

The Connected Rear Entertainment System enables second- and third-row passengers to enjoy streaming video on the ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch WSVGA Rear Entertainment System, including PBS Kids, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more, through the available in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi or user’s cellphone data plan. A new “How Much Farther?” app lets passengers track the family’s trip progress.

CabinControl allows users to use a smart phone to control the rear entertainment system, rear cabin heat and air conditioning, and send destinations to the embedded Honda navigation system.

Parrt of CabinControl, the Social Playlist operates like a virtual jukebox, allowing up to eight family members to upload their music choices to the audio system via their smartphones.

Cabin quietness is enabled by new features and technologies including triple door seals, available acoustic front and side glass, and increased use of sound deadening materials under the floor, in the engine compartment and under the fenders, along with standard Active Sound Control technology.

Safety for the Family

All 2018 Odysseys in EX and above trims, expected to comprise about 95 percent of all Odyssey sales, will feature the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Combined with the Odyssey’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and advanced airbags, including new driver and front passenger knee airbags, the Odyssey targets the highest available safety ratings – an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

Additional Features and Technologies

Additional new standard and available features include LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated side mirrors and steering wheel, auto high-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot information (on all models with Honda Sensing), front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold, three-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, multi-zone audio, Sirius 2.0, Pandora compatibility, HD Radio, and Ho