Recently at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda debuted a hybrid version of the popular Odyssey minivan. While the model may not be available in the U.S. for a while, its mere presence is something to take note of. The idea of a hybrid minivan is pretty ingenious, considering that many families use them and often drive more than your average consumer - to school, work, soccer practices, play dates and so on.
The Odyssey Hybrid was well-received at the motor show and details about its inner workings gained the attention of journalists. Under the hood is a dual-motor Sport Hybrid i-MMD powertrain, while the interior of the minivan offers premium features and materials like micro-fiber accents on the dashboard.
Honda says the Odyssey Hybrid’s aim is to give families an outstanding combination of green performance and multi-passenger comfort, the latter of which is enhanced thanks to the gas-electric model’s increased cabin space. By placing the battery and Power Control Unit under the front row seat, Honda was able to open up cabin room, which should equate to even more comfort for passengers.
So far, sources are unsure if and when the Odyssey Hybrid will make it to the states, though it’s slotted for production in other select markets. We’re crossing our fingers that Honda will decide to bring the new model to the U.S. if it succeeds in other markets. For now, if you’re looking for a family minivan, you can check out current Odyssey models available at Delray Honda.
