Minivans aren’t the most exciting vehicles. Designed for safely hauling families, they focus on straightforward function rather than curb appeal. While that’s good for getting from point A to point B, it isn’t much fun.

On the other hand, SUVs have strong style and off-road capability, making them an amusing ride no matter the trip. And consumers like that, making sport utility vehicles a highly popular pick.

But the Honda Odyssey is so good, it actually outsells several SUVs. The Honda’s polished engineering and useful design give families indispensable utility, for comfortable travels near and far. Let’s take a look at the 2023 Honda Odyssey and the features that make it so good.

2023 Honda Odyssey: a sales success

The Honda Odyssey is a strong seller in 2023. Not only is it the most popular minivan, but it also outpaces SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent. That’s significant.

Here’s the latest 2023 data from GoodCarBadCar:

• Honda Odyssey: 34,227

• Hyundai Palisade: 33,574

• Subaru Ascent: 27,252

Driving on streets and highways, SUVs are everywhere. With their raised suspension and rugged good looks, sport utilities look cool and offer versatile performance. It’s no wonder they sell so well.

But the Odyssey’s everyday usability makes it the ideal tool for families on the go. While the Honda’s sheet metal might not measure up to a brawny SUV’s, its reliable powertrain and innovative seating make up the difference.

And with Honda’s reputation for building vehicles that go the distance, the Honda Odyssey is an ideal pick for dependable transportation. Mile after mile, year after year, drivers can count on this well-rounded minivan.

2023 Honda Odyssey: features, specs, pricing

The 2023 Honda Odyssey starts at $38,335. For what you get, that’s a reasonable MSRP. And it’s packed with useful features for active families.

Under the hood, Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter DOHC V6 cranks out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That gives plenty of off-the-line grunt and solid fuel economy of 19/22/28 city/highway/combined.

Car and Driver praised the Odyssey’s driving dynamics. While it didn’t exhibit sports car roadholding or ultra-direct steering, it did handle everyday duties with agility and comfort.

Central to the Honda minivan’s utility are its second-row Magic Slide seats. They can move side to side and front to back, offering multiple configurations depending on the situation. That further enhances one of the roomiest minivans on the market.

And safety is essential when driving to sports practice or on a weekend vacation. With a 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Honda Odyssey is among the safest vehicles on the road. Add in Honda’s Sensing driver’s assistance technology, and you’ve got a minivan that offers peerless security.

Those are just some of the Odyssey’s class-leading features.

Why minivans make sense for today’s families

From the outside, minivans look boring. With styling driven by seating and cargo space, they’re closer to a school bus than a sports car. But when it comes to hauling people and gear, a minivan is hard to beat.

And that’s essential for busy families. Unlike an SUV—with high ground clearance, a bumpy ride, and substandard MPGs—the Honda Odyssey makes daily trips easy and efficient.

If buyers can overlook minivans’ lack of excitement—and instead focus on seating, fuel efficiency, and convenience—they’ll get a vehicle ideally suited for family transportation. And for active families, that’s a big positive.