Buying a minivan is a logical choice. It comes with many of the same amenities as SUVs, but it does a few things better. More specifically, the 2023 Honda Odyssey does everything better. As one of the best overall minivan models, it also outranks most SUV opponents in many ways. Here are three significant reasons to buy a 2023 Honda Odyssey minivan, not an SUV.

Is the 2023 Honda Odyssey a good minivan?

First, the 2023 Honda Odyssey is an excellent minivan. Many outlets have placed the new Odyssey at the top of the rankings in early reviews. Edmunds gave the Honda minivan an 8.1 out of 10 overall, making it one of the best. Highlights include configurable second-row seats, modern safety and tech features, and a strong V6 engine. Best of all, the base model EX starts at $38,635. Fortunately, the rest of the lineup isn’t too much more expensive.

2023 Honda Odyssey trim	Price
EX	$38,635
EX-L	$41,705
Sport	$42,505
Touring	$45,745
Elite	$50,765

1. The Odyssey uses a powerful V6 engine

First, every version of the 2023 Honda Odyssey uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Moreover, it produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This beats many other SUV models, especially those with three rows of seats. Not only do many provide a less powerful engine, but they’re less fuel-efficient. Despite the V6 engine, Honda’s minivan does surprisingly well on fuel. It has an EPA-estimated 22 combined mpg, which is on par or better than many seven or eight-seater SUVs.

2. A well-equipped EX base model

Next, unlike many SUVs, the base model comes well-equipped. Buyers of the most affordable Honda Odyssey EX get a wide variety of features. For example, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a rear-seat reminder system, heated mirrors, power-sliding rear doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, second-row sunshades, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a seven-speaker audio system.

In addition, many driver aids are standard to increase safety. Things like forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. All this equipment combined in the seven-seater is a spacious bargain at under $40K.

3. The 2023 Honda Odyssey Magic Seat

Exclusive to Honda’s minivan, the Magic Seat is a reason to buy the Odyssey. It allows you to position the second-row seats in a variety of different ways. This includes the perfect distance between kids if you’re separating them because they won’t stop fighting on a long trip. In addition, the third row completely falls into the floor to provide maximum cargo space you won’t find with many SUVs. The Honda Odyssey is an easy choice with such interior space and versatility.

Configuring your seating arrangement how you want does more than just move the seats. It provides plenty of space wherever you need it, whether that’s straight up the middle for a long piece of cargo or along the sides for something else.

Reasons to buy the 2023 Honda Odyssey minivan

In conclusion, there are a few different reasons the 2023 Honda Odyssey is a better buy than most SUVs. First, it has a powerful V6 engine that’s standard across the board for all trim levels. Next, it’s surprisingly well-equipped in its base model form and offers a lot of value for the price. Finally, the Magic Seat system provides owners with plenty of seating and cargo versatility that SUVs can’t match.