Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport, a minivan that's trying to inject a little excitement into the family hauler segment. If you're like me, the word "minivan" might conjure up images of soccer practice and snack spills, but Honda is aiming to change that with the Sport trim. So, let's get into whether this sporty minivan is actually worth your hard-earned cash. Is the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport a game-changer, or just a cosmetic upgrade? We'll explore its features, performance, interior, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right choice for your family.

What’s New with the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport?

The 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport isn't a complete redesign, but rather a new trim level that adds a touch of visual flair to the already popular minivan. Think of it as the Odyssey's attempt to appeal to those who want a family-friendly vehicle without sacrificing style. The most noticeable changes are the exterior styling elements. The Sport trim gets gloss-black accents on the grille, window trim, and rear taillight trim. It also boasts unique 19-inch gloss-black wheels that definitely give it a more aggressive stance. These visual tweaks definitely make the Odyssey stand out from the crowd, giving it a more modern and sleek appearance. These aesthetic enhancements are not just about looks; they subtly communicate a sense of refined athleticism, setting the Sport trim apart from its more traditional counterparts. Underneath the stylish exterior, the Odyssey Sport retains the same reliable powertrain as the other Odyssey trims. This means you get Honda's proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. While there are no performance upgrades, the Odyssey's existing engine provides ample power for everyday driving and long road trips. The decision to maintain the existing powertrain emphasizes Honda's focus on reliability and practicality, ensuring that the Sport trim delivers the same dependable performance that Odyssey owners have come to expect. The interior of the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport also receives some unique touches. You'll find black leather upholstery with red stitching, giving the cabin a sportier feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The second-row seats are just as comfortable, and they can be easily removed for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, even for adults. Overall, the interior of the Sport trim is a nice upgrade over the standard Odyssey, with a more premium and stylish feel. The red stitching provides a subtle yet effective contrast, enhancing the visual appeal of the cabin without compromising on comfort or functionality. These interior enhancements contribute to a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience, making the Sport trim a compelling option for those seeking a minivan with a touch of luxury.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport performs on the road. As I mentioned earlier, it's equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a lot for a vehicle of this size, but trust me, it's more than enough. The Odyssey accelerates smoothly and confidently, whether you're merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic. The 10-speed automatic transmission is also a gem, providing quick and seamless shifts. It always seems to be in the right gear, ensuring optimal power delivery. While the Odyssey Sport isn't going to win any drag races, it offers plenty of power for everyday driving situations. The V6 engine provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families who need a reliable and versatile vehicle. The engine's responsiveness is particularly noticeable in city driving, where quick acceleration is essential for navigating traffic. The Sport trim's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, preventing the cabin from feeling jarring. The steering is also nicely weighted, providing a good sense of control. The Odyssey handles surprisingly well for a minivan, with minimal body roll in corners. It's not exactly a sports car, but it's definitely more engaging to drive than some of its competitors. The combination of a comfortable ride and responsive handling makes the Sport trim a pleasure to drive, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip. The Sport trim also includes Honda's suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to keep you and your family safe on the road. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically if you don't react in time. These safety features provide added peace of mind, making the Odyssey Sport a safe and reliable choice for families. The integration of these advanced safety technologies underscores Honda's commitment to protecting its customers and enhancing the overall driving experience.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport, you'll immediately notice the black leather upholstery with red stitching. It's a subtle but effective touch that gives the cabin a more premium and sporty feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. They offer plenty of adjustability, so you can find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are just as comfortable, and they can be easily removed to create a massive cargo area. This is a great feature if you need to haul large items. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, even for adults. Unlike some other minivans, the Odyssey offers plenty of legroom and headroom in the third row. This makes it a comfortable choice for families with teenagers or adults who frequently ride in the back. The interior of the Sport trim is not only comfortable but also packed with technology. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can easily connect your smartphone. The Sport trim also includes a premium audio system, which sounds great. The sound quality is clear and crisp, making it a pleasure to listen to music or podcasts on the road. Other notable features include a rear entertainment system, which can keep the kids entertained on long trips, and a HondaVac, which is a built-in vacuum cleaner that makes it easy to clean up messes. The HondaVac is especially useful for families with young children who tend to make messes in the car. The overall design of the Odyssey Sport's interior prioritizes both comfort and convenience, making it a practical and enjoyable space for both drivers and passengers. The attention to detail, such as the red stitching and the user-friendly technology, elevates the overall driving experience and makes the Sport trim a standout choice in the minivan segment.

Is the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport worth the money? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're simply looking for the most affordable minivan on the market, then the Sport trim might not be the best choice. However, if you're willing to spend a little extra for a minivan that looks and feels more premium, then the Odyssey Sport is definitely worth considering. The gloss-black exterior accents and unique wheels give it a more stylish and aggressive appearance, while the black leather upholstery with red stitching adds a touch of luxury to the interior. The Sport trim also comes standard with a number of desirable features, such as a premium audio system and a rear entertainment system. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2023 Honda Odyssey Sport comes down to personal preference. If you value style and features over price, then the Sport trim is a great option. However, if you're on a tight budget, then you might be better off with a lower trim level. The Odyssey Sport strikes a balance between practicality and aesthetics, offering a compelling option for families who want a minivan that stands out from the crowd. Its combination of sporty styling, comfortable interior, and advanced features makes it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize both form and function. Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to test drive the Odyssey Sport and compare it to other minivans in its class. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and choose the minivan that best suits your lifestyle. Whether you opt for the Sport trim or another Odyssey model, you can be confident that you're getting a reliable and versatile vehicle that will serve your family well for years to come.