2018 Honda Odyssey release date, specs news: Fifth-gen minivan with innovative features to debut at NAIAS 2017

Georgia Gana Wednesday, December 28, 2016

A teaser image for the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The fifth-generation minivan will be introduced in January 2017. | Honda

Honda has announced that the 2018 Odyssey will make its global debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2017. The automobile manufacturer has released teaser scribbles to tease the fifth-generation minivan's arrival.

The 2018 Odyssey will feature a completely overhauled design and new powertrain technology. The new minivan also continues to be an ideal vehicle for families as it will come with a new suite of innovative features and sophisticated styling. While specific details have yet to be unveiled, Honda's latest vehicles have seen the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The automaker has also added the HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum cleaner, which will definitely be of good use for a minivan with young passengers.

Based on the teaser image, the 2018 Odyssey also features a sleek design with a "lightning bolt" window line. Some of the design elements from the current minivan, like the D-pillar and taillights, appear to have been retained. Interestingly, Honda also released teaser scribbles of the upcoming vehicle created by the children of the Odyssey Development Team. While the drawings have futuristic components that are hard to translate in real life, they are able to put across the bold and youthful design of the fifth-generation minivan.

According to Automotive News, the new Odyssey will be built using Honda's light-truck platform architecture which underpins the current Pilot sports utility vehicle (SUV). It could also possibly use the crossover's 3.5-liter V6 engine. While the current Odyssey models are only available as front-wheel drive only, the next-generation minivan could come with an all-wheel drive system.

Honda has yet to announce pricing and availability but the 2018 Odyssey is expected to arrive at dealerships in summer 2017. More information will be announced during Honda's NAIAS press conference scheduled for Jan. 9, 2017 at 12 p.m. EST. The NAIAS will be held in Detroit, Michigan from Jan. 9 to 22, 2017.