After enjoying success with its executive suite on wheels, the Honda Odyssey (see launch story here and test drive story here), Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding a new variant only this time, it’s catering more to the family-oriented set.

A year after the launch of the Japan-made Odyssey, HCPI is adding an 8-seater variant to the model range.

Outside, the Odyssey EX 8-seater is distinguished by its different grille and bumpers (both front and rear). It also makes do without the LED headlights and front fog lights. The spiffy 17-inch alloy wheels are also replaced by more pedestrian looking 16-inch ones.


Inside, the 8-seater Odyssey swaps its leather seats for fabric ones. The second row Captain’s Seats are also exchanged for a 3-passenger 60/40 split-folding bench. Behind that, it retains the third-row Magic Seats that fold the seats into the floor creating a truly flat loading space. The third row also features a split reclining structure allowing passengers to individually fold or recline their seats to their preferred angle.

When not being used as a family vehicle, the Odyssey EX 8-seater can hold a sizeable amount of cargo not only because of the said Magic Seats. Set to seat 6, where the center seats on the second and third rows are folded, it can accommodate long items with ease.

In terms of technology and convenience, the Odyssey EX 8-seater retains the same instrument cluster with multi-function display, 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free telephony, steering wheel controls, and a touch screen automatic climate control system.


Mechanically, the Odyssey EX 8-seater shares the same powertrain with its luxury-oriented sibling. It uses a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Earth Dreams technology (175 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm) mated to an Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. It also retains the idle start/stop system along with a cold-storage evaporator to keep occupants comfortable during an idle stop.

Safety-wise,  it’s truly built for the family with a full array of 6 airbags, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist , Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Emergency Signal Stop (ESS), and a multi-view reverse camera.

The Honda Odyssey EX 8-seater retails for P 1,948,000 and comes in four colors: White Orchid Pearl (additional P 20,000), Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Super Platinum Metallic. For those wanting a bit more luxury, the 7-seater Odyssey EX-V Navi is still available for the same P 2,368,000 price tag.