When you're looking at a family hauler like the Honda Odyssey, the "Touring" and "Touring Elite" trims often come up. It's natural to wonder what sets them apart, especially when you're aiming for that perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury for those long road trips or even just the daily school run.
Let's dive in, shall we? Both trims are built on the same solid foundation, offering that spacious, family-friendly interior that the Odyssey is known for. You're getting the versatile Magic Slide® 2nd-row seats, which are a game-changer for accessing the third row and configuring your cabin space. Plus, the leather-trimmed interior is standard on both, giving everyone a premium feel. And who doesn't appreciate a wireless phone charger to keep everyone's devices juiced up without a tangle of cords?
Now, where do the distinctions really start to show? It's often in the finer details, the little extras that elevate the experience. For instance, while both trims come with advanced safety features and the general comfort you'd expect, the Touring Elite tends to be the one that pushes the envelope a bit further.
One of the most noticeable upgrades on the Elite is the hands-free access power tailgate. While the standard power tailgate on the Touring is already a great convenience, the hands-free version on the Elite means you can open it up with just a wave of your foot – incredibly handy when your hands are full of groceries or wrangling kids.
Then there's the cabin monitoring system. Both the Touring and Elite come with CabinTalk®, allowing you to communicate with your rear passengers through their headphones or the speakers. However, the Elite also boasts CabinWatch®. This feature is a real lifesaver for parents, letting you keep an eye on your passengers, even in low light conditions, via a camera feed displayed on the infotainment screen. It's like having a built-in nanny cam, offering peace of mind on the go.
Another subtle, yet appreciated, difference often lies in the steering wheel. The Touring Elite typically features a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. While the Touring offers a comfortable experience, that extra warmth on a chilly morning can be a small luxury that makes a big difference.
Exterior-wise, both trims look sharp with their modern designs and LED lighting. You'll find 19-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Sport-L and above, which includes the Touring and Elite, so you're getting a stylish stance regardless. The core functionality and aesthetic are very similar, focusing on that elegant yet practical family vehicle appeal.
Ultimately, the choice between the Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite often boils down to how much you value those premium, convenience-focused features. The Touring is exceptionally well-equipped for family life, offering a fantastic balance of features and value. The Touring Elite, on the other hand, takes that a step further, adding those extra touches of advanced technology and comfort that can make every journey feel a little more effortless and luxurious. It's about deciding which of those elevated experiences best fits your family's needs and your definition of a smooth ride.