We could argue about the increasing popularity of three-row SUVs and how they took over a big part of the minivan market but there is still a good number of drivers who prefer the superior practicality of models like the Honda Odyssey. The current generation has been around for a while and while it’s not as popular as it used to be, it still marks decent sales numbers, though lower compared to key rivals like Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica. That’s why the Japanese manufacturer is considering updates and upgrades that would increase the demand for this great minivan. One of the moves, according to the rumors, could be the addition of the 2023 Honda Odyssey Type R, which would make the Odyssey a performance car.
At this point, the officials are still quiet, so the actual chance to see such a model isn’t big. Still, if the company is willing to try this experiment, we are pretty sure we know what to expect from it. Of course, one of the key upgrades would be under the hood, with a more powerful engine. Furthermore, we would expect to see various chassis and visual upgrades, along with some exclusive details on the inside.
2023 Honda Odyssey Type R Engine
When we talk about something with a “Type R” moniker, the first thing that comes to mind is the engine. Therefore, we will start with powertrain predictions. The base Odyssey features a good-old 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. While that’s plenty of power for a minivan, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Type R would come with something even more capable. We presume that could be a turbocharged V6, the one that could be found under the hood of the Acura MDX.
That SUV features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which puts out around 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, which would be a notable power upgrade over the standard unit. Along with it, we would also expect to see a new 10-speed automatic transmission, while some sources also speculate about Honda’s well-known SH-AWD system.
2023 Honda Odyssey Type R Design
Of course, upgrades wouldn’t be just under the hood. The 2023 Honda Odyssey Type R would also come with an upgraded chassis, which would probably include some reinforcement. Furthermore, we also count on some suspension tuning, with a sportier and stiffer setup, which would improve handling, reduce body lean and make this minivan more athletic.
Besides mechanical upgrades, we would also expect to see some styling enhancements. Of course, this primarily refers to the new body kit, which would include more aggressive bumpers, a rear spoiler and similar things. We would also expect to see bigger wheels, with lower-profile tires, as well as upgraded exhaust tips. Finally, a tweaked grille and exclusive color options also seem likely.
Interior
On the inside, we would expect to see a typical Odyssey layout, with the same seating configuration and overall cabin design. However, we would also expect to see a lot of Type R exlusive details, starting from the recognizable red accents in various areas. An upgraded instrument cluster, pedals and gear shifter are also expected, while paddle shifters could also be added.
On the other hand, the seating configuration would remain the same, as we already mentioned. So, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Type R would be spacious enough to accommodate adults in all three rows with ease. A generous cargo area is also expected, though some of the issues that characterize the current model would certainly remain, starting from the fact that the second row needs to be physically removed to use maximum cargo space.
Features
As we are talking about a model that would be the most expensive version of the Odyssey, a long list of standard equipment is one of the things that come to mind. At this point, it’s hard to talk about details but we could take a look at what’s standard and what’s optional in the base model.
For example, the current model comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth, a seven-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry and push-button start. Among available features, you can find things like a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, an 11-speaker premium audio system, additional USB ports, a universal garage-door opener, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, ambient interior LED lighting, a power liftgate, a hands-free power liftgate, a moonroof, a CabinTalk in-car PA system and many more.
2023 Honda Odyssey Type R Release Date and Price
If we could trust rumors, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Type R is coming by the end of this year. If that happens, we estimate that the starting price would go around 55.000 dollars, roughly.
