2014 Honda Odyssey Priced: Potentially the World’s Most Expensive Vacuum Cleaner

Honda has priced its refreshed-for-2014 Odyssey, and though we're sure many of you have been pining to know how much the updated minivan costs, the real news is how much its vacuum cleaner costs. That's right, when it debuted at this year's New York auto show, the 2014 Odyssey made waves with its new built-in HondaVac vacuum. Seriously, the feature is so forehead-slappingly fitting for a family hauler, you can almost hear Chrysler's van team kicking themselves for not thinking of it first. Anyway, it turns out the HondaVac will cost a pretty penny, since it is standard on the top-of-the-line, $45,280 Odyssey Touring Elite. Aside from the clever new sucking device, a host of new safety features and a new transmission highlight the Odyssey's equipment upgrades for 2014. A six-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the line—which still consists of LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite trim levels—meaning all Odysseys are now rated for 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. (The six-speed previously came only on Touring and Touring Elite models, leaving the rest of the lineup with one fewer forward speed and lower 18/27 mpg ratings.) Safety-wise, Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot tech, which uses a camera to display the passenger-side blind spot in the dashboard screen, as well as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems are now available. Full pricing below, including new features for each trim level: Odyssey LX ($29,655) New standard features include the six-speed automatic transmission, four-way power driver's seat, and Bluetooth; the price increases $150 over last year. Odyssey EX ($32,955) Adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, 270-watt audio system, and dual dashboard display screens. New standard features include LaneWatch blind-spot display, pushbutton start with keyless access, Aha radio compatibility; price increases $300 over last year. Odyssey EX-L ($36,455) Adds leather seating surfaces. New standard features include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning; EX-L with Navigation model includes new Multi-Angle rearview camera; price increases $400 over last year. Odyssey Touring ($42,710) Adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, rear-seat entertainment system. New standard features include Multi-Angle rearview camera; price increases $350 over last year. Odyssey Touring Elite ($45,280) Adds 650-watt, 12-speaker audio system. New standard features include HondaVac vacuum, HD radio, Neural 5.1 surround sound audio system; price increases $425 over last year. Comparison Test: 2013 Honda Accord EX-L vs. 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring Instrumented Test: 2013 Honda Civic EX-L Instrumented Test: 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite Overall, Honda didn't increase Odyssey prices by much—and while the fuel-economy bump for the lower trim levels alone would justify the slight price hikes, the added content more than makes up the difference. We kind of wish the HondaVac were available in lower-spec Odysseys; after all, kids will be just as messy in a $30,000 van as they will be in a more expensive one. Still, we're fans of Honda's people-mover, having enjoyed putting 40,000 miles on our long-term 2011 Odyssey Touring Elite, and now it has more safety and sharper looks. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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