The MPV model has been the best-selling model for ten consecutive years. Is the gap so big?

Not long ago, the 2021 Honda Odyssey was officially launched in North America. This model, which was originally scheduled to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show, was changed to an online release due to the impact of the epidemic. The starting price after tax is 32,910. US dollars (converted into about 222,000 yuan). The Odyssey can be said to be a very influential model on a global scale. In the United States, it has been the sales champion of the North American Minivan (van) for ten consecutive years.

Users who have a certain understanding of Odyssey, I believe they all know that Odyssey was launched to focus on the US market and to compete with GL8, Grand Voyager, Senna and other models, but at the same time in Japan It is also welcomed by many users. But everyone seems to find a problem. Many people often talk about the Japanese version of Odyssey, but rarely talk about the American version. So taking this opportunity, we will talk to you about the American version and our domestic version. What a difference.

From the appearance point of view, you can clearly see that there are obvious differences with domestic models. Although the front face also adopts a large-area grille design, it does not use a large-area chrome trim strip, but adopts The blackened lines make the overall look sporty, while the through-type chrome trim strips above add a bit of sophistication to the car.

Looking from the back, the US version adopts a suspended roof, a three-waistline body, a sunken tail, and newly designed rims, making the overall look quite exquisite. The C-shaped taillight design and the chrome trim strips on the trunk make the car more recognizable and fashionable.

At the same time, the vehicle also adopts a hidden exhaust design, which is in line with its positioning as a home. However, we also discovered the car's reversing radar, which always looked like we installed it later. Could it be that Honda has developed its "picking" spirit to the United States? Or is this original style made to look like a later addition?

In terms of the interior, it can be seen that the American model is still very trendy. The floating central control screen, push-button shifting, full LCD instrument panel, etc. The interior of the car creates a strong technological atmosphere. But if you take a closer look, why does it feel a bit like a hybrid design of Civic and Accord?

In addition, Honda has also equipped the US version of the model with "Honda Sensing" active safety technology as standard this time, and has optimized the sensor components and added pedestrian detection and AEB automatic emergency braking systems. As for The blind spot monitoring function is only available in the mid-range version or above.

It is worth mentioning that the American model uses an 8-seater layout of 2 3 3. Maybe we don’t understand it, but think about it, American families basically have 2 or 3 children. Coupled with the greater demand for storage space, an 8-seater layout is more in line with their living habits.

At this point you may be curious, where are the water cup holders? In fact, as long as the second-row center seat is folded flat, there are two very large cup holders in the middle, which fully understands what you want.

In addition, the second row of center seats can still be removed. After removal, the second row forms two independent seats. Although it cannot be stored in the trunk like the Senna, The comfort is obviously much higher.

At the same time, there are horizontal slide rails in the second row, which can allow passengers in the third row to enter and exit to a greater extent, and this movement range can be much larger than that in China.

Even as an 8-seater model, Odyssey is unambiguous about the third row of seats. In addition to being equipped with air outlets, cup holders and USB interfaces, it is also equipped with armrests on the left and right sides of the middle. It basically does not appear on other models.

In terms of the trunk, we can also see that the third row of seats can be completely folded flat, but there are not many angles for the second row of seats, which is only suitable for occasional use. Place some long, bulky items.

The most noteworthy thing is this car vacuum cleaner. Friends who know something about American MPVs know that many MPV models will be equipped with such a vacuum cleaner. The new Senna mentioned not long ago The same is true, but there is no such configuration on domestic MPVs.

In fact, thinking about it from another angle, it seems that such a configuration should really appear on a home MPV. After all, there is a possibility of getting dirty anytime and anywhere. It is impossible to go to the car wash immediately, and the car-mounted MPV Vacuum cleaners can solve this problem very well. In fact, domestic models should also refer to it more.

In terms of power, the entire U.S. version of the Odyssey is equipped with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, matched with a 10-speed manual automatic transmission. For the U.S. market that occasionally needs towing, it is obviously The displacement they thought was 3.0L met their needs. It is worth mentioning that this engine still belongs to the Earth Dream series, which ensures power while also taking into account fuel economy, and they do not have a displacement tax.

First of all, you can find that compared with the domestic model, it looks like two cars in appearance. The design of the grille on the front face is the biggest difference. Although the domestic model adopts the Japanese The sports version of the model is surrounded by sports, but the overall style still has a strong family atmosphere. Compared with the American version, it seems to be a little less sporty.

At first glance, you will find that the domestic model seems to be one size smaller. Yes, that is the fact. On the US model, the body length reaches 5.1 meters, and it is positioned as a medium-to-large MPV, which is in the same level as the GL8, Senna, and Grand Voyager. On the other hand, the domestic model has a body length of only 4.8 meters, and is positioned as a medium-sized MPV. , so it seems that the US version is indeed larger.

As for the rear performance of the domestic version, it is actually not bad either. It also has a high sense of technology and recognition, but the US version is a bit more sporty. I can only say that The two focus on different aspects at the design level.

In terms of the interior, I have to say that it does lag behind in terms of design. It still uses the design from 7 or 8 years ago. Although it is easier to use, it does lack in terms of technology. . Fortunately, it still retains the "Walk-Through" design that should be found on an MPV, but at the same time it has excellent storage space.

Coming to the rear row, you can see that the seats of the domestic version are obviously better than those of the US version. Not only are they wider overall, they are also equipped with footrests, tables and front and rear moving seats. Slide rail. Although the seat also supports left and right movement, due to the size of the body, the range of movement is smaller than that of the US version.

Similarly, due to body problems, the domestic version is much smaller than the US version, but there is a deeper storage space under the third row, and it supports folding down completely. But the difference is that the domestic version supports folding backwards like the Japanese version, forming the familiar "fishing stool", which is something that the American version does not have. In terms of power, after the facelift, all domestic models adopt the 2.0L iMMD hybrid system. The system has a maximum combined horsepower of 215 horsepower and is matched with an E-CVT continuously variable transmission. The overall focus is more on fuel economy and power smoothness. , which is obviously more in line with the needs of domestic users.

The American model seems to be so good, so why not introduce it into the country, or will it be introduced? One thing to say is that it is actually not suitable for China, because starting from the second generation model, the Odyssey has been divided into an American version exclusively for the North American market and a Japanese version for other markets. Apart from the same name, there is not much connection between the two. It is an independently developed model.

Secondly, the 8-seater seat layout and the 3.5L power system are not suitable for the domestic car environment. If they enter the domestic market, they will need to be changed. This is precisely the "soul" of the American model, and such a drastic change is obviously not something Honda will do.

To quote a saying often said by Cantonese people, "You see me well, I see you well." This sentence is equally suitable for both models. We will always see some good things about others. , while ignoring its own benefits or exaggerating its own shortcomings. As far as models are concerned, they are actually launched for the local market, so that they can better meet the needs of local users. However, for the domestic version of the model, the current model does have some shortcomings. However, the media has recently exposed spy photos of the new Odyssey. The overall model will become more youthful and sporty. From this point of view, the new car is still worth looking forward to. of.

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.