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Odyssey vs. expedition max: which suv reigns supreme in space and style?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Odyssey offers a more affordable entry point, while the Expedition Max provides a more premium experience at a higher price.
  • The Odyssey offers exceptional fuel efficiency, versatility, and a comfortable ride, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget.
  • The Expedition Max provides a more spacious and luxurious experience, along with powerful performance and off-road capabilities, making it a suitable option for families who prioritize adventure and space.

Choosing between the Honda Odyssey and the Ford Expedition Max, two titans in the minivan and full-size SUV segments, can be a perplexing decision. Both offer a plethora of features, ample space, and varying capabilities. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of these formidable vehicles to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your lifestyle and automotive needs.

Space and Comfort

Interior Dimensions

The Odyssey boasts a cavernous cabin with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for up to eight passengers. Its versatile seating arrangements allow for various configurations, maximizing space for passengers or cargo. In contrast, the Expedition Max offers a more spacious third row, making it more comfortable for taller adults.

Cargo Capacity

The Odyssey offers a generous 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Expedition Max, with its larger size, provides a massive 36.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to an impressive 121.5 cubic feet.

Performance and Handling

Engine and Powertrain

The Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition Max, on the other hand, offers a more robust 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Odyssey excels in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Expedition Max is less fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Handling

The Odyssey’s smaller size and unibody construction provide it with agile handling and a comfortable ride. The Expedition Max, with its body-on-frame construction, offers a more rugged and stable ride, but its larger size can compromise maneuverability in tight spaces.

Features and Technology

Safety Features

Both vehicles are well-equipped with a suite of safety features. The Odyssey comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Expedition Max offers Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes similar features, along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Infotainment Systems

The Odyssey features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Expedition Max comes with a larger 12-inch touchscreen with the SYNC 4 infotainment system, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Convenience Features

The Odyssey offers a hands-free power tailgate, while the Expedition Max boasts a power liftgate with a hands-free foot-activated option. The Odyssey’s second-row seats have Magic Slide functionality, allowing for easy access to the third row.

Price and Value

The Honda Odyssey starts at $32,290 for the LX trim, while the Ford Expedition Max starts at $49,120 for the XLT trim. The Odyssey offers a more affordable entry point, while the Expedition Max provides a more premium experience at a higher price.

Who Should Buy the Honda Odyssey?

The Honda Odyssey is an excellent choice for families who prioritize fuel efficiency, versatility, and a comfortable ride. Its spacious cabin, advanced safety features, and user-friendly technology make it a practical and reliable vehicle for everyday use.

Who Should Buy the Ford Expedition Max?

The Ford Expedition Max is a formidable option for those who need a full-size SUV with ample space, powerful performance, and rugged capabilities. Its spacious third row, impressive towing capacity, and advanced off-road features make it suitable for families who enjoy adventure and outdoor activities.

Final Verdict

The Honda Odyssey and the Ford Expedition Max cater to different needs. The Odyssey offers exceptional fuel efficiency, versatility, and a comfortable ride, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget. The Expedition Max provides a more spacious and luxurious experience, along with powerful performance and off-road capabilities, making it a suitable option for families who prioritize adventure and space. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and budget.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Ford Expedition Max has a higher towing capacity of 9,300 pounds compared to the Honda Odyssey‘s 3,500 pounds.

Q: Does the Honda Odyssey offer all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, the Honda Odyssey offers all-wheel drive as an option on all trim levels.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Ford Expedition Max offers a longer powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles compared to the Honda Odyssey‘s 5 years/36,000 miles.

Q: Does the Expedition Max have a third-row bench seat?
A: Yes, the Expedition Max offers a third-row bench seat as an option.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher ground clearance?
A: The Ford Expedition Max has a higher ground clearance of 9.8 inches compared to the Honda Odyssey‘s 5.5 inches.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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