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Once a staple of '90s driveways, the minivan quickly fell out of fashion as a new generation of full-size SUVs and crossover models began to dominate the market towards the end of the decade. That's all changing with 2025 marking a breakout year for the humble segment. Sales increased roughly 20% in just one year as drivers rediscovered the unique advantages of the minivan. The Honda Odyssey represents one notable success story, with sales growing by more than 10% between 2024 and 2025. So what's made Honda's minivan such a hit? The Odyssey's eight-passenger design and roomy interior already make the minivan an incredibly comfortable option, but Honda has plenty of other tricks up its sleeve. Versatility is an important selling point in any vehicle, but it's especially relevant when you're looking for a new minivan that can keep pace with your busy lifestyle. A Honda Odyssey for sale near Irondale is an ideal choice when you're in the market for your family vehicle, especially once you get a look at some of the minivan's more groundbreaking features. Let's explore a few of our favorites and learn how the Honda Odyssey can make life on the road easier, more comfortable, and more entertaining for the whole family. Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats and 3rd-Row Magic Seat Parents know there's no such thing as an average week when you're trying to raise a family. The average day around Irondale might require all eight seats, while a weekend excursion might bring the need for a little extra cargo room. Long road trips come with their own unique requirements, especially when it comes to keeping an eye on the kids. Honda has engineered around this issue with two innovative seating features that make the Odyssey tough to ignore. Honda's Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats can be quickly repositioned within the cabin, allowing drivers to move the outboard seats laterally by as much as 12.9 inches. Simply remove the center seat, and the second row can be easily adjusted to fit your changing needs, offering drivers the sort of versatility that's so important in a family vehicle. From being able to better reach a child's car seat to distributing snacks to second-row riders, the Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats mark one of the minivan's most unique features. The Magic Slide seats also improve access to the third row, which can make all the difference for growing teens or those with mobility issues. The second-row seats can even be fully removed to make more room for cargo, or a little car camping, and the story is largely the same when it comes to the third row. The 2027 Odyssey is equipped with a 3rd-Row Magic Seat that's full of flexibility, offering a 60/40 split or quickly folding flush with the floor to maximize cargo space. Honda isn't the only automaker to offer this type of fold-flat third row, but the system's one-touch design makes the task much simpler. The seats can each be folded away individually, giving drivers the opportunity to create a customized cargo area that's ready to accommodate whatever the day might have in store. Rear Entertainment System The Odyssey is one of the segment's more tech-forward models, providing drivers with all of the comfort, convenience, and infotainment features they come to expect from the Honda brand. From its dashboard infotainment display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity to its GPS navigation system and auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, the minivan offers plenty of perks for parents, but who will think of the children? Honda will, by equipping the latest Odyssey with a full suite of tech features that are sure to keep the kids entertained as you run errands around town or crisscross the country on a summer road trip. The Odyssey's available Wi-Fi hotspot, household power outlet, and numerous USB ports certainly fit the bill, but it's the Rear Entertainment System (RES) that'll really earn the appreciation of younger passengers. Standard on the Touring and Elite trims, the RES sees the Odyssey outfitted with a 12.8-inch high-resolution display. Located on the ceiling just behind the front row, this screen allows every second- and third-row passenger to enjoy their favorite content no matter how far from Irondale they might stray. A built-in HDMI port can accommodate most streaming devices, but there are also plenty of wireless options on the table. The RES leverages the minivan's Wi-Fi hotspot to stream content or even connect to compatible smartphones and tablets. Looking to enjoy your favorite movie while you're on the go? The Odyssey's 115-volt outlet and HDMI port open the door to DVD and Blu-ray players. Some parents might be wary of the distractions that come with such a device, but Honda has you covered. The RES can be connected to four Bluetooth-enabled headphones, and is also equipped with a headphone jack in the third row, which means you won't be subjected to those grating cartoon theme songs when you're behind the wheel. Cabin Watch and Cabin Talk The Odyssey's roomy interior is one of its biggest selling points, but it can also create a unique problem for Irondale parents. The third row lies some seven feet behind the driver's seat, making it tough to keep tabs on distant riders, but that's just the sort of design challenge that Honda specializes in. In an effort to allow parents to extend their reach, no matter where the kids might be seated, the automaker has introduced two innovative features in the form of CabinTalk and CabinWatch. The first is basically a built-in intercom, while the latter serves as a sort of in-vehicle surveillance system. Both are invaluable in terms of communication and monitoring, and both are conspicuously absent from one of the Odyssey's key rivals in the Toyota Sienna. We'll start with CabinTalk, which comes standard on every 2027 trim. This gives the Odyssey a key advantage over many other minivans in the class, which typically limit such technology to upper trims if it's offered at all. The in-vehicle PA system couldn't be any easier; just tap the CabinTalk icon on the infotainment display, and the HandsFreeLink system microphone will automatically project the driver's voice throughout the interior via integrated speakers. If passengers are plugged into the RES via Bluetooth or the headphone jack, CabinTalk will override the audio signal to deliver your message loud and clear. It's a clever approach to an age-old problem, and one that'll undercut that classic kid's comeback: "I didn't hear you!" CabinWatch addresses a similar issue in a different way. Backup cameras have been legally required on all models since 2018, and new 360-degree camera systems give drivers the chance to get a full, bird's-eye view of the area immediately surrounding their vehicle, but what about the interior? The Odyssey's in-cabin surveillance system features a camera built right into the overhead console. The camera can be activated through the infotainment display, which can then double as a sort of personal CCTV with a live feed of the back rows. Perfect for monitoring younger riders, or even keeping an eye on delicate cargo, CabinWatch goes a long way toward improving the minivan's safety resume by limiting potentially dangerous distractions. The CabinWatch system can even be used after dark thanks to a night vision function that's powered by infrared LEDs. Enjoy the Odyssey at Sam Boswell Honda Gadsden Finding the right family vehicle is about more than just seating. While it's a need for passenger space that typically draws drivers to the segment, the Honda Odyssey is here to prove that choosing a minivan doesn't mean making sacrifices in terms of tech, safety, and cargo capacity. The 2027 Odyssey checks all of those boxes with its flexible interior, which is highlighted by the Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats and 3rd-Row Magic Seat. These innovative seats give drivers the flexibility that's so important in family life, and allow the Odyssey to seamlessly shift between different driving duties as the week dictates. The RES might be the greatest advancement in on-road entertainment since the alphabet game, and is a must-have upgrade for any driver who appreciates the sort of domestic bliss that such a system can provide. Streaming content will keep the kids occupied, and the ability to connect a gaming console might even see parents slide into the second row for a little friendly competition. Honda's CabinTalk and CabinWatch technology probably mark two of the minivan's most novel features, but they also serve an important purpose in terms of safety. By giving drivers the ability to quickly and easily monitor their passengers, the Odyssey's in-vehicle camera and intercom system can reduce distractions, improve communication, and take much of the stress out of your next school pickup. If you're ready to experience everything that the new 2027 Honda Odyssey has to offer, Sam Boswell Honda Gadsden is here to help. We understand the unique challenges that face Irondale families, and we're committed to connecting our customers with a vehicle that can help smooth out the bumps in the road.

Honda's CR-V is a go-to SUV model in Honda's lineup, as it offers the nimble handling and fuel efficiency of a sedan along with the passenger capacity and cargo-carrying capability of a larger SUV. It's a versatile performer under a wide variety of driving conditions, making it ideal for those who want an SUV that can adeptly handle commuter traffic, suburban errands, and open-road travel. While the CR-V's standard powertrain is known for its performance, efficiency, and reliability, Honda's hybrid powertrain offers excellent performance in the key metrics that drivers appreciate. For drivers who want it all, purchasing a 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid for sale near Irondale is a wise choice because it offers the legendary versatility, dependability, and performance of the CR-V along with a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain. Powertrain and Performance The primary distinction between the non–hybrid and hybrid versions of the CR-V is the powertrain, as the presence of a hybrid system improves on the CR-V's already impressive fuel efficiency. Not only does the hybrid version of the CR-V offer improved gas mileage, but it also adds immediate low-end torque that the standard model doesn't muster. Engine While the 2026 CR-V has a capable turbocharged 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder under the hood, the hybrid version offers a more potent powertrain and better fuel economy. The CR-V Hybrid replaces the gas-only engine with a hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder combustion engine, combined with two electric motors that provide instant low-end torque for sharper acceleration from a standstill. Transmission Though the standard CR-V incorporates a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to improve efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid uses an advanced Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). The eCVT replaces traditional transmission gears with its dual electric motor hybrid system, which performs like an electric vehicle in low ranges, then locks into a direct-drive ratio at higher speeds for maximum power and efficiency. Drivetrain With multiple purpose-built trim levels, the CR-V Hybrid lineup includes two primary drivetrain options. The standard drivetrain is a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup that offers maximum efficiency for commuting and city driving conditions. However, for Irondale drivers who roam beyond the end of the pavement, there's an optional Real-Time all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain available in all trims, including the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, Sport Touring Hybrid, and TrailSport Hybrid. Horsepower and Torque Output The CR-V Hybrid's powertrain also gives it an edge in horsepower and output compared to the standard engine and drivetrain in the gas-only CR-V. The hybrid powertrain produces 204 horsepower compared to the standard CR-V's 190-horsepower output. The increase in torque is even more staggering, as the hybrid delivers 247 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the gas-only CR-V's 179 lb-ft. Driveability The greater horsepower and torque of the CR-V Hybrid make it a pleasure to drive, giving it an edge in overall performance and driveability over many other similar SUVs in its class. Its immediate low-end torque allows for quick starts and smooth, sharp acceleration. The increased on-demand power makes it a better performer in city driving conditions, where stop-and-go traffic is common, and the CR-V's improved acceleration allows drivers to better navigate congestion. The unofficial zero-60 mph times for the CR-V Hybrid range from 7.1 to 7.9 seconds, making the CR-V Hybrid's times nearly a second faster than the non-hybrid CR-V. Fuel Efficiency The obvious benefit of a hybrid drivetrain in any vehicle is the improved fuel efficiency, and the CR-V demonstrates excellent overall fuel economy. While the fuel efficiency ratings differ according to drivetrain and trim level, the CR-V Hybrid saves money on fuel costs while reducing time spent at the pump. The EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings for FWD-equipped CR-V Hybrids are 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, while AWD versions of the CR-V Hybrid have an estimated fuel efficiency of 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The outlier is the off-road-focused TrailSport trim, which has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 38 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Interior and Exterior Styling Most small SUVs in the CR-V Hybrid's class are utilitarian by design, with clunky aesthetics and modern styling. However, the CR-V Hybrid offers drivers near Irondale an elegant departure from the norm, however. Its exterior offers rugged yet refined SUV styling, while the inside is primed for comfort and versatility, with a robust list of features that make it a pleasure to drive. Exterior Styling On the outside, the CR-V Hybrid retains the elegant, upscale look of previous incarnations of the CR-V. In most trims, it has a sharp, aggressive look that provides a modern, assertive presence when compared with other similar SUVs in its class. With unique touches like dual chrome exhaust tips and full-LED lighting, the CR-V Hybrid stands out from the competition. Its wide stance and rugged body lines give it instant credibility as an adventure vehicle, and specialized trims like the TrailSport offer even more distinct off-road styling cues. Cabin Comfort Hondas have always been known for offering intuitive cabins with high-end materials and features, and the CR-V Hybrid lives up to that legacy. With a capacity to seat five adults comfortably, the CR-V's cabin offers 103.5 cu.ft. of overall passenger space, delivering more than 41 inches of front and rear legroom for a comfortable ride on congested commutes and weekend road trips. Unlike many modern SUVs, the CR-V Hybrid retains analog controls for key systems like climate control, so drivers don't have to toggle through touchscreen menus to get the desired response. The seating is comfortable even on long trips, with bucket front seats and a split-bench rear row for maximum versatility. Cargo Capacity The CR-V also offers tremendous cargo capability for a small SUV, with more than 36 cu.ft. of dedicated space behind the rear seat. The cargo area is easily accessed via a rear liftgate, so getting materials in and out of the CR-V Hybrid is a breeze. When more cargo capacity is needed, the rear seat can be folded down to nearly double the payload volume to 71.8 cu.ft. Infotainment and Safety Tech The CR-V is loaded with top-tier, cutting-edge modern tech that enhances the driving experience for Irondale drivers and their passengers. Its infotainment and connectivity hardware make sure its occupants remain engaged and connected wherever they roam, while its driver assistance features help head off hazards and prevent accidents. Infotainment and Connectivity The tech-forward cabin of the CR-V Hybrid includes many innovative features, including standard wireless charging across all trim levels, multiple USB-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All CR-V Hybrids have a standard nine-inch multimedia touchscreen and a seven-inch digital instrument display, while upper trims include an optional 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The standard audio system in the CR-V Hybrid is a six-speaker setup, though higher trims feature an eight-speaker audio system or a premium Bose 12-speaker system. Advanced features found in the CR-V Hybrid include over-the-air software updates, the HondaLink system that allows remote access control of key systems and functions, and higher trims have Google built-in compatibility that allows the use of a wide range of Google apps. Driver Assistance Systems The CR-V Hybrid comes with the standard Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features, which offers an intuitive, highly refined driving experience. It includes features like Advanced Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Jam Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The 2026 CR-V Hybrid Is Ideal for Life in Irondale With a powerful, efficient hybrid powertrain, versatile cargo and passenger volume, and world-class technology, the 2026 CR-V Hybrid is the perfect SUV for life in Irondale and beyond. It is intuitive and practical by design, offering maximum comfort, easy access to controls, and enough tech to improve the experience for drivers and passengers alike. While Honda is renowned for building high-quality, dependable vehicles, the CR-V is also backed by the automaker's exemplary warranty coverage. With its combination of features, capabilities, and warranty coverage, the CR-V Hybrid is a tremendous value for drivers who want performance, efficiency, and comfort in a small SUV package. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery package/condition, and other factors.

Although a lot of families have moved to SUVs for getting around town each day, a great minivan is hard to beat when you need something large and spacious. The Odyssey is far removed from the barebones minivans that many of us grew up in. This is a beautifully designed and richly appointed family vehicle that gets you around in style with excellent features. If you're interested in a Honda Odyssey for sale near Rainbow City, then our team at Sam Boswell Honda is ready to help you find the perfect one. It helps to have a game plan before you go shopping; however, we're going to help with that, too. Let's take a look at the Odyssey and figure out which models and options you should focus on as you shop. Standard Features for the 2026 Odyssey To start, let's check out the features that you get standard in every Odyssey. Honda offers four trim levels, and we'll get into them later to see how they differ. But no matter which trim you choose, you get some great features that ensure the Honda Odyssey feels terrific as you drive around Rainbow City each day. Impressive Performance For starters, every 2026 Odyssey comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you have plenty of power when you hit the road. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for an incredibly smooth and responsive ride. You get front-wheel drive with every Odyssey, which is just right for a daily driver like this, and it ensures it feels great. Despite its large size, the Odyssey actually gets pretty impressive fuel economy. You get an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG of combined gas mileage. Plus, the 2026 Odyssey can handle up to 3,500 lbs of towing when properly equipped, giving you some extra flexibility for hauling a trailer or camper behind you. A Spacious Interior One of the greatest advantages a terrific minivan like this offers is how much interior space you get for your family. The 2026 Honda Odyssey has three rows of seating inside, with room for up to eight passengers to all be incredibly comfortable. These include head restraints on every seat, plus a Magic Slide second-row seat that makes access to the third row easy. You and your passengers get more than 38 inches of headroom throughout, with more than 40 inches of legroom in the front and second row, plus 38 inches of rear legroom. When you need to load up with stuff, then you get up to 38.6 cu.ft. of rear cargo space, 91 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the second row, and 155.7 cu.ft. of total cargo space—plenty of room for what you need. Honda Odyssey Trim Levels As you shop for a Honda Odyssey to get you around Rainbow City, much of your time should be spent considering the four trim levels available and how they differ. The one you choose will have a big impact on your driving experience each day, so make sure you pick the trim that has what your family needs. 2026 Odyssey EX-L Beginning with the EX-L, we find the standard trim gets you all of the impressive starting features that Honda offers. For example, you'll find full exterior LED lighting, along with integrated LED light bars in the taillights. A one-touch power moonroof is standard, along with heated, power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, and a power tailgate. Looking inside, we find heated front seats, along with a 12-way power driver's seat and an eight-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat. Leather-trimmed seating is standard, and you get tri-zone automatic climate control. The Odyssey EX-L comes with a nine-inch infotainment display, a seven-inch driver display, and a seven-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. This is also an incredibly safe minivan, with a fantastic selection of standard features: Collision Mitigation Braking System Road Departure Mitigation System Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist System Adaptive Cruise Control Blind Spot Information System Cross Traffic Monitor Auto High-Beam Headlights With all of these systems as standard in every model, the Odyssey does a wonderful job of helping you keep your family safe as you drive around Rainbow City. So even if you prefer to stick with the starting trim, you don't have to sacrifice peace of mind or your well-being. 2026 Odyssey Sport-L In many ways, the Sport-L has a lot in common with the starting trim, and you have to look hard to spot some of the differences. For starters, this trim comes with 19-inch wheels rather than the 18-inch wheels that are standard for the Odyssey. You'll also find some distinct Sport-L badging on the exterior, setting it apart from every other trim with its unique visual style. Inside, there are also some distinct touches for this one that you won't find with the other options, including higher trims. Other Odyssey trims have blue ambient lighting inside, but the Sport-L comes with red lighting instead. This complements the red accent stitching in the leather-trimmed seats, creating a refined and bold cabin that you'll look forward to getting into. 2026 Odyssey Touring Differences with the Touring trim are more pronounced than with the Sport-L, giving you some additional features to enhance your drive. Tech features inside are upgraded, including Wi-Fi hotspot functionality. You get three USB charging ports in the third row for your passengers, along with an advanced rear entertainment system featuring a 12.8-inch display. A 150W power outlet up front lets you use multiple devices in your Odyssey, and you get Honda's CabinWatch rear-seat monitor. This makes it easier to keep an eye on kids in the back row, for some extra peace of mind as you drive around Rainbow City. You also get added piping on the leather-trimmed seats for a distinct touch that looks great, even if it is rather subtle. 2026 Odyssey Elite Here we have the pinnacle of what Honda offers for the Odyssey, which includes a number of upgrades beyond every other trim. For starters, the power tailgate on the Elite trim includes hands-free access, making it easier to load up your minivan with your hands full. You also get acoustic laminate glass on the front and rear doors for reduced noise, and power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors for added functionality. The Elite trim comes with perforated leather-trimmed seating with piping that feels fantastic, with ventilated front seats that are comfortable in all kinds of weather. A heated steering wheel is included, along with an 11-speaker premium sound system that includes Multi-Zone Audio to fill your Odyssey with rich, decadent sound. Both the Touring and Elite trims also come with four front and rear parking sensors that make maneuvering in tight spots safer and easier. Find the Right Odyssey for Rainbow City As you can see, the big choice you'll need to make as you shop for a 2026 Honda Odyssey is which trim level has what you need. The differences between them can be subtle sometimes (like going from the EX-L to the Sport-L), but they are still noteworthy. In particular, the jump up to the Touring trim gives you a lot of great tech features, but it does come at a higher price. Exploring these different trims and deciding on which features you absolutely need can be tricky. That is why our team is here at Sam Boswell Honda Gadsden to help you check out everything these vehicles offer and make sure you get the right one. With our friendly folks working for you, it is easier to consider your options and choose a Honda you'll love driving for many years. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.