Poll: The next Honda Odyssey could gain all-wheel drive

Ever dreamed of building an all-wheel drive rally minivan? Well, your chance may come soon enough since Edmunds heard Honda could be adding the option for all-wheel drive on the next-generation Honda Odyssey.

Ok, it wouldn’t be just for the sole purpose of building an all-wheel drive Honda rally van like the old fourth-generation Civic, but rather to cater to the increasing demand for all-wheel drive throughout the industry.

According to Edmund’s interview with American Honda Motor Executive Vice President, John Mendel, the next Odyssey, due sometime in 2017, could gain the all-wheel drivetrain. Though this would require a complete redesign of the platform, with Mendel pointing out the floor height of the van would need to be raised by two to three inches to accomodate the extra gear. This in turn can translate into a compromise in hauling capabilities and practicality.

It would also affect the ease of passage through entry and exit at the back. And of course, with all-wheel drive comes added complexity and weight, affecting fuel economy and maintenance.

Do you think the Honda Odyssey could use all-wheel drive? Or should it remain to be front-wheel drive?

Let us know with the poll after the jump!

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Edmunds