Skip to main content

Honda’s 2014 Odyssey sucks, thanks to an in-van vacuum

honda odyssey touring elite 2014
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The idea of Honda touting an in-car vacuum for the new Honda Odyssey at the New York Auto Show makes you wonder − what’s next?

And to think I thought the idea of in-car cup holders that can keep beverages hot or cold was groundbreaking when it was first introduced some years ago.

The HondaVac, featured as standard equipment on the new 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite and an industry first, functions much like the typical vacuum used for cleaning up your home.  It comes complete with an integrated suction hose, a replaceable filter and a canister bag.  

Developed in conjunction with Shop-Vac, the nozzle accessories for the Honda vacuum are integrated into space on the driver’s side bulkhead of the rear cargo area.  The HondaVAC is powered by an electric motor that operates continuously when the engine is running and up to eight minutes when the vehicle is turned off. 

honda odyssey van vacuum
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, the HondaVac isn’t the only new feature on the new Odyssey Touring Elite minivan.

The 2014 Odyssey also sports new design cues like a more sculpted hood and new twin-bar grille, and an all-new interior center-stack.

Standard technology on the award-winning family van includes Keyless Smart Entry with push button start, HD radio, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring the Aha Mobile interface.

HondaLink, which debuted on the 2013 Honda Accord, enables Odyssey owners to use their HondaLink smartphone app to uses their online content to create live, personalized radio stations, and hear updates and news feeds from Facebook and Twitter.

Additional technology features include an expanded view driver’s mirror, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

But the new HondaVAC makes you wonder if our desire for everything to be more convenient might pave the way for even wilder in-car features? And if so what could they be? Tell us your ideas (no matter how fanciful) below in comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Marcus Amick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more