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

By Marcus Amick Published March 27, 2013

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?

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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.

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New York Auto Show

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…

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Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
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Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.