Honda Elysion Review - Japan's Premium People Mover

The Honda Elysion is a premium minivan that was produced exclusively for the Japanese market from 2004 to 2013. Designed to compete with luxury MPVs like the Toyota Alphard, the Elysion offered superior comfort and high-end features in a practical people-moving package.

Design and Features

The Elysion stood out with its bold, angular styling that differed from Honda's more rounded designs. The tall body (1,845mm) provided generous headroom, while the wide sliding doors (1,850mm width) allowed easy access to the cabin. Premium versions featured:

• Executive lounge-style second row seats with ottomans
• Woodgrain and leather interior trim
• Dual panoramic sunroofs
• Rear seat entertainment system
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

Interior Space

The Elysion's cabin could be configured with either bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The "Prestige" trim offered the most luxurious accommodations with two individual rear seats featuring:

• Power recline and leg rest functions
• Heating and ventilation
• Integrated fold-out tables
• Privacy curtains

Despite the premium seating, the Elysion still offered practical minivan functionality with 453L of cargo space behind the third row.

Driving Experience

The 3.0L V6 provided strong acceleration for a vehicle of its size, while the suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sportiness. The tall greenhouse and large windows provided excellent visibility, and the tight turning radius (5.4m) made it surprisingly maneuverable in urban environments.

Safety and Technology

The Elysion was well-equipped for its era with:

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Six airbags
• Parking sensors and rearview camera
• Adaptive cruise control (later models)
• Power sliding doors with wave-opening function

Market Position and Legacy

While never exported outside Japan, the Elysion was popular among business executives and large families who wanted premium accommodations in a practical package. It was discontinued in 2013 as Honda consolidated its minivan lineup, but its legacy lives on in the more luxurious versions of the Odyssey and StepWGN.

Conclusion

The Honda Elysion represented the pinnacle of Japanese domestic market minivans, offering limousine-like comfort in a versatile people-mover. Its combination of space, luxury and Honda reliability made it one of the most desirable premium MPVs of its era in Japan.