Does the Honda Odyssey have a blind spot monitor?
Yes—blind spot monitoring is available on higher Odyssey trims, but it is not offered on the base LX model.
The Honda Odyssey’s Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is typically part of Honda Sensing, Honda’s suite of driver-assistance technologies. Availability depends on model year and trim level. In recent years, LX models have generally lacked BSI, while EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims have it (often bundled with Honda Sensing). Always verify a specific vehicle’s window sticker or with a dealer, as features can vary by market and production year.
How blind spot monitoring works on the Odyssey
Blind spot monitoring uses sensors planted in the vehicle’s body to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that you may not see in your mirrors. When a vehicle is in your blind spot, an indicator lights up in the corresponding side mirror, and some configurations provide an audible warning if you signal a lane change with a car in the blind spot. In many Odyssey configurations, this is paired with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which helps detect crossing traffic when backing out of a parking spot.
What you’ll see and hear
In Odysseys equipped with BSI, you’ll typically notice a small illuminated icon in the side mirror when a vehicle enters your blind spot. If you proceed to change lanes while another vehicle is detected, a warning (visual and/or audible) will alert you. When reversing, Rear Cross Traffic Alert can notify you of approaching traffic from the sides.
Trims that commonly include Blind Spot Information System
The following Odyssey trims frequently include BSI with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor in recent model years. Availability can vary by year and market, so always confirm with the dealer or by checking the vehicle’s window sticker.
- EX-L
- Touring
- Elite
Note: The base LX trim typically does not include BSI. If you’re shopping used or in a different market, features can differ, so verification is essential before purchase.
How to verify whether a specific Odyssey has blind spot monitoring
If you’re evaluating a particular vehicle, use these steps to confirm BSI availability:
- Check the window sticker for “Honda Sensing” or “Blind Spot Information System.”
- Look for a BSI indicator on the side mirrors when the car is stationary or while driving slowly.
- Review the owner’s manual or contact the dealer to confirm which features are included for that trim and year.
If you already own an Odyssey, you can also test the system by driving in a lane near another vehicle and activating a turn signal to see if the mirror indicator lights up. Be sure to test in a safe environment and respect local traffic laws.
Related considerations and tips
Blind spot monitoring is most effective when paired with other driver-assistance features. If your Odyssey doesn’t have BSI, you might consider newer model-year upgrades or dealership options, though retrofitting such sensors can be impractical or costly. Regularly update any available software updates for Honda Sensing features, as improvements can enhance performance over time.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey does offer blind spot monitoring, but it is generally limited to higher trims (EX-L, Touring, Elite) and is not available on the base LX in most recent model years. The feature is usually bundled with Honda Sensing and often paired with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. If blind spot monitoring is important to you, verify the exact trim and year with the dealer or via the window sticker before purchasing.
Why did Honda remove blind spot monitoring?
Honda removed the LaneWatch camera system primarily due to cost and a strategic shift towards more traditional blind spot monitoring systems that use radar sensors. Supply chain issues, particularly a chip shortage in 2023, also led to its temporary removal on some models. The shift to radar-based systems offers a cost-effective way to monitor both sides of the vehicle, unlike LaneWatch which only monitored one side.
Reasons for the removal
- Cost: Radar-based blind spot monitoring systems have become cheaper to implement than the camera-based LaneWatch system.
- Strategic Shift: Honda is phasing out LaneWatch and focusing on its other advanced driver assistance features, such as the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) which uses radar sensors to monitor both the left and right blind spots.
- Limited Scope: The LaneWatch camera only covered the passenger side of the vehicle, and some owners and reviewers found it less useful than a radar-based system that covers both sides.
- Chip Shortage: A major chip shortage in 2023 temporarily led to the removal of blind spot monitoring on certain models, like some trim levels of the CR-V and Accord, to maintain production and lower costs.
- Integration with other systems: LaneWatch was replaced by other features within the Honda Sensing® suite, such as the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
Why is Honda discontinuing the Odyssey?
As a refresher, Honda decided to discontinue the Odyssey in the Philippine market due to the closure of the automaker's Sayama production plant in Japan.
Does the Honda Odyssey have blind spot monitoring?
Engineered for relatively close range, the system covers an area on each side of the Odyssey from each front door handle extending to about 10 feet behind the vehicle and 12 feet out from the side of the vehicle. To prevent false alarms while maneuvering at low speed, the system is disabled below approximately 20 mph.
Which Honda models have a blind spot monitor?
- Honda HR-V with BSI. Find the Blind Spot Information System on both the 2024 Honda HR-V Sport and HR-V EX-L.
- Honda CR-V with BSI. From EX to Touring, nearly every 2024 Honda CR-V trim comes with the Blind Spot Information System.
- Honda Passport with BSI.
