What is the Honda rear entertainment system?
In short, the Honda Rear Entertainment System is an optional setup that adds rear-seat video displays and media playback for passengers. It is most closely associated with the Honda Odyssey minivan, though availability varies by model year and market. The system typically includes screens, a media source, and accessories like wireless headphones and a remote, with content inputs that may range from built-in players to external devices.
Overview: how it works
The rear entertainment system is designed to keep backseat riders engaged on long trips by providing independent or synchronized video playback. The exact configuration can differ by generation, but most iterations include two displays for passengers, a source for media, and wireless audio options. Content delivery can come from a built-in disc player in older setups or from external devices and streaming inputs in newer ones, depending on the year and trim.
Key components
The following elements are commonly part of Honda’s rear entertainment setups, though features can vary by model year:
- Two rear-seat displays (often mounted on headrests or the ceiling for passengers in the back rows)
- Media source: a built-in player in some generations and HDMI/USB inputs for external devices in others
- Remote control for ease of use by rear-seat passengers
- Wireless headphones to enable private audio
- Physical inputs/outputs such as HDMI, USB, and AV connections
- Integration with the vehicle’s infotainment system in some configurations or as a standalone unit
- Content options that may include disc playback in older versions and streaming or device-casting in newer ones
System availability and exact components vary by model year and market, so checking your owner’s manual or speaking with a Honda dealer will give you the precise setup for your vehicle.
Availability by model and year
Honda has historically offered rear-seat entertainment most notably on the Odyssey, with other models rarely—including or offering the feature only via dealer-installed options. Availability can differ by region and by trim level, and some markets may not offer the system at all. If you’re shopping a specific year and model, confirm with a dealer or consult the official brochure for that year.
- Honda Odyssey: the model most commonly associated with a factory rear entertainment option, typically offered on higher trims or as a dealer-installed package in various generations
- Other Honda models (e.g., Pilot, CR-V, Ridgeline): availability has been limited and far less common, often relying on aftermarket installations rather than a factory option
- Regional differences: the option status can vary by country or market, so US, Canadian, and other regional specs may differ
Before purchasing, verify whether the specific vehicle you’re considering includes the rear entertainment system or if a dealer-installed kit is available for that year and trim.
Using and maintaining the system
For owners whose vehicles include the rear entertainment system, here are general steps to use and maintain it. Exact steps may differ by generation, so consult the owner’s manual for precise instructions.
- Power on the displays using the dedicated controls or the remote
- Choose the content source (built-in media player, HDMI, USB, or external devices)
- Use the remote to navigate menus and select inputs or playback options
- Wear the included wireless headphones for private listening
- Connect external devices (such as a game console or streaming device) via HDMI or USB inputs, if available
- Adjust volume and parental controls as needed, and ensure proper mounting and cable management to avoid loose wiring
If your vehicle does not include the system, you can still entertain rear-seat passengers with tablets, portable DVD players, or aftermarket rear-seat entertainment kits that suit your model year and budget.
Why it matters for families and travelers
The rear entertainment setup is designed to reduce travel fatigue on long trips by providing in-vehicle entertainment for kids and adults alike. It can improve ease of travel for families, shuttle services, and carpooling scenarios where keeping passengers engaged is a practical concern. However, the technology and content options have evolved, and many buyers now rely on smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices as flexible alternatives when a factory system isn’t available.
Summary
The Honda Rear Entertainment System is an optional, rear-seat video and media package that has most often appeared in the Odyssey lineup. It typically includes dual displays, a media source or inputs, wireless headphones, and a remote, with content delivery ranging from built-in discs to HDMI/USB inputs or streaming capabilities depending on the model year. Availability varies by model and region, so prospective buyers should verify exact features with a dealer or in the official documentation for their year and trim. For those without the factory system, aftermarket solutions and personal devices offer compatible, flexible alternatives.
