2019 Honda Odyssey Now on Sale in the US

Priced from $31,065 including destination, the 2019 Honda Odyssey is mostly a carryover model. The minivan now comes standard with Honda Sensing on EX and above trim levels, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes collision mitigation brake system, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims. The Odyssey Touring and Elite models come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy however, is rated the same across the entire lineup, returning 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a 22-mpg combined rating.

The Honda Odyssey EX is priced from $35,035, while the EX-L starts at $38,585. The EX-L Navi/RES model has a starting price of $40,585. Stepping up to the Touring model with the 10-speed automatic starts at $45,635 and at the top of the range is the Elite with a price tag of $47,945. For the 2019 model year, Honda has added a second 2.5-amp USB port inside the center console on EX-L and above trims.

First Buick Avenir model is a China-only minivan

Buick’s lineup in China includes a minivan called the GL8, and it’s this model that has become the first recipient of Buick’s Avenir treatment.

Avenir, French for “future,” is the name of a luxurious sedan concept Buick rolled out in 2015. The concept didn’t make it to production but its name and more upmarket treatments feature in a new sub-brand Buick is using to denote extra luxurious versions its existing models, starting with the GL8 Avenir.

For the exterior, the vehicle benefits from an exclusive color called Earl Purple. There’s also the distinct grille with a honeycomb-like pattern and extra chrome. Designers have also added a unique set of 18-inch aluminum wheels.

For the interior, the Avenir treatments include a unique dash lining with a textured surface and an “Avenir” script. This is joined by quilted leather on the seats, plush carpeting, a suede headliner and an ambient lighting package.

Buick says the the GL8 Avenir will go on sale in China in November following a debut at the 2016 Guangzhou auto show. While there are no plans to bring it to the United States, it likely hints at some of the treatments we can expect on Avenir models sold here.

Unfortunately, it isn't clear when Buick will actually launch an Avenir model in the U.S.