Ask yourself if you need these additional features/upgrades and if they are worth the extra $2,250.

• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI)

• Honda DVD Ultrawide Rear Entertainment System with HDMI Technology

• 650-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with 12 Speakers including Subwoofer and 5.1 Surround Sound Theater Mode

If you are an audiophile and value sound quality, I would go with the Touring Elite. There have been complaints from people with the 7 speaker sound system and how the sound is very low in the 3rd row.

Good luck deciding and enjoy your new van!

 

Sorry to say, but the sound system stinks in all the Oddy's. The Touring Elite has the best of the Oddy, but it's system pales in comparison to ones I have heard in similar priced luxury sedans in the same $40k MSRP range.

 

Go for the Touring if the items listed by Gstom1 are not for you

Go for the Touring Elite if you want them. Trying to get the Touring Elite bonus features in the Touring aftermarket is not worth it...

The MSRP difference between the Touring and the Touring Elite is $2495, so you should be fine either way

 

Yeah, it really is a matter if any of those features are important enough for you.

For us, we were originally going with the EX-L w/ RES. However, we looked at the price and said, "Damn, $35,000 for a van? At that price, we might as well get the color we really wanted." We wanted the white pearl. That means at least a Touring and the expense of Navi. My wife HATES unecessary cords and cables so while we originally intended to use a Garmin, getting the navi along with the paint was ok.

Which then lead us to a choice btw the Touring and Touring Elite.

Didn't care about the BIS or stereo. The wide screen and HDMI was intriguing, but not a must have item. It was really all about the HID headlights. I thought we could live without it, but really wanted them. DW thought about it, and since we drive up and down California all the time (with no lights along the highway throughout most of central California), it was a safety thing. We decided to pay that $2500 difference just for the HIDs. The other stuff turned out to be kinda cool, but we ultimately decided the HIDs were a must have.

Please note that HIDs essentially deletes the automatic headlight feature. Honda was incredibly stupid in how they set the auto headlight feature. You can change settings, but you can't stop the headlights from turning on and off if you open the driver's door. You're not supposed to turn HID lights on and off rapidly. It burns them out quicker. Kinda like flourescent bulbs. So, I have to manually turn my lights on and off. You get logical auto headlights on a Toyota Corolla, but Honda can't do it right on a $45,000 van.

 

Sorry to say the built in GPS in my Touring Elite is not as good as my 3 yr old Tom Tom (Higher end portable unit) No time of arrival, no speed limits listing and no touch screen on the Honda that Tom Tom has are 3 major ommissions. Not to mention I didn't want the built in GPS, but once you buy a Touring it's forced on you, I wished they had an optional choice. The upgrade CD, that was a joke.. I got my $$ back on that after complaining to Honda.

Headlights? HID are ok.. I have had them in many other cars, but there is much worse dropoff or cutoff then with regular lights. Even the regular headlights on a EXL I drove are ok.

 

2012 Odyssey Touring for $36,225 total OTD: $38,830.

Smoking deal!!!!!! Sign the papers before they "wake up"

 

Smoking deal!!!!!! Sign the papers before they "wake up"

Hell yeah!! My Elite was MRSP at $46,500ish. I went to 3 local Honda dealer and the best one of them could do was discount $4500 off MRSP.

 

We went with a Touring Elite after coming from an Acura MDX sport w/ Ent. You get spoiled by the extra features.

 

Road Noise and Ride Quality Between EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite

We have a Silver 2008 EX-L with gray leather seats and only have 12,600 miles on our vehicle. We have the Honda Care extended warranty, and are thinking of trading this in for either the 2012 Touring or Elite model.

When Honda recalled our van to fix the brake problems with the modulator, they finally agreed to install a new one in February and our brakes have been firm and we have not had any other problems.

In 2008 the EX-L did not have the power tailgate, and we could not afford to buy the Touring model and now after using our van for four years we really see that the power tailgate is a must at our age.

With the new redesign in 2011, the EX-L has 17 inch wheels with a power tailgate, but the Touring and Elite has 18 inch wheels.

We find that we seem to have more road noise, and the feeling of air leaks around the front windows when we drive on the freeway. This has been checked out by our dealer and all seemed okay.

I test drove the Elite on Friday, and I can see that it is much quieter, no wind noise from the front windows and the ride seems smoother and over all better than our 2008 EX-L.

While Navigation would be nice, we really don’t care about the DVD system, but we like the 18 inch wheels and our dealer said that it makes the ride much better than the 16 inch wheels we have and even better than the 17 inch wheels of the EX-L.

Driving the Elite with the blind spot system was nice but is it worth the extra money for that, since the Touring would have all of the other features that we need, and an upgrade from our EX-L.

Would someone tell me how their ride is and noise level is in the EX-L versus the Touring and the Elite models? When I drove our van back on the freeway on Friday without my XM radio on and with a side wind I could really hear the wind whistling next to the front windows and the ride quality was not as good as the 2012 model that I drove, may it was in my mind or wishful thinking so that would make my decision easier.

Since we have really low miles and our van is in excellent condition our dealer is anxious to get it as a trade in, and with only one vehicle we may decide to do this. I have seen 2008 EX-L’s with over 20,000 miles listed for over $24,000, so this would make a good down payment towards the Touring or Elite.

I am in the process of doing my internet research for the best internet price before I go to any dealer, with my list of options, and our trade-in value. Now, Honda has 0.9% interest until July 9th, 2012 but we wanted to wait until the fall thinking that we could get a better price after the new 2013 Odyssey’s come out in September, does anyone have any suggestions about waiting until then? My concern is that we will be financing the balance and the 0.9% is the best we have found.

Also, can I get a better price for the extended Honda care warranty on the internet or have the dealer give me the best price?

Also, options for the van, we have the roof rack but never use it, but we have the body side molding on the doors and that is nice. I have heard that the roof rack can make more road noise, is that true, and what about adding the body side molding on the new 2012 along with the splash guards, wheel locks, and door edge guards, along with window tinting on the front windows?

Thanks for the replies,

DaisyMay

 

We have a Silver 2008 EX-L with gray leather seats and only have 12,600 miles on our vehicle. We have the Honda Care extended warranty, and are thinking of trading this in for either the 2012 Touring or Elite model.

When Honda recalled our van to fix the brake problems with the modulator, they finally agreed to install a new one in February and our brakes have been firm and we have not had any other problems.

In 2008 the EX-L did not have the power tailgate, and we could not afford to buy the Touring model and now after using our van for four years we really see that the power tailgate is a must at our age.

With the new redesign in 2011, the EX-L has 17 inch wheels with a power tailgate, but the Touring and Elite has 18 inch wheels.

We find that we seem to have more road noise, and the feeling of air leaks around the front windows when we drive on the freeway. This has been checked out by our dealer and all seemed okay.

I test drove the Elite on Friday, and I can see that it is much quieter, no wind noise from the front windows and the ride seems smoother and over all better than our 2008 EX-L.

While Navigation would be nice, we really don’t care about the DVD system, but we like the 18 inch wheels and our dealer said that it makes the ride much better than the 16 inch wheels we have and even better than the 17 inch wheels of the EX-L.

Driving the Elite with the blind spot system was nice but is it worth the extra money for that, since the Touring would have all of the other features that we need, and an upgrade from our EX-L.

Would someone tell me how their ride is and noise level is in the EX-L versus the Touring and the Elite models? When I drove our van back on the freeway on Friday without my XM radio on and with a side wind I could really hear the wind whistling next to the front windows and the ride quality was not as good as the 2012 model that I drove, may it was in my mind or wishful thinking so that would make my decision easier.

Since we have really low miles and our van is in excellent condition our dealer is anxious to get it as a trade in, and with only one vehicle we may decide to do this. I have seen 2008 EX-L’s with over 20,000 miles listed for over $24,000, so this would make a good down payment towards the Touring or Elite.

I am in the process of doing my internet research for the best internet price before I go to any dealer, with my list of options, and our trade-in value. Now, Honda has 0.9% interest until July 9th, 2012 but we wanted to wait until the fall thinking that we could get a better price after the new 2013 Odyssey’s come out in September, does anyone have any suggestions about waiting until then? My concern is that we will be financing the balance and the 0.9% is the best we have found.

Also, can I get a better price for the extended Honda care warranty on the internet or have the dealer give me the best price?

Also, options for the van, we have the roof rack but never use it, but we have the body side molding on the doors and that is nice. I have heard that the roof rack can make more road noise, is that true, and what about adding the body side molding on the new 2012 along with the splash guards, wheel locks, and door edge guards, along with window tinting on the front windows?

Thanks for the replies,

DaisyMay

This is a bump for DaisyMay's post as we are in the same boat and have the same questions. Anyone have advice based on her questions? Would be much appreciated.

 

Daisy May,
Why trade off a 12,000 mile vehicle? They better give you a lot of money for the trade and $4,500 off the Touring to even consider this.:um:

 

For me the HID and upgraded stereo would be worth it.

 

My local dealer does the same thing. Add in accessories at inflated prices. Even worse, they tack on a "Dealer Markup". They aren't shy about it. It literally says either "dealer markup" or something like "market adjustment". Usually it's $5,000. Even on a Civic or Fit. They'll knock it off once you call them on it, but the sticker is really inflated. The salesmen freely admit that they put it on there and if someone is stupid enough to pay it, they won't say anything.

 

Usually it's $5,000

And then you see those in the Saturday morning local TV ads, "Innnncrrredible $3000 off MSRP in all our inventory, hurry up!!! These caaaarssss woooon't laaaaaaast! One-time blow-out sale!"

 

Get the touring elite, otherwise just get the EX-L with the res or navi. IMO the touring is waste, might as well get the elite if you are going to spend that kind of money.

$30k was my limit then I ended up with the EX-L RES, really wanted the elite just to far out of reach for me.

 

Get the touring elite, otherwise just get the EX-L with the res or navi. IMO the touring is waste, might as well get the elite if you are going to spend that kind of money.

$30k was my limit then I ended up with the EX-L RES, really wanted the elite just to far out of reach for me.

This. I was leaning towards the Touring but had set a monthly limit and told myself if I exceeded it, I might as well go all the way for the Touring Elite. Glad I didn't. No chance you paid $30k for a new EX-L with RES. If so, good on you, best price I have seen other than mine ($33,710 OTD but got some accessories included in that).

 

You are also getting a small bump in mpg with the 6 Spd transmission on the Touring.

 

I too completely agree with txdude. Either get the ex-l or touring elite.

We drove a 2010 touring approximately 6months prior to the 2011 model release and the road noise was a complete deal breaker. Perhaps it was just the unit I dove, but our 2011 is much quieter on the highway.

Regarding gadgets, I am extremely surprised at how much I like the blind spot indicator. I also really like the WRES, even if we use just a single source. The rear theater mode also helps 2nd row passengers hear the movie without headphones (without blasting the driver away).

I too heard about wind noise from the roof rack, though I can't think of anyone on the forum with a roof rack that complained about noise. (and we are a whiny bunch, so I think it's a cost cutting strategy, not noise related).

Anyways, we opted not to get the roof rack, we got the tow prep, so I can get a flat carrier or a trailer if/when needed.


Overall I love our TE, zero regrets.

Regarding the navi, I much prefer the knob control, my Acura has a touch screen and I hate the fingerprints.

Anyways, to me the decision between touring and TE is easy, between ex-l and TE it's a bit more difficult.

Good luck!

 

No portable compares with the built in nav. Its not only a nav but a screen for all number of functions. Plus its big and built in. The Tomtoms and Garmins might have more "features" but its not integrated. Its like putting a boombox in your car and saying that its a better sound system than the built in radio.

On the topic of Touring or Elite. Go big or go home, you're already spending $40K on a car, percentage wise, another $2K isn't that big a deal.

 

On the topic of Touring or Elite. Go big or go home, you're already spending $40K on a car, percentage wise, another $2K isn't that big a deal.

Haha, that's pretty much every Elite owner's response I've come across. Once you get up to Touring, you're like, "$2,000 more for the Elite? Do I need it? Maybe, maybe not. But ahhh, I'm already at $40,000, what's another $2,000? Screw it, we'll just get the Elite". At that point, value for the money has long gone out the door.

 

I'm just a "stripped down" Touring owner. :frown:
I wanted Pearl White not White (EX-L). I figured the "bump" for that was enough....called it good and kept the extra $2,000 in my pocket for mag wheels and snow tires next winter.

 

so the Elite has the HDMI video input? Where is it located? i thought the big wide dual screen is useless....it's like watching 2 different shows on one TV.

 

The HDMI video input is in the 3rd row, next to the 110v power outlet.

You may want to download the OM navigation manual (stickied under the 4th Generation section of this forum), 2 screens is not the only option

 

Get a clue folks, just walk out if the dealer doesn't satisfy you on price. Did you know the dealer HAS TO satisfy the customer?? That's part of his/her agreement with Honda of America. Price is where I find satisfaction. I won't tolerate a dealer who refuses to meet price requirements. Only the most pitifully poor dealers can't make money selling WAY under MSRP. MSRP shouldn't come up in the discussion, and if it does, just hold out the hand and say, "stop." If the general manager or sales rep tells you different, they're just lying to you or they are stupid and just doing what the dealership owner tells them to do/say/think. Walk away and find a real man/woman to buy from. Look at it this way, tell the general manager, look I can be happy at $41,000 for that Pearl White Touring you're going to locate for me, and I'll give you a 5 out of 10 rating on the Customer Satisfaction Index card that goes back to Honda. Then you can fuss with them about how mediocre you are. Or you can come down to $38,000, $39,000 and I'll give you a 10 out of 10 and they'll put a gold star next to your name. You decide chump and get back to me. Then walk away. Or better yet, just walk away and let them learn the hard way.......... Thank goodness we know several dealers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama who, if you catch them at the right time, will always make you happy just to avoid letting cash walk out the door. There is nothing more pitiful than offering a general manager a huge heaping pile of cash and watching him try to get you for another couple thousand. It really is sad, like watching LeBron play basketball with a schoolchild. Never forget you are the customer folks.......... if you aren't happy, that's the signal to your feet to get moving..........

 

At first we were budgeted for the Touring but another 2k would get me HIDs (HID retrofits is a hobby) and a better sound system, which were huge on my list of mods and my wife knowing that I will mod it, she said just to spend the extra $2k so I won't mess around with it! The kids love the wide screen and the theatre effect and my wife loves it that I'm not messing around with it!

 

We just bought a 2012 Touring Pearl white in Nov for 36,500..opted against the TE model, which was like your deal... 38600. The DVD player in our touring works fine for our three little munchkins. I went to IntenseHID.com and purchased a digital slim ballast kit 6000K hid kits for 109.00 and PIAA plasma yellow fogs lights at tirerack for $70. I didnt feel we needed a 600W system for our three kids and my wife has never rocked out to anything louder than "Bruno Mars" telling her "he's gonna marry her" to the grocery store. But to each their own.. you will LOVE either of them! Good Luck!!!!

 

I was deciding between the two just a few weeks ago. HID headlights were the only redeeming quality in favor of the TE, IMO. So I went with a Touring and a pair of Night Breaker Plus replacement bulbs. Looking into Putco LED replacement bulbs for both the interior and exterior with the spare change that I now have on hand.

 

The Elite has adaptive cruise control, too. I wish the Touring did.

 

Not sure, I believe all trims have the same CC, no difference. I think the adaptive one will come on the 2014 TE. See specs here, under cruise control (currently for the 2013)

2013 Honda Odyssey - Specifications - Official Honda Site

 

Quick question...

Is there any way to find out if it's Touring or Touring Elite model by looking on a few pictures of exterior & partial interior (2012)?

 

Only by looking at the rear hatch, it'll say ELITE on the right.

 

Partial Interior - Yes - look at the A-Pillar and you can easily spot the Blind-Spot Monitors. Look at the roof - very easy to spot the ultra-wide RES. Look at the dash - dolby symbols on the audio system. Can't think of anything exterior.

 

Here some pictures I have... I like to restore cars, as a hobby and then drive them

 

2012 Odyssey Touring vs. Touring Elite .

New Here.
I did search quite a bit with no answer to this Q:
Difference from: 2012 Odyssey Touring & Touring Elite ?

 

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/54-2011-2017-odyssey/154748-2012-odyssey-touring-vs-touring-elite.html