Honda Odyssey - Touring Vs. EX-L

I have the EX-L. I wish I bought the Touring because the automatic hatch would be valuable to me. I think the hatch is very heavy especially when you are holding babies or bags in your arms and having to force that door closed. Ugh!! The only reason why we didn't buy the Touring is because of the price to replace the tires if they get a hole in them....well over 200.00 per tire. You must be skinny because the extra seat on the second row is really tiny. I don't remember if there is a seat belt for that tiny seat, or not.? We don't use it. I have my 5 month old and 2 1/2 year old close together in the second row and my 12 year old daughter sits way in the back. The "trunk", I think, is small. I struggle to have a stroller back there and God forbid, if I have to stop for groceries. There is nowhere to put them if the 3rd row is being used. What I love about the car is the DVD player for the kids, the navigation system, and the camera when I am backing up....otherwise, I really dislike the van. Not enough room for all of our junk. And, you are speaking to a woman that has owned at least 5 brand new Honda vehicles. Good luck!

We purchased a used 2007 EX-L last year when I was pregnant with the twins. We had looked at both models and from a day to day driving standpoint didn't see many differences. The only thing I would like to have is the automatic rear hatch opening that touring has, but it was a minor thing to give up for the price difference and I still have the automatic side doors which I love. I have the twins in the middle seat and the two older girls in the back row. Good news is on trips I used to sit between older girls on back seat to feed bottles so that would work for the new baby. Now since the twins face forward, I can actually reach both of them from the front passenger seat. It is also nice to be able to walk to the back when stopped and use third seat for changing, etc without having to get out or climb over so you may be glad the middle is free to pass through......

The touring has adjustable foot pedals and run flat tires. There are probably other upgrades as well but those are the two major differences.
I love my Odyssey. I actually have the EX-L. I'm a Honda person.
You are getting a great vehicle whether you pick the EX-L or the Touring!
Good luck!

The two set second row you refer to I think is actually the preferred seating (it's considered an upgrade to have two captains chairs). We have it on our EX also. There should be a "jumpseat" that installs between the two chairs for a third person to sit there, however the reality is that with two car seats installed my hips just don't fit!

You can research the differences between the two easily online.

In a nutshell, the Touring has the premium packaging - better hub cabs, sound system, automatic rear lift gate, etc.

I don't think the pros of the Touring new are worth the extra money. However if you are buying used the price may be worth it.

I think the automatic rear lift gate is nice, but not necessary. I didn't care about any of the other perks. I am not short so I can reach all the petals and grab the back hatch without any problems. I never close it with a kid in my hand anyway...I always secure them in the car first, then deal with my groceries.