How Honda’s Edix MPV Turns a Compact Design into a Spacious 6-Seater – You’ll Be Shocked

A three-row minivan is a necessity for families of five or six. Finding a vehicle that comfortably fits three passengers in the back can be challenging, even for smaller families. While some SUVs offer three-row seating for six or more, their size and lack of maneuverability on narrow roads make them less ideal. That’s where exceptions like Honda’s five-door MPV, the Edix, come in.

Based on the compact Civic hatchback, the Honda Edix initially appears to be just another derivative. However, it boasts a standout feature that sets it apart: the ability to seat six people comfortably despite having only two rows of seating.

Compact Yet Spacious: A 3+3 Seating Arrangement

Launched in 2004, the Honda Edix is based on the Civic hatchback. At first glance, its exterior resembles the Civic but boasts a unique interior layout. With a length of 4,285 mm (168.7 inches) and a width of 1,795 mm (70.7 inches), the Edix offers a 3+3 seating configuration instead of the typical 2+2+2 layout found in six-seaters.

Each six-seat is independent, allowing individual reclining and sliding adjustments. This innovative design minimizes passenger interference, optimizes space, and ensures compatibility with side airbags during collisions. For added convenience, the Edix includes three sun visors for front-row passengers, and the rearview mirror is offset slightly to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.

Practical Interior Prioritizing Passenger Comfort

The dashboard is designed with the convenience and practicality of the passengers as the top priority. The gear lever is located on the center fascia, and the parking brake lever is located below it. The door trims were made as thin as possible to secure interior space. In the process, all four power window switches for the driver’s seat were installed on the right side of the dashboard. The middle seat in the first row is divided in half. When the front part is folded down, it can be used as a storage space, and when the backrest is folded, it can be used as a center console.

All three second-row seats are made to be the same width so that you can sit comfortably in any seat. Height-adjustable headrests are applied, and the middle seat has a seat belt attached to the ceiling to provide the same safety as the two seats. The interior floor is flat without a center tunnel, so you can comfortably place your legs in any seat.

Ample Cargo Space Despite Compact Dimensions
Powertrain and Availability

Despite its short length, which is no different from the Civic, it has sufficient loading capacity. This is because the tailgate has a unique design to secure trunk space. This allows you to load most items without pushing the second-row seats forward. The steeply angled part of the tailgate glass is made of one piece, and the wipers are also curved to match.

For the Honda Edix powertrain, gasoline and diesel engines of various displacements are provided, from 1.7L to 2.4L. In addition, there were various transmission options, such as 5-6 speed manual and 4-5 speed automatic transmissions. Besides, four-wheel drive specifications were also available. Although it was discontinued in 2009 and is currently unavailable as a new vehicle, it can be purchased for around 200,000 to 800,000 yen (about $1,287 to $5,149) on the used vehicle market.