2017 Honda Stepwagon Review

Detailed Review

The Honda Stepwagon made its debut in 1996 and has since undergone six generations of production. The first generation of the Stepwagon was produced from 1996 to 2001. The second generation was in production from 2001 to 2005. The third generation launched its production in 2005 and continued up to 2009. From 2009 to 2015, the production of the fourth iteration of the Stepwagon took place. The fifth version of this minivan was manufactured from 2015 up to 2022. It features a two-way tailgate known as “wakuwaku” Gate. The Honda Stepwagon is currently in its sixth iteration of production.

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon comes with two engine options, a 1.5 L (Petrol), and a 2.0 L (Hybrid) connected to a CVT. Click here to purchase the 2017 Honda Stepwagon Buyer’s Guide. 

2017 Honda Stepwagon Grades

1. Honda Stepwagon G- This grade comes with automatic sliding doors, power windows, air conditioning, and a basic audio system.
2. Honda Stepwagon LX- This grade features fog lights, alloy wheels, cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
3. Honda Stepwagon EXV- This grade has LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and Honda sensing safety suite.
4. Honda Stepwagon Spada- This grade is equipped with a navigation system, a moonroof, power tailgate, blind spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning.
5. Honda Stepwagon Modulo Style- This grade boasts a sporty appearance package with unique front & rear bumpers, side skirts, and aero kit.
6. Honda Stepwagon Sport HS- This grade is fitted with a centralized door lock, a navigation system, climate control, power windows, cruise control, and fog lights

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon has very spacious interior that is highly versatile. The dashboard is utterly contemporary and pleasant with a blend of soft touches and smooth curves. The first row offers plenty of legroom and headroom and its seats can be reclined to match a desired preference. The second row is also impressive as passengers enjoy sufficient knee room and headroom. The seats can either be moved forward or backward to create more space. The third row seat are surprisingly pleasant to sit in. Taller passengers will not find it crampy as the case in other minivans for the Stepwagon has adequate headroom and legroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon encompasses numerous storage compartments designed to improve the ride comfort of its occupants by neatly storing or holding their gears with an ease of access. The first row has an open center console, a glove box compartment, door panel storage and cupholders. Second row passengers have access to jacket pockets, door pockets, and a foldable tray. The third row seat is fitted with cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon has a small cargo area when all the seats are in place. When the second and third row seats have been folded, a spacious room is created and can accommodate freights of different sizes.

Exterior

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon sports a refined and contemporary appearance. Up front sits a massive chrome accented grille bearing the Honda badge that is used to stamp its presence. The sharp-looking headlights and LED daytime running lights lend this minivan a touch of elegance and sophistication. Owing to its small and slanting hood, occupants have excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic. Fog lights are incorporated in the lower fascia to enhance visibility especially when driving in dusty or mist-prone areas.

The side profile features electronically powered doors that aid passengers to easily embark or disembark from the van. The prominent wheel arches and character lines are visible and also improve aerodynamics. The windows are very big and allow more light into the cabin for ambience. The door handles have chrome embellishments that distinguishes it from the overall body color of the minivan.

The rear sports an electronically actuated tailgate that can either be opened as a whole upwards or sideways. It is famously known as the “wakawaka” Gate. Passengers can use it to access the third row seats. A roof spoiler is well-positioned to enhance the sportiness of the Stepwagon and improve the minivan’s overall aesthetics.

2017 Honda Stepwagon Safety Features

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon features multiple airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, electronic brake force distribution, lane departure warning, and an anti-lock braking system.

2017 Honda Stepwagon Fuel Consumption

2017 Honda Stepwagon 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 16.2 km/l on average

2017 Honda Stepwagon 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption- 25.0 km/l on average

2017 Honda Stepwagon Acceleration

2017 Honda Stepwagon 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.2 secs

2017 Honda Stepwagon 2.0 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.3 secs

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Honda Stepwagon has a ground clearance of 5.9 inches which is below the required standard of 6.5 inches on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts for the Honda Stepwagon are generally affordable and available in Kenya. Body parts are slightly expensive and not easy to find.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon has a smooth and pleasant drive. The steering wheel is power-assisted hence the vehicle adapts very well to road curvature. The suspension system cushions passengers from experiencing jarring movements when driving on uneven road surfaces. It prioritizes comfort over handling. The nose of the Stepwagon is small and slants to the front hence occupants have an excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic. Owing to its size and height, it is advisable to slow down when approaching tight corners as this minivan experiences body rolls.

Its approach and departure angles cannot tackle inclined and reclined surfaces without damaging its body components and so it is recommended not to drive this minivan in off-road trails. The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration.

Anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and cruise control are encompassed in this vehicle to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon is regarded a reliable minivan. Due to its low ground clearance, off-road driving should be avoided as you risk damaging its body components. Transmission issues and malfunction of the electronic doors are the most commonly reported problems in the Stepwagon. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.

Click here to purchase the 2017 Honda Stepwagon Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Average

Honda Stepwagon Competitors: Toyota Noah, Toyota Voxy, Nissan Serena, Mazda Biante, and Mitsubishi Delica.

What we like about the 2017 Honda Stepwagon

Spacious and versatile interior

Comfortable ride

Fuel efficiency

Advanced safety features

What we don’t

Less sporty handling

The cargo space behind the third row seat might not be the largest in its class

Conclusion

The 2017 Honda Stepwagon boasts a roomy and versatile interior that will befit the needs of individuals with a large family. Due to its big windows, occupants enjoy excellent visibility as the cabin gets ambient lighting. It makes a perfect choice for a person looking for an alternative besides the prominent Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy. Eco-conscious folks will appreciate the Stepwagon mileage cover. Owing to its exorbitant purchase price, people on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy it.