I recently spent some time looking at a CR-V in honda obsidian blue, and honestly, it's one of those colors that looks way better in person than it does on a computer screen. When you're scrolling through a dealership's inventory online, it usually just looks like a dark, somewhat flat navy. But once you see it out in the sunlight, the "obsidian" part of the name really starts to make sense. It's got this deep, moody character that feels a lot more premium than your standard run-of-the-mill blue.
Choosing a car color is always a bit of a tug-of-war between what looks cool and what's actually practical to live with. You want something that stands out, but you don't necessarily want a "look at me" neon shade that screams for attention every time you pull into a grocery store parking lot. That's where this specific shade of blue hits the sweet spot. It's sophisticated, subtle, and has a bit of a personality shift depending on the time of day.
What Makes This Blue Different?
If you've ever looked at a piece of actual obsidian, you know it's that volcanic glass that's technically black but has this incredible depth and sheen. Honda's take on this involves a heavy dose of metallic pearl. In the shade or on a cloudy afternoon, honda obsidian blue can almost pass for black or a very dark charcoal. It's stealthy and professional.
However, as soon as the sun hits the body panels, the metallic flakes catch the light and reveal these rich, midnight blue undertones. It's not a "bright" blue by any means—it's definitely on the darker end of the spectrum—but it has a glow to it that flat paints just can't replicate. It gives the car's lines and creases a lot of definition, which is probably why Honda uses it on their larger vehicles where there's more sheet metal to show off.
Which Models Can You Get It On?
Honda doesn't just throw this color on every single car in their lineup, but they've been pretty consistent with it over the last few years. You'll mostly find it on their "family" oriented vehicles and their larger cruisers.
- The Honda Odyssey: This is a classic pairing. Since the Odyssey is a big vehicle, a bright color can sometimes feel like too much. The obsidian blue makes the minivan look a bit more elegant and less like a "mom-taxi."
- The Honda Pilot: On a big SUV, this color adds a rugged but refined vibe. It looks great with the chrome accents or even the blacked-out trim levels.
- The Honda CR-V: This is probably where you see it the most. It's a popular choice for people who want something other than white or silver but aren't ready to commit to a bright red.
- The Honda Accord: On the sedan, it looks incredibly sharp. It gives the car an executive feel that rivals some luxury European brands.
It's worth noting that color availability can change year to year. Sometimes they'll swap it out for a "Still Night Blue" (which is way brighter) or a "Canyon River Blue" (which is more of a grayish-blue). But the obsidian remains a staple for those who want that dark, formal look.
Living With a Dark Color: The Reality Check
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: maintenance. If you've ever owned a black car, you know the struggle. Honda obsidian blue is beautiful, but because it's so dark, it's going to show everything. I'm talking about dust, pollen, water spots, and those annoying little salt streaks during the winter.
If you're the type of person who only washes their car once every three months, this might not be the color for you. After a week of rain, a dark blue car can start to look a little sad. However, if you actually enjoy the process of detailing your car—or at least don't mind hitting the touchless car wash once a week—the payoff is huge. When it's clean and waxed, the depth of the paint is stunning. It has a mirror-like quality that light silver or white cars just can't achieve.
Dealing with "Swirl Marks"
One thing to watch out for with these darker metallic paints is "swirl marks." Those are those tiny circular scratches you see when the sun hits the paint directly. They usually come from those old-school car washes with the heavy spinning brushes. If you're picking up a new Honda in this color, I'd highly recommend sticking to hand washing or touchless washes to keep that obsidian finish looking crisp.
How It Compares to Other Honda Blues
Honda loves their blues. They usually have two or three available at any given time, and it's easy to get them confused.
- Obsidian Blue vs. Still Night Blue: These are polar opposites. Still Night is a "look at me" electric blue. It's bright, vivid, and very sporty. Obsidian is the "grown-up" version. It's much darker and more conservative.
- Obsidian Blue vs. Crystal Black Pearl: Sometimes at night, you won't be able to tell the difference. But side-by-side in the daylight, the blue is much more interesting. It feels less "fleet car" than plain black.
- Obsidian Blue vs. Morning Mist Metallic: Morning Mist is a very light, airy blue-silver. Obsidian is deep and heavy.
If you want a car that looks professional for work but still has a bit of "flavor" when you're out on the weekend, the obsidian is usually the winner. It's a safe choice for resale value, too. Most people like blue, and since this one isn't polarizing, it'll still look good ten years from now.
Does It Help the Resale Value?
Speaking of resale, color actually matters more than people think. While "boring" colors like white, silver, and gray usually hold their value the best because they appeal to everyone, a deep blue like honda obsidian blue is usually right up there with them. It's considered a "neutral-plus" color. It's not a weird lime green or a bright purple that might turn off a future buyer.
It's a "safe" color that still feels premium. People often associate dark blues with high-end luxury brands, so it gives the Honda a bit of an upscale aura. When it comes time to trade it in or sell it privately, you likely won't take a hit for having a blue car—in fact, it might even sell faster than a basic silver one because it looks a bit more special.
Tips for Keeping That Shine
If you decide to pull the trigger on a vehicle in this color, do yourself a favor and look into a ceramic coating or at least a high-quality sealant. Because honda obsidian blue is so dark, any protection you put on top of it is going to enhance that "wet look."
A ceramic coating acts like a sacrificial layer over the clear coat. It makes the paint super hydrophobic, meaning water and dirt just slide right off. For a dark color, this is a lifesaver. It keeps the car looking cleaner for longer and makes the actual washing process a lot easier. Plus, it protects against the sun's UV rays, which can dull out those nice blue pigments over several years of parking outside.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, honda obsidian blue is for the person who wants a "stealth" color with a secret. It's a shade that doesn't demand your attention from a mile away, but it rewards you for looking closer. It's elegant, it's moody, and it has a timeless quality to it.
Yes, you're going to have to wash it more often than a silver Accord, and yes, you'll probably be annoyed by pollen season. But when you walk out to your driveway on a sunny morning and see that metallic flake shimmering under the clear coat, you'll probably realize it was worth the extra effort. It's just a classy, well-executed color that fits the "reliable but refined" vibe that Honda does so well. If you're on the fence, definitely go see it in person—just make sure it's a sunny day so you can see what it's actually capable of.