Kia Carnival vs. Honda Odyssey: Side-by-Side Comparison
For families looking for a spacious, comfortable, and feature-packed minivan, the 2025 Kia Carnival and 2025 Honda Odyssey are two of the top choices. Both offer seating for up to eight passengers, advanced technology, and strong reliability, but they have key differences in performance, features, pricing, and design.
This factual side-by-side comparison will help you determine which minivan best suits your needs.
Kia Carnival vs. Honda Odyssey: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (CAD) | $42,795 | $50,640 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Cargo Space (Behind 1st Row) | 4,110 L | 3,984 L |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 1,139 L | 929 L |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 10.6 L/100 km | 10.6 L/100 km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Infotainment Display | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen (standard) |
| Rear Entertainment System | Available | Available |
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000 km | 3 years/60,000 km |
1. Performance and Driving Experience
Both the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey come equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, offering similar power outputs. The Carnival produces 287 horsepower, slightly more than the Odyssey’s 280 horsepower, while torque is nearly identical at 260 lb-ft for the Carnival and 262 lb-ft for the Odyssey.
The main difference in performance comes from the transmission. The Honda Odyssey uses a 10-speed automatic, which provides smoother shifts, while the Carnival features an 8-speed automatic, delivering solid acceleration and efficiency.
Both minivans are front-wheel drive only and have a 3,500-lb towing capacity, making them suitable for hauling trailers or small campers.
Verdict: The Honda Odyssey offers a more refined transmission, but the Kia Carnival has slightly more horsepower.
2. Interior Space and Comfort
Seating Capacity
Both the Carnival and Odyssey offer seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The second-row seating configurations vary:
- The Odyssey has Magic Slide second-row seats, allowing for more flexibility in passenger arrangement.
- The Carnival offers VIP Lounge Seating in higher trims, with reclining captain’s chairs, leg rests, and heating/ventilation.
Cargo Space
- Kia Carnival has 4,110 L of cargo space behind the first row, slightly more than the Odyssey’s 3,984 L.
- Behind the third row, the Carnival offers 1,139 L, while the Odyssey provides 929 L.
The Carnival has a slight edge in cargo space, making it a better option for those needing extra storage for road trips or family vacations.
Verdict: The Kia Carnival wins on cargo space, while the Honda Odyssey offers more seating flexibility.
3. Technology and Infotainment
Infotainment Systems
- Kia Carnival comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Honda Odyssey has a smaller 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a larger 10.2-inch screen available on higher trims.
Rear Passenger Entertainment
- Both minivans offer rear-seat entertainment systems, but the Carnival’s dual 12.3-inch display setup feels more modern compared to the Odyssey’s single overhead screen.
Digital Gauge Cluster
- The Carnival features a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims, while the Odyssey retains traditional analog gauges with a digital display.
Verdict: Kia Carnival offers a better infotainment system and a more modern interior design.
4. Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both minivans include advanced safety features, but the Kia Carnival offers more standard safety technology.
Standard Safety Features in Both Models
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
Extra Safety Features
- Kia Carnival: Standard Rear Occupant Alert and Driver Attention Warning
- Honda Odyssey: Standard Traffic Sign Recognition and Rear Seat Reminder
Both vehicles earn top safety ratings, but the Carnival includes more advanced safety tech as standard on lower trims.
Verdict: Kia Carnival has more standard safety features, while the Honda Odyssey offers unique tech like traffic sign recognition.
5. Warranty and Value for Money
Pricing
- 2025 Kia Carnival starts at $42,795 CAD, making it significantly more affordable than the 2025 Honda Odyssey, which starts at $50,640 CAD.
- The top trims of both models can exceed $60,000 CAD, but the Carnival offers more premium features at a lower price.
Warranty Comparison
- Kia Carnival: 5-year/100,000 km basic warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty
- Honda Odyssey: 3-year/60,000 km basic warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty
Kia’s industry-leading warranty makes the Carnival a better long-term investment, as it offers more coverage than the Odyssey.
Verdict: Kia Carnival wins in affordability and warranty coverage.
Final Verdict: Which Minivan is Right for You?
Choose the 2025 Kia Carnival if you:
- Want more cargo space and modern technology
- Prefer a lower starting price with more standard features
- Need a longer warranty for long-term ownership
- Like a bold, SUV-inspired design over a traditional minivan look
Choose the 2025 Honda Odyssey if you:
- Prefer a 10-speed automatic transmission for a smoother drive
- Want Magic Slide second-row seating for more passenger flexibility
- Are looking for higher resale value over time
- Value Honda’s long-standing reputation for reliability
Both the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey are excellent minivans, but the Carnival offers more for the price with better technology, cargo space, and warranty coverage. Meanwhile, the Odyssey remains a solid choice for Honda loyalists looking for a refined ride and strong resale value.
For more information on the 2025 Kia Carnival, visit Orleans Kia or browse the latest inventory at Orleans Kia’s new vehicles.