Considering a minivan? You’re in good company. Today’s minivans offer a compelling alternative to three-row SUVs for the modern family, providing superior practicality in many ways. Two strong contenders, the 2025 Honda Odyssey and the 2025 Kia Carnival, represent different approaches in the minivan segment. The Odyssey, a stalwart known for its reliability and driving experience, faces the Carnival, which adopts a more SUV-inspired design and, notably, a new hybrid powertrain.
Both minivans offer plenty to admire. However, one edges out the other in our evaluation. Let’s dive into a comparison to see which one takes the top spot.
Pricing and Features
The Kia Carnival LX starts at a competitive $37,895, while the Hybrid SX Prestige tops out at $53,995. The Honda Odyssey lineup includes EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite trims, ranging from $43,315 to $52,275. Our picks would be the Kia Carnival EX and the Honda Odyssey EX-L.
Both vehicles have seen price increases in recent years, but the Kia stands out as an especially strong value proposition. The Carnival’s base price includes features such as power sliding side doors, a seven-seat configuration, six USB ports, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adding a second-row seat increases the capacity to eight and includes synthetic leather upholstery plus heated front seats.
The Kia doesn’t offer the hybrid powertrain on the base LX. However, the LXS Hybrid costs just under $42,000, which is still less than the base Odyssey. The EX Hybrid, at $46,095, entices with features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an in-cabin camera and intercom, and a voice recognition system that can adjust the climate and control the windows. At the top end for comfort, the Carnival SX Prestige retails for $51,995 or $53,995 for the SX Prestige Hybrid. This includes reclining lounge seats, a 12.0-inch head-up display, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and Bose audio. Another advantage over the Odyssey is Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile limited and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Honda no longer offers a cheap Odyssey LX or EX, meaning the least expensive EX-L costs around $43,000. It offers power side doors, a power tailgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Odyssey Sport-L, priced around $45,000, is another good pick, with leather upholstery, a power tailgate, a power driver seat, and 19-inch wheels. A buyer can spend over $52,000 for the Odyssey Elite, which includes a heated steering wheel, front heated and cooled seats, parking sensors, a rear-seat entertainment system with a third-row camera, and wireless smartphone charging. Honda covers its minivan with a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and adds 2 years/24,000 miles of included maintenance.
Advantage: The Carnival’s a deal.
Safety Features
Both the Carnival and the Odyssey come equipped with standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and earn top crash-test ratings.
How safe is the Kia Carnival? While definitive crash-test results from the NHTSA or the IIHS are unavailable, a 2024 model earned mixed results. The top versions offer high-speed automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, front parking sensors, blind-spot cameras, and in-board cameras to monitor second- and third-row passengers.
How safe is the Honda Odyssey? The Odyssey receives the NHTSA’s five-star safety rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, thanks partly to enhanced headlights. All models boast automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a rear seat reminder. Touring and Elite editions also incorporate the Cabin Watch camera for monitoring the third-row passengers.
Advantage: The Odyssey.
Interior and Cargo Space
Both the Carnival and the Odyssey provide ample interior space with seating up to eight passengers. The ultimate minivan feature remains flexibility, which both models offer.
- Odyssey: 33.0 cubic feet behind the third row; 88.6 behind the second row; 144.9 behind the front row.
- Carnival: 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row; 86.9 behind the second row; 145.1 behind the front row.
How comfortable is the Kia Carnival? While the Carnival offers a high level of comfort, especially in higher trims, it cannot match the Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seating. Most Carnivals have a second-row bench seat with a sliding middle seat that can be folded to serve as a console or remain upright to grant eight-passenger capacity. The SX Prestige offers dual airline-style seats with footrests. The third-row seating offers generous room, though access can be tricky. Cargo space is ample, offering up to 145.1 cubic feet with folded second- and third-row seats, and 40.2 cubic feet with all seats in use.
How comfortable is the Honda Odyssey? The Odyssey also provides supportive front bucket seats with power adjustments covered in either cloth or leather. Honda also incorporates more small-item storage opportunities. The second row offers a bench seat with a removable middle section, which, in turn, allows the outer seats to slide sideways and latch into a narrower configuration for easier third-row access. The Odyssey’s third-row seat folds flat into the floor, allowing easier access. Honda also offers a fit and finish slightly above the Carnival, which can be especially beneficial for families.
Advantage: Odyssey.
Powertrains and Performance
- Honda’s model has a 280-hp V-6 with a 10-speed automatic.
- Kia offers vehicles with a 287-hp V-6 with an 8-speed automatic, or a 242-hp 1.6-liter turbo-4 hybrid with a 54-kw electric motor. All models are front-wheel-drive only.
For an engaging driving experience, choose the Honda Odyssey. Its V-6 feels more entertaining to drive. The Carnival Hybrid, though, is quieter, cleaner, and more appealing for families.
How fast is the Kia Carnival? Its 287-hp V-6 delivers average performance paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. The hybrid is even better. A 1.6-liter turbo-4 combines with a 54-kw electric motor for a combined output of 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Similar to the Kia Sorento and Sportage hybrids, the system employs a 6-speed automatic with front-wheel drive. It provides more responsive acceleration than the gas Carnival and rides more quietly compared to both the V-6 Carnival and the Odyssey. It also has paddle shifters to override the automatic shifting. It tows up to 2,500 pounds.
Is the Kia Carnival AWD? No. It prioritizes ride comfort, using front struts and a multi-link rear suspension. The steering feels numb. The Carnival ignores both bad and good roads.
How fast is the Honda Odyssey? Though potentially less powerful than the Carnival, it impresses with its 10-speed automatic. The 280-hp V-6 offers sufficient torque. The 10-speed can get busy at times choosing the best gear. The Odyssey offers a comfortable ride, though it leans in corners.
Is the Honda Odyssey 4WD? No. Front-wheel drive with snow tires can take a driver far. Like the Carnival, the Odyssey has front struts and a multi-link rear suspension focused on comfort. The Odyssey’s steering tracks well enough on the highway, though it’s light.
Advantage: The Carnival Hybrid.
Gas Mileage
- The Kia Carnival gets 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined
- The Carnival Hybrid gets 34/31/33 mpg
- The Honda Odyssey gets 19/28/22 mpg
Advantage: The Carnival Hybrid.
Conclusion: Which Minivan is Best?
Ultimately, the Honda Odyssey has a strong reputation for safety and utility, but it lags behind the Carnival in fuel economy, features, and value. The Odyssey earns a TCC Rating of 6.3 out of 10.
Elevated by its hybrid option, stylish design, and value, the Carnival earns a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10. It is the top-ranked minivan.
