Which minivan will your family love the most, the 2024 Kia Carnival MPV or 2024 Honda Odyssey? Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which minivan (or, as Kia likes to say, multi-purpose vehicle) is the best option.
Key Takeaways
- For the lowest price on a new family cruiser, the 2024 Kia Carnival is by far the best choice.
- In need of major cargo space? Then you need the Kia Carnival!
- Both minivans treat you to a great lineup of features, but we like that the Carnival includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other coveted tech features.
- Although both models earn 22 mpg combined, the Kia Carnival actually gives you a little extra power.
If you’re shopping for the best deal, you should note that the 2024 Carnival comes at a significantly lower price than the Odyssey. Kia’s multi-purpose vehicle starts at $33,200. As we’ll see below, this price includes an excellent standard lineup, with features that include modern smartphone integration and family-friendly comforts.
The 2024 Odyssey starts at $37,840, which of course is a significant price hike. And when you look at the Odyssey’s standard features, the fact that the list looks very similar to the Carnival’s standard features really doesn’t bode well for such a high starting price.
Interior Space & Comfort: 2024 Kia Carnival MPV
For a roomier cabin, choose the Kia Carnival MPV. Compared to the Odyssey, Kia’s minivan offers more front-seat space in every direction (e.g. for head, legs, shoulders, and hips). And the backseats are notably wider, delivering extra hip and shoulder room for your kids. The Carnival will also tote more of your stuff, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Meanwhile, the Odyssey offers 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Features Lineup: 2024 Kia Carnival MPV
In addition to providing the lowest price on a family-friendly vehicle, the Carnival MPV has a very accommodating standard lineup. Even the base model delivers power-sliding rear side doors, reclining third-row seats, and keyless entry and start. The standard infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And every Carnival comes standard with LED headlamps.
Better still, moving up one level to the EX trim model means a very luxurious ride. These Carnivals add a hands-free liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless smartphone charging, and Quiet Mode (which turns off rear-seat speakers so passengers can nap).
Back on the 2024 Honda Odyssey, you’ll find plenty of niceties. In fact, standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable heated front seats. However, when you recall how much the base Odyssey costs, it’s really more comparable to the Carnival MPV EX, which also comes standard with these high-end features!
On the downside side, the Odyssey comes standard with the older, wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whereas most automakers, including Kia, make wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard equipment, it’s only available on the Odyssey’s more expensive trim models.
Max Efficiency: It’s (Nearly) a Tie!
Although the Kia Carnival is slightly more powerful than the Honda Odyssey, both models actually deliver 22 mpg combined!
With an output of 290 horses, the Carnival MPV is the slightly stronger option. It earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).
Each of these Kia models features the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 engine (290 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
If the Carnival is slightly stronger, the Odyssey is slightly more efficient, with EPA ratings of 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway).
The Odyssey also offers one powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
The Best Minivan-Style Cruiser
The Carnival MPV, Kia’s cross between a minivan and a three-row crossover, definitely has the advantage here. Not only is the Carnival the roomier option, but it also gives you a great deal on its base model. This minivan-style crossover can also be equipped with lots of luxury features! Finally, the Carnival is home to a powertrain specially designed to balance a swift performance with fuel savings.