In the realm of family vehicles, the competition is fierce, especially when it comes to minivans. Despite the segment’s diminutive size, the vehicles must not only to transport families but do so with comfort, efficiency, and advanced technology. The 2025 Kia Carnival and the 2024 Honda Odyssey are two of the offerings in this segment, each bringing unique features to the table.
This comparison aims to provide a clear perspective on how these two models stack up against each other.
Styling
The 2025 Kia Carnival adopts a bold and sophisticated approach to its exterior design, inspired by Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy. The vehicle showcases a grand exterior with star-map daytime running lights and a newly sculpted bumper, presenting a high-tech and confident image. The Carnival's design is further complemented by five new wheel designs, adding to its daring appearance.
On the other hand, the Honda Odyssey hasn’t been updated in a while. Its styling is far less inspired much like the colour selection.
Hybrid Powertrain
A significant leap for the Kia Carnival in 2025 is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, marking Kia's foray into eco-friendly options for full-size family vehicles. The Carnival Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a 54kW drive motor, offering a blend of performance and efficiency with 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This new addition signifies Kia's commitment to expanding its green vehicle lineup. The 290-horsepower V6 will remain available to satisfy all consumers.
The Honda Odyssey continues with its 3.5L V6 engine, providing 280 horsepower but without a hybrid option, which may impact its appeal to the environmentally conscious buyer.
Advanced Onboard Technology
Kia has significantly upgraded the Carnival's technology offerings, integrating features such as a 12.3” panoramic navigation screen, available 12.3" digital gauge cluster, Digital Key 2.0, and over-the-air updates for the infotainment and navigation systems. The Carnival also boasts Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit for a seamless and connected driving experience.
The Honda Odyssey, while offering a suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies and an innovative Rear-Seat Reminder system integrated with CabinWatch, does not match the Carnival's advancements in digital connectivity and over-the-air capabilities.
While both the 2025 Kia Carnival and the 2024 Honda Odyssey excel as family vehicles, the Carnival stands out with its bold styling, introduction of a hybrid powertrain, and advanced onboard technology. These enhancements not only cater to the modern family's needs for efficiency and connectivity but also underscore Kia's ambition to lead in the minivan segment with innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
