Honda Odyssey vs Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 22 mpg for the Honda Odyssey, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Carnival leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Honda Odyssey | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 22 mpg | 33 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 19 mpg | 34 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 28 mpg | 32 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,800 | $1,850 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 394 g/mi | 274 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 3.5 | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S9) | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Minivan - 2WD | Minivan - 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 14 | 9 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Odyssey vs Carnival: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Honda Odyssey or the Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 22 mpg for the Honda Odyssey, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Carnival runs about $1,850 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,800 for the Honda Odyssey — a difference of roughly $950 per year.
What engines do the Odyssey and Carnival offer?
Honda Odyssey: SIDI, 3.5. Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Honda Odyssey and the Kia Carnival as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: honda-odyssey-vs-kia-carnival