Kia Carnival vs Honda Odyssey
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 | Kia Carnival | Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 34 mpg ✓ | 19 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,850 ✓ | $2,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 274 g/mi ✓ | 394 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI | SIDI, 3.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Minivan - 2WD | Minivan - 2WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 9 | 14 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Carnival vs Odyssey: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Carnival or the Honda Odyssey?
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 Carnival and Odyssey offer?
Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI. Honda Odyssey: SIDI, 3.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Carnival and the Honda Odyssey as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.
More Carnival comparisons
Comparison id: kia-carnival-vs-honda-odyssey