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Kia Carnival vs Honda Odyssey

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Carnival
Kia Carnival

$47,480 - $76,210

2024 price

Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey

$39,888 - $49,999

2021 price

Summary

2024 Kia Carnival
2021 Honda Odyssey
Safety Rating

Engine Type
V6, 3.5L

Inline 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
-

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
9.6L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
8

7
Dislikes
  • Holds back safety for top-spec models
  • Diesel soundtrack a constant
  • Price rises everywhere

  • Lacklustre engine
  • Dull CVT
  • Foot-operated park brake
2024 Kia Carnival Summary

This is actually the Carnival that Kia always wanted.

See, the last Carnival, the one this replaces, was Covid compromised, missing out on key technologies, as well as skipping an in-depth ride and handling localisation program, due to part supply issues and a freeze on international travel.

This one, though, addresses all of that, which is why you get a new cabin experience, new tech, and a complete overhaul of the steering and handling.

It is, however, significantly more expensive, right across the range.

So, is the Carnival still worth it? Let’s find out.

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2021 Honda Odyssey Summary

Nearly every car brand has jumped well and truly onto the SUV bandwagon in 2021, offering models in small, medium and large varieties for buyers of all budgets and lifestyles.

Honda Australia is a notable exception here however, and while it has the HR-V and CR-V to satisfy small- and medium-crossover buyers, there is nothing for those after a large SUV that seats seven.

To try and fill that gap, Honda has updated its Odyssey people mover with fresh looks, more safety and new tech to not only compete against the Kia Carnival and Toyota Prius V, but also the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-8 and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Can Honda’s Odyssey still cut it in a world that has gone SUV crazy? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Kia Carnival 2021 Honda Odyssey

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