The Quick Answer
- Carnival wins on price: from $37,490 versus $43,195.
- Odyssey wins on third-row room and mpg: 38.1 in. of third-row legroom versus 35.6, and 22 mpg combined versus 21.
- Carnival wins on cargo: 40.2 cu ft behind the third row versus 32.8, and 145.1 max versus 140.7 measured the same way.
- Hybrid: only the Carnival offers one, rated 33 mpg combined.
- Ties: both are FWD only and tow 3,500 lbs. The Carnival V6 makes 287 hp versus 280.
Carnival vs. Odyssey: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Carnival | 2027 Honda Odyssey | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,490 (LX) | $43,195 (EX-L) |
| Top trim | $51,590 (SX Prestige) | $52,095 (Elite) |
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 260 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic | 3.5L V6, 280 hp / 262 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic |
| Hybrid | Carnival Hybrid from $41,490; 33 mpg | None |
| EPA combined | 21 mpg (18 city / 26 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 / 28) |
| AWD | Not available | Not available |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Seats | 7 or 8 | 8 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 35.6 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row / max | 40.2 / 145.1 cu ft | 32.8 / 140.7 cu ft |
| Touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 9 in. |
| Length | 203.0 in. | 205.2 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Destination | $1,545 | $1,595 |
2027 Carnival data from Kia; 2027 Odyssey data from Honda's September 2026 pricing release and 2027 specifications (standard cargo measurements), as of October 2026. Honda warranty from Edmunds. MSRP excludes destination. EPA estimates; actual results vary.
Price and Value
The Carnival LX starts $5,705 below the Odyssey EX-L. Honda's base trim is well equipped, with HondaTex seats, a power moonroof, a power tailgate and a wireless charger; the Carnival LX counters with captain's chairs, Highway Driving Assist and a 12.3-in. navigation screen versus the Odyssey's 9-in. screen.
At the top, the Carnival SX Prestige ($51,590) and Odyssey Elite ($52,095) are priced within $505. The Kia adds a head-up display, dual sunroofs and optional VIP lounge seats; the Honda has a 12.8-in. ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen.
Seats and Cargo
The Odyssey has the roomier third row (38.1 vs. 35.6 in.) and seats eight on every trim, with Magic Slide second-row seats. The Carnival seats seven on the LX and eight on the other trims, with seven-seat captain's chairs available on the EX and up.
The Carnival carries more: 7.4 cu ft more behind the third row and 4.4 cu ft more max cargo. Honda advertises 155.7 cu ft, but that figure includes the floor space between the seat rows; measured the same way as Kia's figure, the Odyssey has 140.7.
Power, Fuel Economy and Hybrid
Both use a 3.5L V6. The Carnival makes 7 more horsepower; the Odyssey's 10-speed helps it to 22 mpg combined versus 21. Honda doesn't sell an Odyssey hybrid, while the Carnival Hybrid is rated 33 mpg combined.
Family Tech
- Watching the back rows: the Carnival EX and up have a Passenger View camera with night vision and Passenger Talk intercom; the Odyssey has CabinTalk on every trim and CabinWatch on the Touring and Elite.
- Rear entertainment: standard on the Odyssey Touring and Elite; on the Carnival, a dual 14.6-in. system is available only on the Hybrid SX Prestige.
- Screens: 12.3-in. touchscreen on every Carnival, with dual 12.3-in. displays on the SX and up, versus a 9-in. touchscreen on the Odyssey.
Warranty
Kia covers the Carnival for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Honda covers the Odyssey for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.
Where the Odyssey Wins
An honest comparison names the Honda's advantages:
- A roomier third row (38.1 vs. 35.6 in.).
- Eight seats on every trim.
- 1 mpg better combined and 2 mpg better on the highway.
- A power moonroof and power tailgate on the base trim.
- Rear entertainment standard on the Touring and Elite.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Carnival if…
You want the lower price, more cargo space, a hybrid option, the bigger screens or the longer warranty.
Choose the Odyssey if…
Adults ride in the third row often or you want eight seats and rear entertainment without extra cost on upper trims.
Compare the Carnival at Emich Kia
We stock the Carnival and Carnival Hybrid in most trims. Bring your Odyssey quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Carnival vs. Odyssey: FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival bigger than the Honda Odyssey?
The Odyssey is 2.2 inches longer and has more third-row legroom (38.1 vs. 35.6 inches). The Carnival has more cargo space: 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 maximum, versus 32.8 and 140.7 for the Odyssey on the same measurement basis.
Which is cheaper, the Carnival or the Odyssey?
The Carnival starts at $37,490 versus $43,195 for the Odyssey.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Among V6 models, the Odyssey: 22 mpg combined versus 21. The Carnival Hybrid is rated 33 mpg, and there is no Odyssey hybrid.
Do the Carnival and Odyssey have AWD?
No. Both are front-wheel drive only.
How much can the Carnival and Odyssey tow?
Both tow 3,500 lbs with the proper equipment. The Carnival Hybrid tows 2,500 lbs.
Which has the better warranty?
The Carnival: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, versus 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the Odyssey.
Drive the 2027 Carnival
Shop the Carnival in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Odyssey.
Shop Carnival View Carnival Specials