Side by side
Honda Odyssey vs Kia Carnival Hybrid
Honda Odyssey
322 positive (66%) · 76 mixed (16%) · 89 negative (18%)
Trust + time weighted: +48%
AI summary — not a quote
The Honda Odyssey is widely regarded as a top-tier minivan, frequently praised for its superior driving dynamics, flexible 'Magic Slide' seating, and overall utility for families. While it faces stiff competition from the Toyota Sienna, users often prefer the Odyssey for its interior comfort and handling, which some describe as more akin to a large sedan than a traditional van. It is noted for being a practical 'beast' for both hauling children and cargo, though some users feel the current model is beginning to feel dated.
Pros
- Excellent driving dynamics and handling that feels more like a sedan than a van
- Highly flexible 'Magic Slide' second-row seating that is useful for kids of different ages
- Strong safety record with low fatality and injury claim results
- Comfortable interior that many users find nicer than the Toyota Sienna
Cons
- Air conditioning performance is frequently criticized, particularly in the rear of the vehicle
- The current model can feel dated in terms of design and 'pizzazz' compared to newer rivals
- Lacks the fuel efficiency of hybrid competitors like the Sienna
- Occasional reports of very expensive mechanical repairs, such as piston ring jobs
Top excerpts
The Honda Odyssey has backrow stow and go, and I think the Sienna does to, but I'm not positive.
the Sienna and Odyssey did well in the real world (their fatality results control for age and gender but not for driving habits, driving distance etc)
Dont sleep on the Odyssey either. The inside is nicer than Sienna, & it is just about as reliable.
Neither, get yourself an Odyssey
The odyssey is also really comfortable. I really wanted the sienna until I drove both.
Kia Carnival Hybrid
15 positive (88%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 2 negative (12%)
Trust + time weighted: +77%
Top excerpts
We got the Carnival Hybrid and have had no problems whatsoever.
Consider the sienna and the Odyssey, but do not sleep on the Kia carnival hybrid. It’s like the best parts of the sienna and Odyssey, combined with practically none of their downsides.
I'd also look at the Kia Carnival Hybrid, right now CR has it as the highest rated minivan overall and for expected reliability. Kia's hybrids are hitting way above their weight class right now.
The Carnival is the only other hybrid available new, it's nice and comfortable, all-around good enough. While reliability is a question mark, its 10 year, 100k mile powertrain warranty is good a long way to assuage concerns, and Consumer Reports ranks it highly.
I like it a lot. It ranges but probably average about 36.5. I've gotten as high as 51 mpg on a particularly good trip. Of course, I've also gotten 20 mpg on some trips too. I like to drive it in "smart" mode so it balances power vs mpg.