Consumers looking for a car that can carry plenty of people and cargo shouldn’t ignore minivans. Only a few brands still make minivans, but they remain ideal family vehicles. Two of the most popular are the 2023 Honda Odyssey and the 2023 Kia Carnival. Here’s a comparison of their range-topping trims, brimming with features to transport riders comfortably and safely.

The 2023 Honda Odyssey abounds with family-friendly features

The 2023 Honda Odyssey provides plenty of power for merging and changing lanes safely. This front-wheel-drive minivan has a 280-hp V6 engine and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA-estimated gas mileage is a solid 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23.5 mpg combined. And it can travel up to 546 miles on a full tank, which holds 19.5 gallons. The spacious Odyssey also has 38.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row for luggage, sports equipment, and more.

Standard features on the top-of-the-line 2023 Odyssey Elite trim include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, built-in navigation, and satellite radio. It also has advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and parking assistance. Other luxurious amenities include a sunroof, supple leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is a value-packed family hauler

The highest Kia Carnival trim level is the SX Prestige. It packs a 290-hp V6, front-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy — 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22.5 mpg combined — is slightly lower than the Odyssey. And the SX Presitge’s highway range is 494 miles on a full 19-gallon tank — 52 miles under the Elite’s range. But the Carnival touts 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row — 1.6 cubic feet more than the Odyssey.

Like the Elite, the Carnival SX Prestige boasts many amenities consumers want in a family vehicle. It has navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance. This Carnival trim also has a sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated/ventilated front seats in a roomy interior.

How are these 2 popular minivans different?

The 2023 Honda Odyssey scores slightly better than the 2023 Kia Carnival in Edmunds’ ratings. Edmunds gave the Odyssey an overall 8.1 and praised this minivan’s interior and utility. The Carnival earned an overall 7.9 for its interior, utility, and value.

The Odyssey picks up extra points in driving, comfort, utility, and fuel economy. But the Carnival beats its rival in overall value. The Carnival also boasts better warranties, including five-year/60,000-mile basic coverage, 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain coverage, and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance. The Odyssey has three-year/36,000-mile basic, five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain, and three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance coverage.

As for purchase price, these vehicles’ top-tier trims differ by $3,420. The Odyssey Elite starts at $49,620, while the Carnival SX Prestige starts at $46,200. Both models offer additional options, such as interior and exterior colors, for an upcharge.

Because both minivans are similar in style, comfort, and performance, the choice between the 2023 Honda Odyssey and the 2023 Kia Carnival comes down to budget and taste.