Despite the overwhelming popularity of crossovers, minivans are still a popular choice among young families. But, there are only a few options to choose from as demand dwindles. The 2022 Honda Odyssey is one of the last remaining minivans on the market, with its main rival being the 2022 Kia Carnival.
Both minivan options include a full array of safety features, comfortable cabin interiors, and ample space for passengers. So, what makes the 2022 Honda Odyssey a better choice? Here are the top 3 reasons to choose a 2022 Honda Odyssey over the 2022 Kia Carnival.
1. More cargo capacity
2022 Honda Odyssey | American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The Kia website boasts “best-in-class passenger and cargo space,” with 145.1 cu-ft of overall cargo space. According to Autobytel, “It provides 40.2 cubic feet behind its third-row seats, 86.9 cubic feet behind its second row, and 145.1 with the third-row folded into the floor and the second-row seats removed from the van.”
Not to be outdone, Honda surpassed Carnival’s cargo-carrying capacity in the eight-passenger 2022 Honda Odyssey, with 158 cu-ft of overall cargo space. The Honda website demonstrates an area big enough to fit a sheet of plywood, with a removable second-row and 60/40 split third-row stowed conveniently into the floor.
Several cargo configurations allow plenty of room for passengers, and hands-free access makes it easy to load personal belongings into the minivan. The cargo volume behind the third row is 38.6 cu-ft, 92.3 cu-ft behind the second row, and 158 cu-ft behind the first row. Honda notes these measurements are based on “floor space between seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.
2. More driving range
Fit your whole crew. #HondaOdyssey pic.twitter.com/r4mdcQBy0N
— Honda (@Honda) June 22, 2021
Selected as the U.S. News 2022 Best Minivan for Families and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Honda Odyssey offers the best driving range on a full tank of gas.
While both minivans have a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine, the 2022 Honda Odyssey achieves 22 mpg overall with an EPA estimated range of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. According to Edmunds, the driving range is 370.5 miles city and 546 miles highway with a 19.5-gallon fuel tank.
In comparison, Edmunds reports the 2022 Kia Carnival has an EPA estimated range of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, achieving 22 mpg overall. However, The Carnival has a slightly lesser driving range of 361 miles city and 494 miles highway due to the 19-gallon fuel tank.
3. Magic Slide® seating
The 2022 Honda Odyssey offers Magic Slide® seating, making it convenient to keep children in the second row within an arm’s reach of the driver and front-seat passenger. The unique seating system also provides easy access to the third row, and the seats fold flat for quick removal.
According to Consumer Reports, “The second-row seats are comfortable and supportive” in the Honda Odyssey, “and they recline and adjust forward and back. There is a ton of room all around.”
Slide away the drama. Introducing the available Magic Slide 2nd-row seats™ in the all-new 2018 #HondaOdyssey. pic.twitter.com/P5Rx9dr1EV
— Honda (@Honda) June 22, 2017
The seats in the 2022 Kia Carnival are not as inviting. Consumer Reports noted that “One of the few Carnival downsides is that the heavy second-row seats are a chore to remove when looking for maximum cargo space.” They also noted that while it was easy to get in and out of the front seats due to the large door openings, access to the third-row rear seating is slightly restricted, saying, “the path is a bit narrow and some ducking will be required.”
With limited options left in the minivan segment, it pays to invest in a vehicle such as the Honda Odyssey that offers the best features to meet the needs of your growing family.
Keyword: 3 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Honda Odyssey, Not a Kia Carnival