If you are in the market for a premium MPV, then check out our Head to Head feature. In this edition of H2H, we are comparing the Honda Odyssey and the Kia Carnival, two excellent examples of top class MPVs.
Let’s start off with the external features of each of the prime examples of high MPVs . . . beginning with the Honda Odyssey . . .
Honda brought in the Japanese version of the Odyssey, a tiny bit smaller than the long wheelbase American version . . . incorporating new Honda design cues seen in the City and the CR-Z . . . with the wing face and three-bar grill . . . incorporating LED headlights and daytime running lights . . .fog lamps. . . and active cornering lights . . . In the rear are L-shaped LED tail lamp clusters . . . tail gate spoilers . . .
The Odyssey also features power retractable side mirrors with turnsignal, a sun roof, power sliding doors with chrome handles . . . It also is notable the door slides over lowest step for easy ingress and egress . . . something it shares with the tailgate for easy loading and unloading of stuff . . .
The KIA Grand Carnival is the last to undergo a fleet-wide design transformation . . . and now gets European-inspired styling with crossover cues . . . along with Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille . . . large headlamps with projector elements . . .fog lamps. . . reduced front and rear overhangs . . .
The Carnival also features shark fin type antenna . . . LED taillights . . . integrated bumper guard, roof spoilers . . . roof rails . . .
Getting into the Honda Odyssey one finds a luxurious ambience with most of the amenities and conveniences available in premium vehicles in the modern digital age . . . A Smart Key push-start system . . .7-inch touchscreen display for the audio system . . . car function and information . . .and built-in navigation system . . . Plus a 9-inch LCD display for DVD player with HDMI input for rear passengers . . . All power windows, door locks . .
The Odyssey has flexible seating . . . 8-way power adjustable with arm rest, second row captain cradle seats with armrest and ottoman . . . Third row seats that fold 40/20/40 and recline in various angles separately . . . All seats done in leather . . .
Getting into a Grand Carnival one gets a feeling of immense space… filled with an array of modern amenities and convenience features . . . The instrument cluster with 3.5-inch OLED multi-function display, controls and shift lever, plus metallic and chrome accents provide an airplane ambience. . . Comfort and convenience start with Smart Key push start system with proximity sensor, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with multi-function controls . . power sliding doors and smart tailgate . . . automatic headlamps, tri-zone climate control, dual sunroof with power blinds, sun shades for second and third row passengers, and a chilled glove box . . .
The Grand Carnival comes with integrated tupe AM/FMradio,CD, MP3 player with auxiliary jack and USB port with 3.8-inch TFT LCD display . . .
The Carnival provides a high level of flexibility to meet various needs for carrying passengers or cargo . . . The second row seats slide, recline and even fold upright . . . The third row reclines and folds 60/40 . . .
Comparing drivetrains, the Honda Odyssey is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine with Earth Dream Technology. This can generate 175 horsepower and 225 Newton meters of torque and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission. . . An idle start/stop system help with fuel economy . ..
The Grand Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter4-cylinder 16-valve diesel engine with common rail direct injection and variable-geometry turbo that allows it to generate a maximum 200 horsepower and 431 Nm of torque . . . This is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which comes with sport mode and cruise control . . .
On the safety department, the Honda Odyssey features 6 airbags, Active Cornering LIghts, Emergency Stop Signal, anti-lock brakes with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist . . . security alarm, immobilizer . . . It also comes with 360-degree view camera, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert system . . .
An added safety and convenience feature is the Smart Parking Assist for both parallel and perpendicular parking . . .
The Carnival comes fully loaded with active and passive safety features that include dual SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat anchors, keyless entry with alarm, immobilizer, proximity sensors in both front and back . . .
Practical vehicles like MPVs surely don’t have to be no frills people movers . . . Like the Odyssey and the Carnival, practical can also be luxurious, cutting edge and fun . . .
