2020 Honda Odyssey vs Kia Sedona

In order to compete with the market-dominating SUV, the minivan has had to become more appealing than ever. They are expected to have cutting-edge tech, a respectably engaging drive, and the latest in safety features. Plus, they should be roomier than the typical SUV.

For many, the Honda Odyssey is considered the king of the minivans. It has an incredibly versatile and practical cabin that is comfortable for even the longest journeys. It also has a modern look and some of the cutting-edge tech that tends to really appeal to families.

However, there is also the Kia Sedona for drivers to consider. Buyers can get one of these vehicles for considerably less than the Odyssey. While it cannot keep up with the Odyssey in some regards, it actually manages to outshine it in others.

Families on the hunt for a new minivan will definitely want to consider both the 2020 Odyssey and the 2020 Sedona. The purpose of the following comparison is to help make a choice between the two. Let's take an in-depth look at how these two vehicles do when considered side-by-side.

The Powertrain

For either option, drivers will find there is only one engine standard. For the Honda Odyssey, it is a 3.5L V6 that has been paired with a ten-speed automatic for the entire line. Drivers typically find that the 280-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque provides quick acceleration for a vehicle of this size.

The Sedona also gets a V6. Here, is is a 3.3L version that has the ability to make 276-horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic comes along with it. Despite having very similar horsepower, the difference in torque gives the Odyssey an edge over the Sedona when it comes to acceleration. Both of these minivans have the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

When drivers really want to move, the Kia Sedona can get them from zero to 60mph in about 7.8 seconds. The Odyssey takes 6.6 seconds to accomplish that same goal. Neither are particularly fast, but this is one good example of the extra acceleration provided by the Odyssey.

Like the vast majority of minivans, the Sedona and the Odyssey are only available with front-wheel-drive. With only one powertrain and one drivetrain option, fuel economy numbers are consistent across each line. For the Sedona, drivers can expect 18mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. While not terrible, these numbers can be easily beat by other options currently in the market.

One vehicle that beats them is the Odyssey. It gets 19mpg in the city along with 28mpg on the highway. Although the city numbers may not vary by much, drivers will find that the Odyssey is much more fuel-efficient when hitting the road for a family vacation.

The Odyssey has a fuel tank that holds a maximum of 19.5 gallons. For the Sedona, drivers can put in up to 21.1 gallons. The extra fuel capacity helps even out how often each minivan will need to stop to for fuel.

J.D. Powers rates the Odyssey at three stars out of five. This is considered average. Although it is far from impressive, it is hardly a red flag that will deter many shoppers. On the other hands, the Sedona got an incredible 4.5 stars in this same category. This outstanding number may give drivers extra peace of mind and the Sedona an edge over the Odyssey.

Warranties is another area that the Sedona shines. This vehicle gives buyers five years and 60,000 miles for their basic warranty and ten years and 100,000 miles for the powertrain. At the same time, the Odyssey offers a more standard warranty, at three years and 36,000 miles basic and five years and 60,000 miles for the powertrain.

Drivability

Both the Odyssey and the Sedona have a nice and comfortable ride. There is very little body roll, particularly in the Odyssey. While the handling is more than adequate for the Sedona, the Honda Odyssey has the more engaging drive.

For the Sedona, the standard seating setup gives families room for seven. Buyers will have the option of going with a second-row bench seat on most models if they need room for up to eight. On the flipside, the base model of the Odyssey is the only one with seating for eight. All other trim levels go with second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven.

Space in the two minivans is similar, which each vehicle winning a few smaller battles in the larger war. Front seat leg room for both sits at 40.9-inches. The Sedona has a bit more head and shoulder room up front, however. Moving to the middle row, the Sedona has more space when it comes to leg room and shoulder room, but only by less than one inch. The Odyssey wins in second-row headroom, but just barely.

The third-row has the most significant difference in space. Those riding in the very back will prefer the Odyssey, thanks to its 38.1-inches of leg room. This will feel much roomier than the Sedona's 34.8-inches. The Odyssey also has a bit more shoulder room in the back. At the same time, the Sedona has a slight advantage in head and hip room. Ultimately, families with older children may want the Odyssey for the extra legroom in the third-row. Otherwise, interior passenger space is not a good way to choose between the two.

While these two may be comparable when fitting in passengers, the Odyssey is the clear winner in cargo capacity. Behind the third-row, buyers get around 39 cubic feet. Behind the second-row, there is about 92 cubic-feet. When folding down all rear seats, drivers are awarded with a hard-to-beat 158 cubic-feet.

The Sedona has 33.9 cubic feet behind its third-row and only 78.4-cubic feet behind the second. With everything folded down, the maximum cargo capacity here is only 142 cubic feet. Both the 2020 Odyssey and the 2020 Sedona offer a hands-free liftgate on certain models.

On the plus side, the Sedona has handy "Slide-N-Stow" seats in the second-row, whereas the Odyssey requires the second-row to be completely removed if drivers want the full cargo space. The Odyssey does have an available "Magic Slide" second-row, but this is designed for ease-of-access to the third-row rather than for versatility when it comes to cargo.

The Honda Odyssey is slightly larger than the Sedona when it comes to exterior dimensions. It is nearly two inches longer and three inches wider. The wheelbase for the Odyssey is smaller, however, at 118.1-inches compared to the Sedona's 120.5-inches. The Odyssey has a smaller turning radius, making it easier to maneuver despite its larger size.

When it comes to using the in-cabin technology, many would argue that the Sedona is easier, at least for the entry-level models. Standard across the line for this Kia minivan is a 7-inch touchscreen that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Drivers also like the fact that there are physical buttons as well as touch-controls for things like the climate controls.

The Odyssey comes with a 5-inch screen on the entry-level LX. Those who want smartphone integration will have to skip over this model in order to get it. All trims but the base LX also upgrade their screen size to 8-inches. One way that the Odyssey's entry-level model does outshine that of the Sedona involves the sound system. Drivers will find a minimum of seven speakers in the Honda, whereas the Sedona L has only four.

One feature that may win parents over is CabinWatch, which is available on higher trim levels of the Odyssey. It allows for them to see what is happening in both the second and third rows of seating. Also available is a built-in vacuum for the inevitable messes found in the back of minivans. Neither of these features are available on any trim level of the Sedona.

Safety

Both the Odyssey and the Sedona received the same scores in crash-testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For frontal and side crashes, they got five stars. Both got four stars when it came to rollovers.

Neither of these minivan options give drivers a lot of standard driver tech. Both have only a rearview camera for the base models. The Odyssey's is a multi-angle one, however, giving it a slight edge.

The Sedona EX, which is the third trim level up, comes standard with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. It is eligible for a package which will give it pedestrian detection, a driver drowsiness monitor, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are all standard on the top-of-the-line SX, which also gains a surround-view camera system.

Moving on to the Odyssey, going up to the second-trim level means getting a blind-spot monitor, road departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and pre-collision braking. Moving up to a higher trim level does not give the Odyssey additional safety features.

Which Has the Best Value?

It is possible to get a Sedona for a much lower price than the Odyssey. The entry-level Sedona costs $27,400, compared to the entry-level Odyssey which will set drivers back at least $30,700. Moving all the way up the trim ladders, the top-of-the-line Sedona SX costs buyers $41,300, while the Odyssey Elite will cost them $47,300.

Knowing that, it might be easy to decide that the Sedona is a better value. However, the Odyssey more that makes up for this price difference when the cost-to-own is factored in. Over the course of five years, this minivan is estimated to cost drivers around eight thousand dollars for the entry-level trim. This may seem like a lot, until it is compared to the entry-level Sedana, which is estimated to cost nearly thirteen thousand over that same time period.

Why the big difference? The Odyssey is projected to cost drivers less in fuel. The numbers above are based on the vehicles being driven 15,000 miles per year. It is also likely the Odyssey will cost slightly less to insure and will require less maintenance over those first five years of ownership.

Which is Better?

Those looking to spend the least money possible will likely find that the Sedona is a great buy. Its got nice standard tech features for the entry-level model and a cabin that is spacious enough for most families. Keep in mind, however, that buyers will need to go up to the third trim level in order to be able to have driver assistance features.

The Odyssey is considered by many to be the best minivan out there for many reasons. It is comfortable and hard to beat when it comes to the driving experience. The price, however, may place it outside of the budget of many shoppers. This is especially true if the buyer is interested in smartphone integration and driver assistance features, which requires skipping over the least expensive model.

Both the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Kia Sedona are well-made minivans that will appeal to a large variety of consumers. The Odyssey is ultimately the more comfortable and practical. Buyers should keep in mind that while it may cost them more up front, it will not cost them as much as the years go on. This makes it the better option of the two for those that can cover the initial price tag.