DecodedCarsChrysler Pacifica vs Kia Carnival
2026 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2026 Kia Carnival — two minivans compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Kia Carnival is more fuel-efficient: 32 vs 30 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $150 a year less in fuel for the Kia Carnival (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia Carnival has had fewer recall campaigns (7 vs 47).
The two cars
The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,883 lb (4dr Minivan AWD).
The 2026 Kia Carnival is a minivan offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 203 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,852 lb (HEV Minivan).
Buying used? The 2024 Pacifica and the 2024 Carnival have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 Pacifica and the 2022 Carnival.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Chrysler Pacifica if…
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Kia Carnival if…
- You want lower fuel bills (32 vs 30 MPG)
- You put reliability history first (7 vs 47 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Chrysler Pacifica
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Kia Carnival
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2026 minivan (26.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Chrysler Pacifica specs →Full 2026 Kia Carnival specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →