DecodedCarsChrysler Voyager vs Kia Carnival
2026 Chrysler Voyager 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 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $950 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 16).
The two cars
The 2026 Chrysler Voyager is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 17% worse than the 2026 minivan average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
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 2020 Voyager and the 2024 Carnival have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 Voyager 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 Voyager if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Kia Carnival on any measure we track.
Choose the Kia Carnival if…
- You want lower fuel bills (32 vs 22 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (7 vs 16 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Chrysler Voyager
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 17% below the 2026 minivan average of 26.4 MPG.
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 Voyager specs →Full 2026 Kia Carnival specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →