2025 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

$42,450 · Minivan

$40,800 · Minivan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica bursts onto the scene with a spirited 287 horsepower, ready to tackle any suburban duty with conventional gusto, contrasting sharply with the hyper-efficient 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid. The Pacifica boasts a significant power advantage with 287 hp versus the Carnival Hybrid's 242 hp, making it the superior choice for drivers prioritizing immediate acceleration. However, the Carnival Hybrid’s engineering triumph is its efficiency, delivering a stunning combined 33 MPG, dwarfing the Pacifica's 22 MPG combined rating. The Carnival Hybrid offers nearly 8 cubic feet more cargo space, holding 40.2 cu ft compared to the Pacifica’s 32.3 cu ft, despite having a slightly lower MSRP at $40,800 versus the Pacifica's $42,450. While the Pacifica uses a 9-speed transmission, the Kia relies on a 6-speed automatic, forging distinct driving dynamics between these two family haulers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Kia Carnival Hybrid wins for commuters due to its significantly higher 33 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Carnival Hybrid provides substantially more usable space, offering 40.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pacifica's 32.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica excites drivers more with its greater output of 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Kia Carnival Hybrid provides superior efficiency and cargo volume for a lower starting MSRP of $40,800.

Choose the Chrysler Pacifica if...

You demand the stronger engine, benefiting from the Pacifica's 287 horsepower.
You prefer the responsiveness provided by a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You require a slightly larger physical footprint, as the Pacifica is 204.3 inches long.

Choose the Kia Carnival Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, utilizing the Carnival Hybrid's 33 MPG combined rating.
You frequently haul large loads, leveraging the superior 40.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You are aiming for the lower entry price point, with an MSRP of $40,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chrysler Pacifica	Kia Carnival Hybrid
Length	204.3"	203.0"
Width	79.6"	78.5"
Height	69.9"	68.5"
Wheelbase	121.6"	121.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	242 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/28 MPG	34/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	361.0/532.0 mi.	646.0/589.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	63.8 in.	64.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.0 in.	59.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	63.0 in.	63.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	64.8 in.	66.4 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P235/65R17
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chrysler	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two minivans?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid achieves 33 MPG combined, which is an 11 MPG advantage over the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica's 22 MPG combined rating. This translates directly into fewer stops at the pump for Carnival owners.

Which vehicle is objectively faster based on engine specs?

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica is faster on paper, generating 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is a clear 45 horsepower edge over the Carnival Hybrid's 242 horsepower output.

Does the size difference affect daily usability?

The dimensions are very close, but the Kia Carnival is slightly smaller in overall length and width, potentially easing parking maneuvers. However, the Pacifica is slightly taller at 69.9 inches compared to the Kia’s 68.5 inches.

What is the impact of the different transmission types?

The Pacifica uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering smoother highway cruising and efficiency when paired with its larger engine. The Carnival Hybrid uses a 6-speed automatic optimized for its hybrid powertrain integration.

Is the Kia Hybrid’s lower price offset by any drawbacks?

The Kia Carnival Hybrid undercuts the Pacifica with a $40,800 MSRP versus $42,450. While the Pacifica wins on horsepower, the Kia wins on value due to its impressive MPG and large cargo volume.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling maximum gear?

The Kia Carnival Hybrid leads significantly in pure cargo utility, offering 40.2 cubic feet behind the seats, which beats the Pacifica’s 32.3 cubic feet substantially.