2025 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid

$42,450 · Minivan

$40,990 · Minivan

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid is fuel economy, where the Carnival Hybrid achieves a 10 MPG combined advantage, delivering 32 MPG versus the Pacifica's 22 MPG. This efficiency comes with a $1,460 lower starting MSRP for the Kia at $40,990 compared to the Pacifica's $42,450. Performance metrics show the Pacifica leads in raw power with 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Carnival Hybrid's 242 hp, although the Kia compensates with slightly more torque at 271 lb-ft. Dimensional differences are minor; the Pacifica is longer by 1.3 inches (204.3 inches total), but the Kia offers significantly more usable space, boasting 40.2 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Pacifica's 32.3 cu ft. Both utilize FWD and regular unleaded fuel, but the Pacifica employs a 9-speed automatic while the Hybrid uses a 6-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid's superior 32 combined MPG rating yields lower long-term operational costs for daily commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Carnival Hybrid provides superior cargo flexibility with 40.2 cu ft versus the Pacifica's 32.3 cu ft, aiding family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica delivers significantly higher output with 287 hp compared to the Carnival Hybrid's 242 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Kia Carnival Hybrid secures the value edge due to its $1,460 lower starting MSRP and 10 MPG better fuel economy.

Choose the Chrysler Pacifica if...

You prioritize maximum engine output and require the 287 hp delivered by the Pacifica.
You prefer the slightly larger footprint, indicated by its 204.3-inch length and 69.9-inch height.
You value the operational flexibility of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Kia Carnival Hybrid if...

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, leveraging the 32 combined MPG rating.
You require the segment-leading cargo capacity of 40.2 cu ft behind the rear seats.
Securing the lowest initial transaction price at $40,990 is a high priority.

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	✓	✓
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	32 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid.

What is the real-world fuel economy difference between these two minivans?

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid boasts an official 32 combined MPG, providing a substantial 10 MPG advantage over the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica's 22 combined MPG rating. This means the Kia will cost significantly less over a typical year of driving.

Which vehicle is more powerful for passing maneuvers?

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica is clearly more powerful, generating 287 horsepower versus the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid’s 242 horsepower. However, the Kia maintains a torque advantage with 271 lb-ft compared to the Pacifica’s 262 lb-ft.

Is the Kia Carnival Hybrid's lower MSRP sufficient to offset potential feature gaps?

The Carnival Hybrid starts $1,460 cheaper at $40,990 compared to the Pacifica's $42,450 MSRP. When combined with its substantial MPG gains, the Kia offers a superior baseline value proposition.

How do the overall dimensions affect interior space?

While nearly identical in length (204.3 in vs 203.0 in), the Carnival Hybrid wins on utility, offering 40.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Pacifica offers 32.3 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles use the same drivetrain configuration?

Both models utilize front-wheel drive, but they employ different transmissions; the Pacifica uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Carnival Hybrid utilizes a 6-speed automatic geared toward hybrid efficiency.