Kia Carnival vs Toyota Sienna
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov
The short answer
The Carnival starts lower ($37,490 vs $41,320), offers a 287-hp V6 or a hybrid rated 33 mpg combined, and has more maximum cargo room (145.1 vs 101 cu ft). The Sienna is hybrid-only at up to 36 mpg and offers AWD, which the Carnival does not. Both seat up to eight and tow 3,500 lb.
Key differences
- The Kia Carnival starts $3,830 lower (base MSRP $37,490 vs $41,320, before destination).
- Max cargo: 145.1 cu ft (Kia Carnival) vs 101 cu ft (Toyota Sienna).
- Best combined fuel-economy rating: 33 vs 36 mpg (Toyota Sienna leads).
- Most powerful version: 287 hp (Kia Carnival) vs 245 hp (Toyota Sienna).
Carnival vs Sienna specs side by side
| Kia Carnival | Toyota Sienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Model year compared | 2027 | 2026 |
| Base MSRP range (excl. destination) | $37,490–$53,590 | $41,320–$58,710 |
| Destination charge | $1,545 | Not published |
| Powertrains (hp / torque) | 3.5L V6: 287 hp / 260 lb-ft · 1.6L turbo 4-cyl hybrid: 242 hp / 271 lb-ft | 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid: 245 hp |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 3.5L V6 FWD: 18/26/21 mpg · 1.6T Hybrid FWD: 34/32/33 mpg | Hybrid FWD: 36/36/36 mpg · Hybrid AWD: 35/36/35 mpg |
| Seating | 7–8 | 7–8 |
| Cargo behind rear row | 40.2 cu ft | 33.5 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 145.1 cu ft | 101 cu ft |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD | Not available | Available |
| Length | 203 in | 203.7 in |
| Width | 78.5 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 68.5 in | 68.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 in | 120.5 in |
| Ground clearance | 6.8 in | 6.4 in |
- Kia Carnival: FWD only. Towing 3,500 lb V6 / 2,500 lb hybrid. Cargo: Kia lists SAE interior cargo volume minimum 40.2 cu ft (all seats in use) and maximum 145.1 cu ft. Width 78.5 in without mirrors (89.2 with). Height 68.5 in (69.9 with roof rails). Hybrid output 241.7 hp / 270.5 lb-ft combined (rounded here). Kia lists 7- and 8-passenger configurations; 2027 adds available 2nd-row captain's chairs on EX and SX. Kia's spec page shows hybrid 34/31/32 est.; EPA record is 34/32/33.
- Toyota Sienna: 2026 is the newest Sienna on toyota.com. Base MSRPs as currently listed on toyota.com (the 2026 release quoted a $40,120 LE FWD start). Destination not stated as a dollar amount on the pages used, so null. Toyota publishes 245 net combined hp and no combined torque (null). Length 204.1 in on XSE; height 68.5 in (LE) to 70.3 in (Woodland Edition). Ground clearance 6.37 in (6.96 in Woodland Edition). Cargo 33.5 cu ft behind 3rd row / 75.2 behind 2nd / 101 behind 1st. LE and XLE offer 8 seats; XLE, XSE, Woodland, Limited and Platinum offer 7. AWD standard on Woodland Edition and Platinum, optional elsewhere. MPG figures are Toyota-published estimates.
Reliability and known issues
Kia Carnival
No CarWhere reliability page yet.
More on each model
FAQ
Which is better, the Kia Carnival or the Toyota Sienna?
The Carnival starts lower ($37,490 vs $41,320), offers a 287-hp V6 or a hybrid rated 33 mpg combined, and has more maximum cargo room (145.1 vs 101 cu ft). The Sienna is hybrid-only at up to 36 mpg and offers AWD, which the Carnival does not. Both seat up to eight and tow 3,500 lb.
Is the Kia Carnival cheaper than the Toyota Sienna?
The Kia Carnival has the lower starting price: the 2027 Kia Carnival starts at $37,490 and tops out at $53,590, and the 2026 Toyota Sienna starts at $41,320 and tops out at $58,710. Those are base MSRPs before destination, from the manufacturers.
Is the Kia Carnival bigger than the Toyota Sienna?
The Kia Carnival is 203 in long on a 121.7-in wheelbase; the Toyota Sienna is 203.7 in on a 120.5-in wheelbase. Maximum cargo space is 145.1 vs 101 cu ft. Seating: 7–8 vs 7–8.
Which tows more, the Kia Carnival or the Toyota Sienna?
Both are rated to tow up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Combined ratings: 21–33 mpg for the Kia Carnival and 35–36 mpg for the Toyota Sienna, depending on powertrain and drivetrain. Figures are EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov, or the manufacturer's estimate where the EPA has not yet listed the new model year (see notes under the table).
Related comparisons
Sources
- Kia Media — 2027 Carnival specifications
- Kia Media — 2027 Carnival pricing
- Kia Media — 2027 Carnival HEV specifications
- Kia Media — 2027 Carnival HEV pricing
- Kia Media — Kia announces pricing for 2027 Carnival
- fueleconomy.gov — EPA record 50342
- fueleconomy.gov — EPA record 50343
- Toyota.com — 2026 Sienna specifications
- Toyota Newsroom — 2026 Sienna release
"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.
Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Kia Carnival vs Toyota Sienna," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/kia-carnival-vs-toyota-sienna.