Only a few minivans continue to be part of the automotive market. Among them, the 2024 Kia Carnival and 2024 Chrysler Pacifica are two of the best.
The Carnival is the newest member of the minivan family, replacing the deleted Sedona in the Kia lineup. The Pacifica has been considered one of the most advanced and impressive vehicles offered for many years. These minivans can be much better options than SUVs when searching for an excellent vehicle for family driving needs. Minivans offer easier entry and exit for children and adults, making it much easier for you to enjoy a fantastic ride.
At a glance: Carnival vs Pacifica
The first impression of the Kia minivan is a vehicle that’s shaped more like an SUV while delivering the family-friendliness of a minivan. The Carnival includes a class-leading warranty, impressive powertrain, and offers a focus on comfort and safety.
Turning to the Chrysler model, you’ll have the handy Stow ‘n Go seating that creates a flat floor in the middle row. The Pacifica has an excellent powertrain and brings an impressive package of tech and features for your drive. This Chrysler minivan is one of only two that offer AWD, the other being the Toyota Sienna.
Powertrain comparison
Although the Kia Carnival’s engine is slightly smaller than the Chrysler Pacifica’s, the Carnival produces more power than the Chrysler minivan. The Carnival is propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This Kia minivan returns 19 city/26 hwy mpg, making it a relatively efficient minivan.
The Chrysler Pacifica uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine attached to a 9-speed automatic transmission, sending 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. This van delivers 19 city/28 hwy mpg, making it slightly more efficient than the Carnival.
In the powertrain comparison, the Carnival is more powerful, but the Pacifica is more efficient.
What makes the Kia Carnival a great choice?
The Carnival is the most affordable vehicle in the minivan class, starting at nearly $6,000 less than the Pacifica. This Kia minivan also brings several great qualities to the market, including:
SUV-like style
When positioned next to other minivans, it’s easy to see how the Carnival resembles an SUV and not its direct competitors. The Carnival looks more like the Telluride than a minivan, which could attract some families who want an excellent vehicle to drive with their family in tow.
Clear and useful infotainment screens
The Kia Carnival lineup offers two infotainment screens with the 12.3-inch model found at higher trims and a standard 8-inch screen for the lower trims. Both screens provide clear menus and sharp graphics to be extremely useful and easy to enjoy.
VIP Lounge Seats
You’ll need to go to the top SX Prestige trim to enjoy second-row VIP Lounge Seats. These seats are captain’s chairs with a power recline function and built-in footrests. The seats are heated and ventilated, making these second-row seats the most comfortable in the Carnival.
What makes the Chrysler Pacifica a great choice?
Although the Pacifica is more expensive than the Carnival, it’s a luxurious minivan by comparison. The top, Pinnacle trim, is as opulent and posh as some luxury SUVs. Some qualities you’ll love about the Chrysler Pacifica are:
Stow ‘n Go seating
The second-row seats can be folded into the floor, which creates a flat load floor for large items when you’ve also folded the third-row rearward into the floor area. These two underfloor storage areas are easy to use when the seats are in position and open up 140 cubic feet of cargo room when folded.
Pinnacle trim
It’s hard to argue against the poshness of the top Pinnacle trim. This version of the Chrysler Pacifica gives you soft Nappa leather upholstery, lumbar pillows in the second row, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a surround-view parking camera, and several other upscale features.
Available AWD
AWD is offered as an optional feature on three out of four trims for the Chrysler Pacifica. This added feature could send some people to this minivan and bring them away from SUVs that are more difficult to enter and exit.
Should you drive the Kia Carnival or Chrysler Pacifica?
The Carnival is more affordable, has a longer warranty, and offers slightly more power than the Pacifica. The Pacifica is more efficient, has a much more comfortable top trim, and features both Stow ‘n Go seats and optional AWD to make it a more versatile and capable option.
Will you drive the 2024 Kia Carnival or the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica?
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