Yes, the battle of Toyota Sienna vs. Kia Carnival in this video mostly comes from the drive and utility of both; however, we missed something.
When we filmed the Toyota Sienna vs. Kia Carnival, both of us neglected to do one thing, and that ‘one thing’ changed my mind after we filmed. Still, the parts of the video where we feature power, performance, ride and tech – I still agree with. I’ll get to the “Third-row seat of woe” in just a moment.
First, I want to give you the basics of each minivan.
2024 Toyota Sienna
2.5-liter four cylinder that makes 245 horsepower combined. There are two electric motors, and a small 1.9 kWh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery. That battery is packed under the floor, beneath the center row seats. Toyota added an eCVT to the power plant, which feels like a normal continuously variable transmission.
While the all-wheel drive (AWD) system is optional, it gives the Sienna a leg up over most of the competition. The only other minivan that gives you that option is the Chrysler Pacifica, and (by comparison) it’s nowhere near as efficient. The AWD version of the Sienna gets 35 mpg combined.
Base price starts at $37,185, and the 2024 Toyota Sienna LE AWD starts at $40.580.
In all honesty, despite the higher price, the Sienna (with its AWD option) makes a lot more sense for Coloradans, and folks who want that extra security of AWD. It sure comes in handy in snow country. You can read a full review (here).
2024 Kia Carnival
Starting at $33,200, the Carnival is a completely different minivan. Coming in with a healthy 290 hp 3.5-liter V6, the Kia Carnival bolts that engine to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its SUV-ish looks, and overall image (Kia called it an MPV, not a minivan), the Carnival is a large vehicle that drives like a luxury minivan.
The top-of-the-line version featured in this video comes in about $2,000 less than the mid-level Sienna. It is rated at 22 mpg – combined.
The third-row seat of woe…
On to that issue I brought up at the beginning of this post: the third row seat. Actually, to be more specific, it’s access to the third row of the Carnival. Over the holiday weekend, I transported seniors and children in the Carnival. It was then that I found out how painfully difficult it is to get people into the third-row.
That’s because we were sent the Kia Carnival SX Prestige equipped with the Vip lounge seats. These partially powered middle seats are very comfortable, they power recline, and even have a power footrest. Sadly, because of their function as captain seats, they lack the ability to move out of the way properly. Sure, they have the ability to side a few inches sideways, but even a five-foot tall kid was challenged getting access to the rear seats.
Watching seniors, large and small teens along with family members bemoan the discomfort they experienced by even attempting to access the third row spoke volumes. It was kind of entertaining too. Simply put, if you are serious about using the third row in the Kia Carnival, avoid the Vip longe seats, and get he regular ones. You can read about the Kia Carnival, with the center bench seats, (here).
Your rear passengers will thank you.
