Compared: 2022 Kia Carnival vs. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

If you're shopping for a new minivan, the stylish Carnival and practical Pacifica are both compelling choices.

Carl Malek | 

Oct 4, 2023 | 3 min read

Kia | Chrysler

With the ongoing popularity of SUVs, it can be easy to forget that a minivan is one of the best solutions for moving a whole bunch of people or cargo. In the fight for a slice of the minivan sales pie, the 2022 Kia Carnival focuses on cargo space and tech, while the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica upholds the tradition of practicality established by its predecessors. Here's how the two measure up in terms of pricing, features, and fuel economy.

Chrysler

2022 Kia Carnival vs. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica: Price

The Kia Carnival has a slight edge over the Chrysler Pacifica when it comes to price, as the base Carnival LX trim starts at around $34,000. That's about $5,000 less than a base Pacifica Touring, which retails for around $39,000. The Pacifica gives buyers plenty of luxury features with the higher Limited (about $51,000) and Pinnacle (about $54,000) trims. The Carnival's top SX (about $43,000) and SX Prestige (about $48,000) trims are a better value proposition for minivan buyers who want the latest technology and features.

There is a glaring difference between the two minivans on their drivetrain option. The Pacifica models that offer the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system start around $45,000. The Carnival, on the other hand, is only available with front-wheel drive. Six-cylinder gas engines power both the Chrysler and the Kia. The Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in, starts around $48,000.

Kia

2022 Kia Carnival vs. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica: Features

The Carnival and the Pacifica each have the core features many families look for in a minivan. Both offer three rows of seating, USB ports for charging devices, and the space to swallow large amounts of cargo when not carrying passengers. The Kia can haul up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The Chrysler offers similar seating options, although AWD models and Hybrid trims are exclusively seven-seaters. If space is your primary concern, note that the Kia is roomier in terms of interior and cargo space.

Kia

The Carnival SX also outshines the range-topping Pacifica Pinnacle by offering VIP Lounge seats. These captain's chairs not only fully recline but also offer movable leg rests. If you want your family hauler to convert into a cargo van for weekend DIY projects, however, consider the Pacifica with the optional second-row Stow 'n Go seats, as they easily drop into the floor.

The Pacifica has a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that is powered by Uconnect5 and is slightly bigger than the Carnival's base 8.0-inch screen. However, it's trumped by the Kia's optional 12.3-inch screen, which is available on select trims.

If you're planning to keep your van for the long haul, you should know that the Carnival comes with a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty, while the Chrysler Pacifica's warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles.

Chrysler

2022 Kia Carnival vs. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica: Fuel Economy

The fuel economy between these two minivans is close, with their front-wheel-drive models both getting an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in city driving. However, the Chrysler earns a 28-mpg estimate on the freeway, which is 2 more miles than the Kia's 26 mpg rating. The AWD Pacifica is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

As you would expect, the Pacifica Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient choice. The plug-in minivan can be driven using battery power alone for up to 32 miles and gets 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving once the battery is depleted.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Carl Malek

Carl Malek is an automotive journalist with more than 10 years of professional experience. He covers all aspects of the automobile industry but specializes in vehicle reviews and industry analysis with strong knowledge in both fields. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Emily and being involved in other family activities.