Chevrolet Traverse vs. Kia Carnival
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse and Kia Carnival contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Traverse and the Kia Carnival.
In comparing the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Carnival has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Kia Carnival is a better car than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: A used 2026 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $40,548 to $60,544 while a used 2026 Kia Carnival is priced between $39,285 to $53,445. For a new model, the Chevrolet Traverse's price is between $42,818 and $61,092, with the Kia Carnival priced between $38,870 and $53,311.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value and the Kia Carnival loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Carnival retains 1.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Kia Carnival base engine makes 287 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Chevrolet Traverse has an average safety rating of 4.81 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42818 - 61092
Starting MSRP:
40800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38870 - 53311
Starting MSRP:
36990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Minivans)
40561
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Minivans)
36990 - 42795
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50800
Price Range:
40548 - 60544
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
45452
Price Range:
39285 - 53445
Category Avg Price:
(Minivans)
45452
Category Avg Price Range:
(Minivans)
45452 - 45452
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
21238
Depreciation %:
0.52054536
Resale Value $:
19562
Residual Value %:
0.47945464000000004
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.51651297
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.36117337 - 0.54113436
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18719
Depreciation %:
0.5060689
Resale Value $:
18271
Residual Value %:
0.49393109999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Minivans)
0.50181641
Category Depreciation Range:
(Minivans)
0.4367756 - 0.5533392
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Traverse
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.105
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Carnival
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 54Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 54Ranking
49 out of / 66Ranking
60 out of / 66Kia Carnival Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Summary Review
Kia changed its minivan name, and substantially upped its game, when it introduced the stylish and feature-laded Kia Carnival.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Pros and Cons
- Largest interior volume in the category
- Highest horsepower and towing capacity in the category
- Impressive list of standard and optional features
- Attractive exterior styling gives it SUV-like mojo
- Coolest features reserved for pricier SX and SX Prestige trims
- Reclining second-row seats won’t work for tall adults
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Minivan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, LT, RS, Z71
Kia Carnival Trim Levels
EX, LX, LXS, SX, SX Prestige
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
64.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
63.2 inches
Cargo Space:
40.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
145.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
208.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4504 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
204.5 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4555 lbs
Width:
89.2 inches
Height:
68.5 inches
Length:
203 inches
Wheelbase:
121.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Polar White Tricoat / Summit White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Deep Chroma Blue
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Silver
Panthera Metal
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black / Jet Black/Gideon
Interior Colors
Black
Off-Black w/Taupe Accents
