Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Carnival
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE 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 Hyundai SANTA FE and the Kia Carnival.
In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. The Kia Carnival has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $37,209 and $51,800, 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 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Kia Carnival loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA FE retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Carnival.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 277 horsepower, and the Kia Carnival base engine makes 287 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Carnival, a minivan, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Hyundai SANTA FE has an average safety rating of 4.69 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37209 - 51800
Starting MSRP:
34800
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:
Price Range:
-
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 $:
17011
Depreciation %:
0.48881264
Resale Value $:
17789
Residual Value %:
0.51118736
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
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 10
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
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:
0.145
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
Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 54Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
34 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
45 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
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
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
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
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
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Kia Carnival Trim Levels
EX, LX, LXS, SX, SX Prestige
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
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):
4.69 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:
277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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 / AWD
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Driver Attention 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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention 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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
166.6 cubic feet
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:
4343 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
67.7 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 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 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Panthera Metal
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Deep Chroma Blue
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Off-Black w/Taupe Accents
Gray
Not available
