Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Carnival
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder and the Kia Carnival.
When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Kia Carnival has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Pathfinder's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Kia Carnival is a better car than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from $36,707 to $54,024 while a used 2026 Kia Carnival is priced between $39,285 to $53,445. For a new model, the Nissan Pathfinder's price is between $37,917 and $54,221, 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 Nissan Pathfinder loses 55.8 percent of its value and the Kia Carnival loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Carnival retains 5.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Pathfinder.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Pathfinder’s base engine makes 284 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, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Pathfinder, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan Pathfinder has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37917 - 54221
Starting MSRP:
36400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
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:
44412
Price Range:
36707 - 54024
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# 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 $:
20443
Depreciation %:
0.56163117
Resale Value $:
15957
Residual Value %:
0.43836883000000004
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
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
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Pathfinder
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.21
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:
2.8111312754086826
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 54Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 54Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
49 out of / 66Ranking
56 out of / 66Ranking
66 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 three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive 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
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
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
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, Rock Creek, S, SL, SV
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:
3 years / 36000 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
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:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 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:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
165.1 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:
4325 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 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 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
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
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Black
Off-Black w/Taupe Accents
