Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Carnival
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Ascent 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 Subaru Ascent and the Kia Carnival.
When we compare the Subaru Ascent's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the area of resale value. 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, interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Ascent and Kia Carnival have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Ascent's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Kia Carnival is a better car than the Subaru Ascent.
Pricing: A used 2024 Subaru Ascent ranges from $37,997 to $50,715 while a used 2024 Kia Carnival is priced between $33,988 to $49,498. For a new model, the Subaru Ascent's price is between $39,525 and $51,240, with the Kia Carnival priced between $36,195 and $49,814.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value and the Kia Carnival loses 44.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Ascent retains 0.7 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 Subaru Ascent’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the Kia Carnival base engine makes 290 horsepower. Both the Ascent and the Carnival are rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 502 and 494 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
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 Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Ascent has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Ascent has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,525 - $51,240
Starting MSRP:
$34,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$36,195 - $49,814
Starting MSRP:
$33,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Minivans)
$37,294
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Minivans)
$33,600 - $39,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$44,018
Price Range:
$37,997 - $50,715
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
717
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
10,438
# Good or Great Deals:
90
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,962
Price Range:
$33,988 - $49,498
Category Avg Price:
(Minivans)
$51,199
Category Avg Price Range:
(Minivans)
$40,962 - $64,658
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
329
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
20,227
# Good or Great Deals:
47
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,683
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$18,712
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,359
Depreciation %:
45.7%
Resale Value $:
$18,241
Residual Value %:
54.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Minivans)
45.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Minivans)
41.3% - 48.7%
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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:
6.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Minivans)
5.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Minivans)
4.2 - 15.4
Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Kia Carnival Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
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
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
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
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Kia Carnival Trim Levels
EX, LX, 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 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):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
361 / 494 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
171.0 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:
4421 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4431 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:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal 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
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
