Toyota Sienna vs. Kia Carnival
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna and the Kia Carnival.
When comparing the Toyota Sienna's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Sienna 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. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Sienna's and the Kia Carnival's specifications and ratings, the Kia Carnival is a better car than the Toyota Sienna.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota Sienna ranges from $41,991 to $79,635 while a used 2026 Kia Carnival is priced between $39,285 to $53,445. For a new model, the Toyota Sienna's price is between $43,118 and $61,879, 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 Toyota Sienna loses 38.6 percent of its value and the Kia Carnival loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Sienna retains 11.5 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 Toyota Sienna’s base engine makes 245 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 head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Toyota Sienna has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43118 - 61879
Starting MSRP:
39485
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Minivans)
43780
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Minivans)
39485 - 51055
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:
56023
Price Range:
41991 - 79635
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Minivans)
49823
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Minivans)
46024 - 56023
# 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 $:
15099
Depreciation %:
0.38240828
Resale Value $:
24386
Residual Value %:
0.6175917200000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Minivans)
0.38240828
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Minivans)
0.38240828 - 0.38240828
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
Toyota Sienna Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Carnival Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Sienna
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:
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:
4.486332752729129
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Minivans)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Minivans)
2.8 - 4.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Toyota Sienna Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
13 out of / 22Kia 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
Toyota’s Sienna has long been a favorite of families who wanted an all-wheel-drive minivan, but its appeal goes deeper than that one feature. The Sienna changes in very important ways for 2021 that make it hard to pass up for those seeking the best cost of ownership in this 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
- 36 MPG fuel economy rating
- Available all-wheel drive
- Included maintenance for two years under warranty
- Spare tire is not standard
- The driving experience is not best in class
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
Minivan
Available Body Styles
Minivan
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota Sienna Trim Levels
LE 8-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, Platinum 7-Passenger, Woodland Edition, XLE 7-Passenger, XLE 8-Passenger, XSE 7-Passenger
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:
2 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):
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:
245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
36 / 36 / 36
Range (city/hwy):
648 / 648 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
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:
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:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.7 inches
Cargo Space:
33.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
75.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
195.9 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, 3rd-row seat folded down:
75.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
208.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4610 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
68.5 inches
Length:
203.7 inches
Wheelbase:
120.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Deep Chroma Blue
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Panthera Metal
White
Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Off-Black w/Taupe Accents
