VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
287hp @ 6400
Torque
262lb-ft @ 4000
260lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
3.6 L/220ci
3.5 L/212ci
Choosing between the Chrysler Pacifica and the KIA Carnival is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chrysler Pacifica delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the KIA Carnival produces 287hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Pacifica returns 21 mpg est. while the Carnival uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $59,440 for the Pacifica and $38,990 for the Carnival. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chrysler PacificaPinnacle AWD 2026 - From $59,440
KIA CarnivalLXS FWD 2026 - From $38,990
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
287hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 4000
260lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.6 L/220ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17 (2025)mpg
18 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
204.3in
203in
Width (in)
79.6in
78.5in
Height (in)
70.7in
68.5in
Wheelbase (in)
121.6in
121.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4883lbs
4630lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carnival
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Carnival
Value
Carnival
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Chrysler Pacifica
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Carnival
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,990)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pacifica or Carnival?
The Pacifica gets 21 mpg est. and the Carnival gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Carnival is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pacifica or Carnival?
The Pacifica produces 287hp @ 6400 and 262lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Carnival delivers 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Pacifica and Carnival?
The Pacifica starts from $59,440 and the Carnival from $38,990. The Carnival is cheaper by $20,450 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Pacifica or the Carnival?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.