VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
242hp @ 5500
Torque
260lb-ft @ 5000
270lb-ft
Engine
3.5 L/212cc
1.6 L/98cc
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the KIA Carnival Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Carnival delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the KIA Carnival Hybrid produces 242hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $51,090 for the Carnival and $41,390 for the Carnival Hybrid. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
242hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 5000
270lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212cc
1.6 L/98cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (Est)mpg
34mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
203in
203in
Width (in)
78.5in
78.5in
Height (in)
69.9in
69.9in
Wheelbase (in)
121.7in
121.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4720lbs
4852lbs
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
✓ 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 Hybrid
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carnival Hybrid
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
KIA Carnival Hybrid
Lower starting price ($41,390)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Carnival or Carnival Hybrid?
The Carnival produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Carnival Hybrid delivers 242hp @ 5500 and 270lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Carnival Hybrid?
The Carnival starts from $51,090 and the Carnival Hybrid from $41,390. The Carnival Hybrid is cheaper by $9,700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Carnival or the Carnival Hybrid?
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.