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Oct 21, 2021

If you’re in the market for a new minivan, two of the best options currently available are the 2022 Kia Carnival and the 2022 Toyota Sienna. Both of these models have a lot to offer but there are some significant differences between the two. By knowing these key differences, you can better decide which model is right for you. Below, we’ll outline some of the similarities and differences between these two models.

2022 Kia Carnival vs Toyota Sienna - Model Comparison
2022 Kia Telluride (right) vs 2022 Toyota Sienna (left)

Performance

Let’s start by looking at the performance metrics of the 2022 Toyota Sienna. Every 2022 Toyota Sienna comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It also comes with a hybrid system, that combined with the engine, produces a total output of 245 horsepower. As you’re likely not getting a minivan for its speed, this is more than enough power for the average user. As for fuel efficiency, you can expect the 2022 Toyota Sienna to get around 36 mpg for both city and highway.

If you want something with a little more power, then look at the 2022 Kia Carnival. This model comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. In addition, if you’re looking to tow something, the Kia Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Finally, the Kia Carnival gets around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 22 mpg. This lower fuel efficiency rating is mostly due to the Sienna offering a hybrid system, which the Carnival does not currently do.

Interior Space

Inside the Sienna, you’ll find a stylish modern design. There are three rows of seats, the third of which you can remove for additional storage. You can’t remove the second row, but you can upgrade to captain’s chairs in this row that you can slide forward and back for additional legroom/storage space. With the Sienna, you also have the option of upgrading to more premium trims for the interior, getting a leather-like material for the dashboard and a different color scheme. Finally, there is about 34 cubic feet of cargo room inside the Sienna.

The Kia Carnival also has a very modern interior design. Inside, you’ll find a large center console, with the option to get a dual-screen infotainment system. If you upgrade to a trim like the SX-Prestige, you can get leather upholstery and a reclining second row of seats. Another option is a panoramic sunroof, which provides a large opening over the second row of seats. In addition, you can fold down all of the seats, providing you with a ton of cargo space — around 40 cubic feet — depending on your needs.

Entertainment Features

A big factor when getting a new minivan is the entertainment and comfort features onboard. The entertainment features in the 2022 Toyota Sienna start with its 9-inch touchscreen display. This screen stands upright in the center of the dashboard and easily connects to your mobile devices through Android Auto and Apple Carplay. To provide everyone in the vehicle with the opportunity to charge their devices, there are seven USB ports located throughout the cabin. Finally, some other options you can get are a WiFi hotspot, an upgraded audio system, and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system display.

The 2022 Kia Carnival comes with similar entertainment features. The standard infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen, but you have the option to upgrade to dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across the majority of the dashboard. As with the Sienna, both Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard. An improvement over the Sienna is the number of USB ports, with the Kia Carnival offering nine throughout the cabin. The Kia Carnival also comes with an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety Features

Finally, most people aren’t buying a minivan without considering its available safety features. To start, the 2022 Toyota Sienna comes standard with blindspot monitoring and an in-vehicle camera that detects things like oncoming vehicles, reads road signs, and senses the presence of pedestrians. If you want some other items like parking sensors and a 360-degree exterior camera, you will need to upgrade to a more premium trim. Other safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning system, and adaptive cruise control.

The Kia Canival also offers a lot of standard safety features. Some features you can expect in the Carnival include:

  • Lane-keeping assist.
  • Blind-spot monitoring.
  • Lane-departure warning.
  • Automated emergency braking.
  • Automatic high-beam headlamps.
  • Rear cross-traffic warning.
  • Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.
  • Adaptive cruise control.

In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2022 Kia Carnival one of its Top Safety Picks, an award that only goes to vehicles that pass stringent safety requirements. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can not only help prevent you from getting into an accident but protect you should you get into one, the 2022 Kia Carnival is a great choice.

Price and Trims

Finally, there’s the price of each model. The cost for each depends on which trim you decide to go with. Both vehicles have several trim levels available, allowing you to pick one that has the features you’re looking for. For the 2022 Toyota Sienna, there are six trim levels available: LE, XLE, Woodland, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The MSRPs for these trims range from around $36,000 for the LE to $51,000 for the Platinum.

With the 2022 Kia Carnival, there are five trim levels to choose from. These are the LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The MSRPs for these trims range from $33,275 for the LX to $47,275 for the SX Prestige. Therefore, on average, the 2022 Kia Carnival is more affordable than the 2022 Toyota Sienna.

Let Tom Kadlec Help You Decide in Rochester, MN

Not sure which model is right for you? No problem. Tom Kadlec is here to help Rochester, Minnesota, residents decide. Contact us today and discuss your needs with us. We can then walk you through the benefits of both models and help you decide on one. Both of these models have a lot to offer but we can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.