Are you on the fence about which minivan to buy? Both the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Sienna are great options. Aside from the Sienna’s hybrid engine and higher MSRP, they’re quite similar. We compared these minivans in several important categories and tried to find the best option for families around Rochester, Minnesota. Tom Kadlec Kia is here to help guide shoppers to the minivan, car, truck, or SUV they’ll love most. Check out the differences between the 2023 Kia Carnival and the 2023 Toyota Sienna to determine which minivan is the right vehicle for you. Have any questions? Give us a call at (507) 215-8923.
Interior Dimensions and Key Features
Both the 2023 Kia Carnival and 2023 Toyota Sienna are minivans that seat up to eight, with seven-seat options that put two elite captain’s chairs in one of the rows instead of a three-seat bench. Both have convenient options to fold seats flat and stow them away, along with available power liftgates and power sliding doors. The Sienna has 162.5 cubic feet of total passenger volume, and the Carnival is slightly roomier at 168.2 cubic feet.
Cargo space plays an important part in shopping for a minivan, as big families can require a lot of room for grocery trips, camping excursions, sports practice, and more. The Sienna has a 33.5-cubic-foot cargo area behind the third row, whereas the Carnival has 40.2 cubic feet of space in the back. The Sienna and Carnival both offer infotainment systems with touch screens, available rear seat entertainment systems, and much more, but the Carnival provides easier access to a panoramic roof and cooled rear seats.
Engine and Performance
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower is standard on all Carnival trim levels. Similarly, the hybrid engine setup in the Sienna has 245 horsepower in every trim. It also has a significantly lower torque of 176 lb-ft compared to the Carnival’s 262 lb-ft. Both have an even towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
The Kia Carnival’s powertrain defies any stereotypes about sluggish minivans. As expected from the horsepower and torque difference, the Carnival has a slightly faster zero to 60 mph time of seven seconds, rather than 7.7 seconds with the Sienna. Most critics also note the Carnival’s maneuverability and short braking distance. Finally, the fuel tank size is another advantage for families who love to go on adventures. The Carnival has a fuel tank capacity of 19 gallons as opposed to the Sienna’s 18 gallons, although the Sienna also has hybrid battery power.
Safety Equipment
Rear parking sensors, a driver attention warning system, high beam assist, safe exit assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and blind spot detection are among the safety features found standard on the 2023 Kia Carnival. The Sienna comes equipped with ten airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology.
Comparing their upper trims and general driver assistance features, these two minivans are fortunately both rated as safe and dependable. The 2022 edition earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, but the Carnival earned similar scores on models with LED headlights.
What’s New for 2023?
When comparing the features and specs of the 2022 Carnival, Kia dropped the LXS model and made some additions to the SX and SX Prestige in their 2023 edition. The SX has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital gauge display of the same size. Instead of them being automatically included, you now have the option to add reclining second-row captain’s chairs in the SX Prestige. Overall, the 2023 edition has some small but welcome improvements to a top-level minivan.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Sienna marks the 25th anniversary of the model and the third year of it being a hybrid production exclusively. Aside from a rare anniversary edition with unique exterior and cabin features, no other changes have been made. Considering how limited the 25th-anniversary production will be, the Carnival is a better option if you want a 2023 model that was updated from last year.
Winner: 2023 Kia Carnival
Although the Sienna turns out to be slightly more efficient, the Carnival has a roomier cabin in terms of both passenger and cargo space. The difference in horsepower and torque also contributes to a far more enjoyable performance. For buyers who want a hybrid vehicle, the Sienna offers a very far travel range and decent performance. However, for most drivers in need of a family minivan, the 2023 Kia Carnival offers a better package.
There is one additional benefit of buying the 2023 Carnival. It’s the perk you get with any new Kia, which is a superb warranty. The Carnival comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a basic warranty of five years and 60,000 miles. A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty are standard for the Sienna. The Toyota minivan also offers a maintenance coverage plan on all new models, but you can find an even better value out of a Carnival if you take it to our qualified service center under a Kia maintenance plan.
Overall, we think most drivers will prefer the 2023 Kia Carnival, and the Toyota Sienna is an impressive model that falls a bit short in comparison. If any other Kia models interest you, you’ll have the same excellent features to look forward to, like the latest infotainment systems, parking guidance features, and generous warranty coverage. Be picky about where you buy your next vehicle to ensure you get a fair price and the best discounts available.
At Tom Kadlec Kia, we make it easier than ever to get a new Kia. You can even design your own custom Kia with your choice of trim level, color, and more, so you don’t have to compromise on any details. Check out the custom order form and our current inventory, and feel free to contact us if you have questions. In addition to a sizable selection of new and used cars, we also have a first-rate service and parts department for all your automotive care needs. We’re committed to giving customers exactly what they expect from Rochester’s best dealership.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.