For large families, the brand-new 2022 Kia Carnival MPV and the more traditional-looking 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan both have good power and lots of space. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Kia Carnival
2022 Kia Carnival Starting Price: $32,100 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Plenty of space; good power; standard safety systems.
Below Average: No all-wheel drive; no hybrid option; indeterminate resale value.
Consensus: With seating for seven or eight and a powerful engine, the 2022 Kia Carnival is a stylish minivan with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. All Carnivals are front-wheel drive, however.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Starting Price: $36,000 (est.) | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Seating for eight; optional all-wheel drive; loads of standard equipment; optional plug-in hybrid; EV tax credit on PHEV.
Below Average: Resale value; traditional minivan looks not for all; expensive.
Consensus: With seating for seven or eight and optional all-wheel drive, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is an all-season minivan for large families. The starting price is higher than some competitors, and its resale value isn’t great.
Carnival vs. Pacifica: Family Matters
Kia Carnival
Brand-new for 2022 and replacing the Sedona in Kia’s lineup, the Carnival is an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle); Kia eschews the word “minivan.” We’re impressed with the 8-passenger 2022 Kia Carnival, which makes excellent use of space and offers seating for 6-footers in all three rows.
Passenger count varies, with some trims only offering seating for seven and others allowing removal of the second row for extra cargo storage. Speaking of that, there is 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which expands to a cavernous 141.5 cubic feet with all seats folded and the second row removed.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6, and it’s plenty to get the Carnival going, even with a full load of passengers. Steering is reassured and the brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The Carnival is front-wheel drive only, however, with no option for all-wheel drive. The ride is quiet and smooth, with some trims offering extra acoustic insulation for improved interior solace.
We like the exterior look of the Carnival, which has more of a rugged SUV vibe than most vans, and inside there are plenty of options including heated and ventilated second-row seats, different color choices, and special headrests.
Standard equipment includes keyless ignition, sliding and removable second-row seats, front and rear A/C, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Standard safety systems include forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
Chrysler Pacifica
While many families are turning to SUVs and crossovers, there is still a need for minivans. With three rows of seats for up to eight passengers, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is practically a living room on wheels, with lots of options to keep the kids occupied. A low step-in height and powered sliding doors allow easy entry and exiting.
Power comes via a 3.6-liter V6, although the Pacifica is one of the rare minivans to offer a hybrid option as well. While no one buys a minivan for performance, the V6 makes ample power to keep the Pacifica moving, even with a full load of passengers and cargo.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the lower trims, while all-wheel drive is optional, or standard on the higher trims. The plug-in hybrid is front-wheel drive only and offers 32 miles of pure electric range. It’s also eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for electrified vehicles.
The driving position is high and visibility is good, with distance sensors and an optional 360-degree camera system on the higher trims. Standard features include keyless entry and ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, folding and stowable seats in both the second and third rows, and remote start.
Infotainment is provided by a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Amazon Alexa, two USB ports, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, hill-start assist, automatic high beams, and a slew of airbags.
Similarities
Cargo space; base power; fuel economy.
2022 Kia Carnival Advantages
Lower starting price; unique look; long warranty.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Advantages
Optional hybrid; optional all-wheel drive.
Which One is Right for Me?
For those who need the practicality but dislike the design of traditional minivans, the 2022 Kia Carnival offers plenty of space, lots of standard features, and a great warranty, at a low starting price. It’s comfortable, practical, roomy, and has a design that borrows from an SUV.
With an optional hybrid and available all-wheel drive for four-season confidence, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is a solid choice for large families.
Ready to buy a Kia Carnival or Chrysler Pacifica? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2022 Kia Carnival | 2022 Chrysler Pacifica | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 9-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 city/26 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 city/28 hwy) |
| Also Available | n/a | 3.6-liter V6 PHEV; CVT; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | TBA | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 inches | 121.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 203.0 inches | 204.3 inches |
| Width | 89.2 inches | 79.6 inches |
| Height | 68.5 inches | 69.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.7 feet | 39.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.6 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 40.5 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 35.6 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 64.2 inches | 63.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 63.2 inches | 63.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 59.5 inches | 61.2 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | n/a | 165.0 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 40.2/141.5 cubic feet | 32.3/140.5 cubic feet |
