2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2024 Kia Carnival | Is One Minivan Really $20k Better than the Other?

5 years ago we first featured our Minivan Showdown, and today we're looking at those same vehicles in glow-up form. This is the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica versus 2024 Kia Carnival.
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Before everyone gets upset in the comments, we understand that these two specific vehicles we have in front of us aren't as apples-to-apples as possible, but that's not how press car fleets work, nor is it how booking vehicles with those fleets always works out. That being said the 2024 Kia Carnival SX (SX Prestige in the USA) comes fully loaded for the Canadian market. It's powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, has an 8 speed automatic transmission, and is FWD only.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper we have is not fully loaded, and comes with a couple packages that give this vehicle a unique look. It's powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 running in Atkinson Cycle with two electric motors providing a total system power of 260 horsepower. Chrysler does not publish torque numbers for this vehicle. It's a PHEV with a 16 kWh Li-ion battery good for around 53 kms or 33 miles. The Chrysler Pacifica as a PHEV comes FWD only, but the gas-only Pacifica has the option to be equipped with AWD on most trims.
We go over the technical info and pricing for these two minivans along with what we think their exteriors have to offer in terms of design and features. We then hit the road Minivan style, with Victor acting as chauffeur and Nile riding in the second rows of both vehicles. We start off with the Chrysler Pacifica, talking about the interior design and features, what tech you get at this price point, and what things are lacking. We discuss the overall drive, ride, and handling, along with some of the features that help make this vehicle stand out.
We jump over to the Kia Carnival and do the same, discuss the interior space starting with the second row VIP seating which is a unique feature of the Kia. It allows you to move the two captains chairs forward and back, in and out, up and down, and recline into a lounge mode with leg rests. We talk about the features found on the Carnival and what it has over the Pacifica, along with how this vehicle drives, rides, handles, and performs.
We then talk about the other minivan options on the market today in Canada as alternatives, along with what they offer consumers by comparison.
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[@PRNTestDrive]

Just to touch on pricing. A 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L (gas only) with similar options to the Kia Carnival would be $65,840 CAD. That still wouldn’t get you ventilated front seats or rear heated seats, but you do get the rear entertainment still, as it’s a requirement for the 360º camera system. Base Touring model with no additions starts at $57,015.00. Let us know what Minivan you’d choose and why!

[@jimcabezola3051]

I'm disappointed that the Pacifica is so Spartan and ill-equipped compared to the Carnival. The Carnival looks like a Ford Explorer with a minivan costume change. So help me, I actually don't mind that Kia's instrument screens; they're not as objectionable as a Ford's, for example. It pays to watch your videos; I would never remember to check for these differences whilst my brain was being spun around in a dealer's showroom. Too much dealer razzle-dazzle would leave me in indecisive tears. Mahalo for another truly informative video!

[@PRNTestDrive]

The Pacifica is certainly the most expensive compared with the other options on the market, minus the new Mercedes-Maybach Metris of course 🤣

[@jimcabezola3051]

@@PRNTestDrive OMG! A Maybach Metris? I gotta see this,😆🤣!

[@unknownunknowns]

But you did, on this video, mention about the smoother ride of the Pacifica compared to the Kia?

[@timtune7231]

Own 6 Chryslers and one KIA. KIA for the win 💯

[@marivelcaliguire8326]

We got the Pacifica hybrid in August 2022. The van had less than 18K miles and it had been at the dealership three times. The first time it was the transmission. It took them 4 weeks to fix it. We got it back 4 months later and then back at the dealership. This time a new transmission. We didn't have it for about 7 weeks. Two weeks after we got it back we noticed a nock noise under the passenger side. So we took it back to the dealership. So, no I don't care for all the gadgets, sunroof or TVs if the van is not reliable. We looked at Toyota Sienna, but for the price we feel that we got a better deal with the Kia. Another thing to consider is that the Pacifica doesn't retain its value. We paid 57K, and the van was valued at 35K when we got rid of it with only 18K miles and less than two years.

[@AM_SDG]

The Chrysler is outdated, very overpriced and complex (due to the hybrid). I’ll take the Kia always, longer warranty, well priced and modern. The base Kia Carnival that seats 8 is good enough for my family , and cheaper. Thanks for an excellent objective review

[@PRNTestDrive]

Definitely a great option! I think Chrysler forgot that many of their minivan buyers were looking at the affordable options, making the entry price 2.5x more than that makes it a tough sell.

[@wassimSaleh]

Pacifica and Grand Caravan are too pricy. if we compare base price of Grand Caravan starting @ 51.000 CAD plus a couple of thousands for extended warranty, however the Carnival LX does at 39.000 CAD with 5 years / 100.000 KM guarantee. So despote I am a mopar guy driving a Durango, I will buy the Carnival all day long. @@PRNTestDrive

[@mikeb1039]

2 years ago, MANY Pacifica hybrids had non functioning hybrid systems (chip shortage so not finished, ord outright failures of the batteries) and COULDN"T GET REPLACEMENT BATTERIES FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. UNDER WARRANTY..... Yes, I said YEAR............ Oh, and due to the archaic heating system, you CAN"T use battery only in winter AND HAVE HEAT. If you want heat, you have to run the motor. Beyond stupid. (ok, just CHEAP)

[@rickgarcia8481]

The Pacifica with the tow n go seats make it the hauling king. The thing is massive inside. We hauled three large recliners still in there boxes in the Pacifica. It's like a closed in truck bed in the back.

[@PRNTestDrive]

There's a lot of flexibility with the Pacifica, and minivans in general. It's why we like them so much.

[@alexvaliansky7707]

It’s not tow n go seats, it’s STOW ‘n go seats.

[@mikeb1039]

Stow and go seats are much less padded (*comfortable) than the fixed seats to fit into the basement they use. If you use them most of the time, look (spend some time) at them carefully.

[@dougo753]

Yup, it easily fits full sheets of plywood laying flat too! We have 72,000 miles on our 2018 Pacifica and it is going strong. I just wish the overall radio controls, especially with the rear entertainment system weren't so glitchy.

[@ZeroAlligator]

No stow and go on the hybrid.

[@NYOB0001]

Until someone else develops Stow and Go seats, I will continue to buy Pacificas. No stow and go in the hybrid version, so gas only for me. Also you can customize which buttons to display on the screen for quick access. For example heated seats or whatever. I don't care about sun roof. My Pacifica has sunroof deleted. Riding in the Pacifica feels like a substantial vehicle. Very comfortable. I am a Kia fan. I have 2023 Sportage Xpro prestige. Which I really like. It has all the latest tech. But I usually choose to drive the Pacifica.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Definitely a stand out feature for it!

[@mikeb1039]

Honda seats are much more comfortable than Stow and go and remove easily enough (1 lever) but are heavy and then need to be stored. I'd hate to drive long distances stuck in the stow and go's. Trade offs with everything. For our "occasional" need of all the space, it's easy enough to remove the Odysseys mid seats and leave them in the garage. For our trips to FLA it's worth a bit of storing for the much better comfort.

[@markhall3434]

2024 Carnival SX Prestige here.. Ordered last March, Received Mid May (10 Weeks) as one of the very first 2024 (No known changes), PAID MSRE: $52,600 w/Trailer Hitch and Mud Flaps, standard 10 Year drivetrain warranty! Typical markup was $5 to 6K back then. Have 8K on the clock now. Been cross country twice, Once w/Trailer. HIGHLY Recommended. Im getting 27.6 MPG on 93 octane, but occasionally I get better on specific tanks of gas. A couple tanks of 91 was the same. 87 felt "Bumpy". Maybe a Pre Ping for best efficiency? It is a 12.3:1 compression engine w/both Direct and Port fuel injection (No Carbon Buildup like some early GDI cars). . Baby, (Like my Dog) demands the best and gets it. Can't say enough about this car. Full Adaptive Cruise with Lane Assist at 80 MPH Cross country in the newly forming Bi Truck cruise caravans is the safest and quickest way to travel. Carful with this.. you need to practice this, the auto stop can be scary at first.. be sure it's engaged before you use it!! You can't do better.. the seats are incredible in the Prestige. Two Power Sunroofs.. the InfoTainment system is amongst the best. The Engine/Power train is amazingly powerful.. Nobody has a smoother (I mean this is one Smooooth Ride!!) riding car like this. Never a Squeek or Rattle ANYWHERE. Even in hard Corners!! Turning FULL LOCK steering wheel in a parking lot is Silent. Chassis is SOLID. Handling is near Sports Car, whatever "Quiet Glass" is, works very well. Tight air sealing.. Near Zero air sounds at all. Tires are rated for 51PSI, but I use 35 - 36. Front wheel drive is the Best for cornering and fuel efficiency. Any rotating shaft/bearing, or Gear takes power to turn. I've never been stuck in snow in a FWD with the engine directly over the driven wheels. Maybe not for drag strip, but that ain't this. Keep your Owner's manual handy.. haven't quite figured how to open the passenger side first. Complaint 1: the Seat Heaters take too long (3 mins?) to get too hot. I could use a smaller ass however. Complaint 2: An 8' sheet of plywood won't quite fit (2nd Row seats aren't Removeable) like my old 1990 Grand Caravan. But that's OK, I have a Truck w/8' bed, much easier to load. Maybe Try Ordering the caravan from a dealer on the wrong side of town with maybe a new guy. Might get a better deal from an online dealer who will have it delivered? The factory fills orders first, dealer inventory is fill in. 10 Week delivery at MSRE is spectacular deal. Even at $62k much rather the Carnival. Total new design, fresh from the Drawing Board using the Best stuff, the best CAD design/analysis software. A snapshot of what to expect from modern auto manufacturers. Accept no Less.. this is the standard of all future MiniVans.. No BS..

[@markhall3434]

Complaint #3ish(?): Although I'd pick these awesome Power Recliner w/FootRests (but No Massage!) 2nd row seats, the only thing the CARNIVAL is truly missing the is available Fold into the Floor 2nd Row Seats. The ability to carry plywood with the Doors closed was disappointing at first. Also I was AMAZED that the 2nd row door windows roll down almost all the way. With both sunroofs, AND all 4 Windows OPEN, It Practically a Convertible that keeps my bald spot sun Burned!! Just like the real McCoy Rag Top! I love the possibility of Road Side Naps on the way. Not possible with a 2 door pick up truck (Although was considering the "Extended Cab", NOT the Crew Cab). IMO, a real Truck has an 8' bed.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with the Carnival. Hopefully it continues to serve you well!

[@wellgeeslugger6825]

The Carnival SX Prestige can be had with 2nd row bench seats from 2023 and up, that allows the 2nd row to be removed for extra cargo, but stow’n go is a nice gimmick from Chrysler. Doesn’t make it worth picking over the Carnival tho!

[@markhall3434]

@@wellgeeslugger6825 9100 miles now.. this isn't a pickup truck! This is the smoothest ride ever.. not a rattle, squeek, or squeek.. ever. Wind management . No wind flutter. Silence! 93 octane, oil changes at 5K. Thinking I'll go 5w 20 oil. Homerun! Complaint: the seat heaters take 3 minutes.. could be faster.

[@akio6505]

Thanks for sharing! US or Canada?

[@daddyshome6990]

My 2024 Carnival Sx is currently at the autobody shop(collision repair) and I have a 2023 Pacifica Hybrid rental. This Pacifica just feels very barebone. Like they started at the drawing board and left it there. My Carnival feels more thoughtfully made even tho it has its flaws. This Pacifica also feels heavy like I’m driving a U-Haul. The sun was blasting my face today and I pull down the sun visor which is so skinny, I might as well use my elbow.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hopefully you get your Carnival back soon, but at least you had the chance to see what both feel like!

[@shotokanbiker]

Hired the Pacifica in Orlando and I was amazed how frugal it was with the fuel. I liked the underfloor storage, adjustability of the rear seats, the boot space, remote side doors and boot. Climate control for nearly all the passengers. Comfy. Easy to drive considering how big it is.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it worked out well for you!

[@shotokanbiker]

I like the look of the Chrysler, reminds me of the Dodge Durango and charger. It looks mean for a minivan.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough!

[@jamessobetski9795]

Still driving 2010 Chrysler Town and Country Touring with all 4 captain chairs heated. Stiw and go js the only way to go wonderful for long camping trips and can carry anything including 4x8 plywood (cant come close in any pick-up truck). Rented a Pacifica plug in. Im 6'-4" and sat comfortably in the rear bench with my wife 5' 10 in captain chair and a 6"2 driver. The Carnival back row is just for short people or kids. The driver did complain about driving the plugin regenerated brakes but we were getting 31 mph. Live in MI would like all wheel drive. KIA has good style. The Australian version has blind sided cameras when changing lanes and a digital rear mirror when occupants block your view.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're hoping to see continued innovation in the minivan market. With only a few serious players left it's a tough market to be in, but we still feel these are the most versatile vehicles available on the market.

[@QuincyJuanLopez]

You mention about engine noice of the KIA around min 18:30, is that kia Petrol/Gasoline or Diesel?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Both vehicles are gasoline/petrol.

[@alfredphillips5514]

I'll pick the chrysler pacifica

[@PRNTestDrive]

There's a lot of flexibility with it. We've driven quite a few so far and always liked them.

[@SuNnYaAsH]

Their is no brake hold button in this car

[@QuincyJuanLopez]

@0:22 I have the Kia Carnival, how do you make the front lights do that? I'm curious!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's just an effect from filming, as LED lights have a refresh rate that often is caught on cameras like this when the refresh rate of those lights don't sync up with the frame rate of the camera.

[@user-px7yg3vz5e]

Pacific ❤

[@marcchasanoff5787]

Does the carnival come in awd?

[@PRNTestDrive]

It does not, but a hybrid model was announced for 2025.

[@MartyMcFlyGuy]

As far as looks these vehicles arent in the yhe same class. The Kia is killing it in the interior and exterior.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We do love the look of the Carnival, and it gets better for the 2025 refresh coming later this year!

[@afzalshaikh2128]

My friend had a Kia Sedona and the engine after 5 years right after warranty ended. $8500 to repair so he threw it junk yard. Kia cars scare me

[@qchirac]

Key diff is "stow n go", see if it matters to you.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good point!

[@DKLGalactus5]

People who buy the Chrysler are not really worried about the price. Just the quality.

[@unknownunknowns]

So, with this seven year old Pacifica, you, of course, get a hybrid (thus lower maintenance fuel costs), and a smoother ride over the Carnival. That would explain why it would only be popular among the fleet services which I got to rent traveling from LA to LV. Though, I do like the simplicity of the Pacifica interior over the busyness of the Kia.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's just too expensive, it's hard to justify. Unless someone does all in-town and rarely uses the gas engine, it would still take a long time, decades to equal the savings from skipping the gas station over the competition.

[@wellgeeslugger6825]

The fuel savings you have go into the repairman’s pocket.

[@udaykosaraju3851]

@@wellgeeslugger6825 Consumer Reports recently released best and worst reliability cars and Pacifica Hybrid is one on the bottom.

[@yankeesusa1]

The reason that it's always at rental companies is because they don't keep it over 60,000 miles. Look at the reviews, once you go over 70,000 miles electric problems are occuring. Pacifica is rated in last place for minivans.

[@jspira92]

Try getting a carnival inside of 2 years. Pacoficas you can get.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That is true, there's a shortage of minivans outside of the Pacifica. I know Toyota has about a 2 year wait on their vehicles.

[@markhall3434]

I did!! At MSRE in 10 Weeks!! @@PRNTestDrive

[@raymondwong7674]

@@PRNTestDriveseriously, plenty around now ,dealers are desperate to sell them.

[@fahhad17]

Mang the whole time I was scared. What if he fart is that Kia van 😅😅😅, sunroof would blow up

[@myunghwanbang8685]

Carnival with upcoming hybrid model!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It is! We saw it at the Canadian International Auto Show last week.

[@myunghwanbang8685]

@@PRNTestDrive show us the Canival Hybrid clip!! Can’t wait to see it! Thx!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We didn't end up filming anything on it, but will be booking one from the press fleet as soon as it's available!

[@Liam-ql7tr]

max of 24mpg with Cornival hybrid not that Impressive

[@Dermisc]

I don't understand TV's in cars. Just buy a cheap tablet holder online. The phones and tablets that you already have provide much better entertainment than onboard electronics ever will. The life cycle of a minivan could be 10+ years. The life cycle of consumer electronics is 2-5 years. Can you imagine how outdated that little screen will feel after 5 years? You'll just end up wishing that it wasn't there in the first place.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Tablets are definitely a great solution. The integrated screens are better today than they were 5 years ago, as you can use smartTV services finally. There's pros and cons to each option.

[@Dermisc]

@@PRNTestDrive Are those TVs at least 2k 140hz with HDR? You'd need the refresh rate and HDR in a moving vehicle.

[@Fredflinstone23]

agree, electronic degrade its reliability due to vibration after short amount of time..

[@Liam-ql7tr]

agree get two iPads much cheaper than Dual Screen upgrade.

[@qchirac]

Right

[@jorgeestrada5713]

2023 Kía Carnival.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't go wrong with it!

[@extramile150]

Kia hands down...

[@PRNTestDrive]

Lots of love for the Carnival !

[@DoxieiCarlyfan]

Hate to admit it as I am a Dodge fan, but Kia really made a better minivan in this one case. The Chrysler Pacifica is a very poor-quality ugly model with serious design flaws and a terrible repair record that matches. I'd like to see Dodge release a revised but normal-looking Grand Caravan. Until then, if you're really bent on a brand-new minivan, Carnival is kind of the new Caravan. Having studied years of Caravan manuals though I plan to get a used Grand Caravan.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for sharing!

[@eugeniehilbert3989]

As soon as there are batteries involved the cars are overpriced!

[@PRNTestDrive]

To be fair the Pacifica gas version is wildly more expensive also.

[@yankeesusa1]

Look over at jd power reviews and the Pacifica gets the lowest rating every year.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Doesn't surprise me. Chrysler as a whole has a bad reputation with reliability.

[@DKLGalactus5]

Its like saying I drive a Volkswagen bug vs. I drive a rolls.

[@TMZtOO]

So, how many kids do you guys have? How many home projects have you transported supplies for? Your POV is completely off for this product class.

[@PRNTestDrive]

No

[@DKLGalactus5]

Man, you're really thrashing the Chrysler Mini van, but its a better van hands down.

[@ranat5526]

Chrysler ,Kia/ Daewoo/Hyundai, same people different badges.

[@markhall3434]

Daewoo?? Chrysler? you know nothing.. totally different in every way. Chrysler and Toyota and Honda are all OLD Designs.. This is a total new design..

[@stockey]

You're clueless man, not the same at all.

[@karanchhibber1508]

Most importantly, Pacifica does not have Break Hold! Unbelievable that such a basic feature is missing for a car that should be all about comfort and convenience. Despite all the tech and looks, I am sure Kia is much more reliable than Chrysler. Pacific had way too much body roll. So much so it causes motion sickness for third row passengers.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I have a very specific approach to brake holds, I never use them on any vehicle other than Mercedes-Benz because every other brand requires the system to be engaged or disengaged, rather than on-the-fly like M-B. With both of my Mercs I can press further down on the brake to engage the hold at any time, meaning it's there when I want it, and never when I don't. I do acknowledge that not everyone is like me, and some may prefer having a brake hold engage every time. Either way I agree that it should be something the Pacifica offers.

[@karanchhibber1508]

@@PRNTestDrive I think that is how the brake hold works in my Camry. I just need to hit the brake a little further in to engage it.

[@Dermisc]

​@@PRNTestDrive As someone who drives both a 2024 Carnival and a 2020 GLE regularly, I can confirm that the brake hold works slightly better on Merc's. The problem is not with how the feature engages. On the Kia, it is a toggle setting that gets saved between restarts, and engages effortlessly once you come to a full stop with the brake depressed. My issue is with the slight delay before it disengages when you move your foot to the accelerator. There's is a slight amount of deadspace on the accelerator that you need to overcome before the car knows to disengage the brake.

[@Michaelskids]

The hybrid version of the pacifica sucks... to many problems...

[@CC-wm1yq]

Pacifica is grossly overpriced especially with the issues they have had. Would never consider it. Would buy a Toyota or Honda over that any day of the week. The Kia kills it hands down as well.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We were really hoping to have an Odyssey at some point to feature, I believe Honda will have a 2024 on the fleet soon. The Sienna also looks compelling, we last drove one in 2015 just before we started this show.

[@wellgeeslugger6825]

For me the only downsides of the sienna is the actual engine is only 180+ hp, the electric motors contribute enough to make a total of 260. That’s supposed to pull a 4725lbs plus passengers and payload, and apparently tow up to 3500 pounds? People say the engine gets real loud going uphill. So I’m shying away from that Toyota. The odyssey and Carnival are 286 and 290 with a simple v6. Better gas mileage from sienna but idk if I trust the hybrid system not to have issues and cost a bunch in maintenance. I have heard people had mice and rats eat at the wires on some Toyota hybrids cuz they’re soy based coatings for the wires. Could be other makes too but I only heard about it from Toyotas. So safer choices are the Kia and Honda. I can’t assume just cuz of nameplate that reliability will follow, not nowadays. The sienna has less cargo space than the Kia and Honda. Kia is class leading in cargo space and horsepower. Also the longest warranty. Even the Honda Odyssey, the new ones people are having issues with the VCM they use for cylinder deactivation, it will deteriorate the engine over time if you don’t get a vcm disabling tuner for it. Not to mention the other electrical issues. So out of all the people movers the Kia is actually the safest pick, if for nothing else it has the best warranty. The first year had a few recalls and issues but Kia has expressed that they worked out a lot of those kinks. Honestly, Honda has had plenty of time to perfect the issues, and some past generations are reliable but they are definitely coming with a technology and quality deficit if comparing to new ones, so if you can justify the difference in quality and tech for an older gen odyssey when they were reliable, go ahead.

[@copaseticguerra9646]

@@wellgeeslugger6825I drive a hybrid Avalon for Uber. I have 485k on the dash

[@camfocus8888]

Just work harder than it is right price for you

[@Sazonman]

70k for Chrysler crappppp 🤣😂🤣🤣😂🤣 that Dodge/Chrysler is a mess😂😂😂😂

[@DKLGalactus5]

Get the Pacifica. Its better. Not a cheap copy.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for the real time commentary.

[@Checkdemfaxs]

20,000 bucks buys alot of gas

[@PRNTestDrive]

That it does!

[@BigBopper-zm1kf]

I know the difference. One is a great family car and the other is 💩

[@PRNTestDrive]

oof!

[@bolatshakir9003]

Дерьмовый обзор! Надо было брать обычный Крайслер пацифика, с 3.6 бензиновым мотором, а не этот гребаный гибрид. У Карнивала нет шансов против Пацифика! Карнивал ужасно не практичный автомобиль. Подходит только для перевозки офисных работников с точки а, в точку б. Вы доже гостей с аэропорта на Карнивале встретить не сможете! Куда вы положите их чемоданы?