Kia Carnival vs Mazda 5
The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Mazda 5, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Carnival leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Carnival | Mazda 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 24 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 34 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,850 ✓ | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 274 g/mi ✓ | 370 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI | 2.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S5) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Minivan - 2WD | Minivan - 2WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2015–2015 |
| Configurations on record | 9 | 1 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Carnival vs 5: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Carnival or the Mazda 5?
The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Mazda 5, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Carnival runs about $1,850 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Mazda 5 — a difference of roughly $700 per year.
What engines do the Carnival and 5 offer?
Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI. Mazda 5: 2.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Carnival and the Mazda 5 as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.
More Carnival comparisons
Comparison id: kia-carnival-vs-mazda-5