Kia Carnival vs Nissan Quest

The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 22 mpg for the Nissan Quest, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Carnival leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2022–2027

Kia Carnival

Minivan - 2WD · 9 configurations

33mpg combined (best)
All Kia Carnival specs

2015–2017

Nissan Quest

Minivan - 2WD · 3 configurations

22mpg combined (best)
All Nissan Quest specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricKia CarnivalNissan Quest
Best combined MPG33 mpg22 mpg
Best city MPG34 mpg20 mpg
Best highway MPG32 mpg27 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,850$2,800
Lowest CO2 output274 g/mi396 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI3.5
TransmissionsAutomatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8)Automatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegularRegular
EPA classMinivan - 2WDMinivan - 2WD
Years covered2022–20272015–2017
Configurations on record93

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Carnival vs Quest: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Kia Carnival or the Nissan Quest?

The Kia Carnival is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 22 mpg for the Nissan Quest, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $950 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 $2,800 for the Nissan Quest — a difference of roughly $950 per year.

What engines do the Carnival and Quest offer?

Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI. Nissan Quest: 3.5.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Carnival and the Nissan Quest as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.

More Carnival comparisons

Comparison id: kia-carnival-vs-nissan-quest