Toyota Sienna vs Kia Carnival
The Toyota Sienna is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Kia Carnival, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Sienna leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota Sienna | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 34 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,700 ✓ | $1,850 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 246 g/mi ✓ | 274 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, 3.5 | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Minivan - 2WD | Minivan - 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 24 | 9 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sienna vs Carnival: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota Sienna or the Kia Carnival?
The Toyota Sienna is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Kia Carnival, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Sienna runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,850 for the Kia Carnival — a difference of roughly $150 per year.
What engines do the Sienna and Carnival offer?
Toyota Sienna: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, 3.5. Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota Sienna and the Kia Carnival as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.
More Sienna comparisons
Comparison id: toyota-sienna-vs-kia-carnival