Pacifica vs Carnival
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Chrysler’s Pacifica and Kia’s Carnival target the same minivan space in different ways. This is a genuine trade-off. The Pacifica is stronger when it comes to fuel economy & range, while the Carnival pulls ahead on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Pacifica wins
- Space & Practicality Carnival wins
- Off-road & Towing Pacifica wins
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
- Space & Practicality2.7
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance6.2
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality9.8
- Off-road & Towing0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Carnival has 24% more cargo space
It’s a lopsided result (40.2 cu ft for the Carnival, 32.3 cu ft for the Pacifica) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Carnival has room for 8 seats
The Carnival is slightly stronger on seats. The gap, 8 seats versus 7 seats, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The Carnival has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The Pacifica has better highway fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Pacifica: 28 mpg against 26 mpg. The Pacifica uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The Pacifica has better city fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Pacifica’s 19 mpg beats the Carnival’s 18 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Pacifica starts from a better baseline.
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The Pacifica has available all-wheel drive
The Pacifica has it; the Carnival doesn’t. No percentages needed. The Pacifica offers all-wheel drive; the Carnival doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 79.6 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.6 in | 121.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
The engine & performance specs are close enough that neither gets the point. For engine & performance, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Fuel Economy & Range
Pacifica leads
On balance, the Pacifica leads the fuel economy & range section, just not by much. On its side, the Pacifica has better highway fuel economy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Pacifica is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (highway)
Pacifica: 28 mpg Carnival: 26 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Fuel economy (city)
Pacifica: 19 mpg Carnival: 18 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Carnival leads
On space & practicality, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Carnival. The Carnival stands out with 24% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. If this section decides it for you, choose the Carnival.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Pacifica: 32.3 cu ft Carnival: 40.2 cu ft The Carnival’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Seats
Pacifica: 7 seats Carnival: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Pacifica leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the Pacifica, not dramatically but consistently. In its favor, the Pacifica has available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Pacifica has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Pacifica: yes Carnival: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Pacifica and the Carnival differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 287 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 21 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.3 cu ft | 40.2 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 140.5 cu ft | 145.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,600 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 79.6 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.6 in | 121.7 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pacifica if…
- you cover long highway distances (28 mpg vs 26 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (19 mpg vs 18 mpg)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the Carnival if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (40.2 cu ft vs 32.3 cu ft)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you prefer staying with Kia
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pacifica or the Carnival?
There’s no single right answer. The Pacifica leads on fuel economy & range and the Carnival on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Pacifica and the Carnival. I just have opinions about the numbers. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better highway fuel economy, and that goes to the Pacifica. The Pacifica also scores with available all-wheel drive. The Carnival does have a strong card to play: 24% more cargo space.
The Pacifica is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the Carnival for people who weigh space & practicality.
My pick: the Pacifica if fuel economy & range is a daily concern, otherwise the Carnival for its space & practicality.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.