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If you’re looking at minivans, you have some great options, despite the industry trend toward SUVs. The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica and 2026 Kia Carnival are both solid picks. Let’s look at the pluses and minuses of both to find out how they compare.
The Pacifica comes in three trims, ranging from the economical Select model to the well-appointed Pinnacle. The Carnival comes in five trim levels, from the affordable LX to the high-end SX Prestige. We’ll find most of what these vehicles have to offer at the base configuration, so let’s examine the standard features of the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Select vs. the 2026 Kia Carnival LX.
The Pacifica boasts a punchy 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm. A 9-speed automatic transmission gives you responsive performance with intuitive handling and control. With an estimated fuel economy of 19 MPG city / 28 MPG highway, the Pacifica strikes a good balance between power and efficiency.
The Carnival has a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood for 287 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm. Featuring an 8-speed automatic transmission and an estimated 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway, the Carnival is also a practical pick.
Altogether, both the Pacifica and Carnival are competent performers in most circumstances.
The Chrysler Pacifica packs an impressive array of safety features. Standard driver-assistance or safety features include electronic stability control, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation and more.
The Kia Carnival also doesn’t kid around in terms of safety. The Carnival comes with a driver assist package that includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and more.
If you prefer a welcoming interior that is well-equipped but not distracting, you’ll probably like the Pacifica. Step inside to discover 165 cubic feet of passenger volume with seating for 7, up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, dual-zone air conditioning, and heated front seats. The infotainment system features 6-speaker audio, wireless phone connectivity, satellite radio, and everything you need to feel at home behind the wheel.
There is also plenty to like about the Carnival’s interior. With seating for 7 (8 at more expensive trim levels) and up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, the cabin is both comfortable and functional. 6-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity and more add up to a respectable infotainment setup.
Chrysler is celebrated for making extremely capable, safe, and reliable vehicles with classic American styling. The 2026 Pacifica is no exception. The 2026 Kia Carnival is also a solid pick. You can’t go wrong with either, but in our opinion, the Chrysler Pacifica pulls out ahead.
When purchasing a vehicle there are multiple buying options to take into consideration, browse our online inventory of the CJDR vehicles to get started. We always recommend the one that best fits your financial needs, and our experienced sales staff is eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you to find the best lease, buy, or finance options.
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