Best Family Vehicle Chrysler Pacifica vs Kia Carnival

The Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival present compelling options for families seeking space, comfort, technology, and safety. The decision can be challenging. Read about the similarities and differences below—the team at the Russ Darrow CDJ dealership in West Bend is here to help!

Regarding performance, the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival offer comparable driving experiences suited for family-oriented needs. The Chrysler Pacifica offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with a 3.6-liter V6 287 hp engine, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica PHEV has an Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V6 engine, supplemented by two electric motors, for an output of 260 hp. The gas-powered version comes in FWD with available AWD, and the PHEV is exclusively FWD. Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival delivers confident performance with responsive handling, a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 290 hp, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival offers strong power delivery, making highway merging and overtaking straightforward. The Carnival introduces a hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for 2025. The system provides a total of 242 hp and 271 pound-feet of torque.

In a side-by-side comparison of space and comfort of the Chrysler Pacifica vs. Kia Carnival, both cater to families on the go. The Pacifica seats seven passengers, with the Select trim able to accommodate eight. One of the great features of this minivan is its Stow ‘n Go seating for the second and third rows, which neatly fold into the floor. Plug-in hybrid models substitute second-row captain’s chairs for a different seating configuration. You’ll appreciate the standard eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, and an eight-way front passenger seat is also available. Heated front seats come standard on all models, and amenities such as a built-in vacuum cleaner and rear-seat entertainment system are available. The Carnival seats eight people, in a luxurious and tech-savvy interior with premium materials. The standard second-row seats are removable and have a slide feature; the third-row seats are 60/40 split-folding. Enjoy amenities, which include a widescreen infotainment system and tri-zone climate control. These popular minivans offer a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all occupants. Test drive one or both at Russ Darrow in West Bend!

No matter what you drive, you want to be safe. Both the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. The Pacifica has a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and an optional surround-view camera. Kia also places a strong emphasis on safety with the Carnival, offering similar technologies such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, a surround-view monitor, active blind-spot warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, active forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection. You also want to stay connected on the go. Chrysler and Kia equip their minivans with cutting-edge features to keep families entertained and connected. The Pacifica has an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and available rear-seat entertainment systems. The Carnival also features an advanced infotainment system with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, providing crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional features such as available dual screens for rear passengers and a unique passenger talk feature sends the driver’s voice through the rear speakers. Get behind the wheel of these two widely popular vehicles to see how much space there is, how comfortable the ride is, and how great the deals and specials are at Russ Darrow in West Bend!