There aren’t as many minivans as there used to be, but the Toyota Sienna and the Kia Carnival are still going strong. They are both solid picks for families on the go. See how the minivans measure up in this 2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Kia Carnival comparison.

2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Kia Carnival: Which minivan is better?

In our 2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Kia Carnival comparison, we look at various areas for each minivan. This includes passenger and cargo space, safety, reliability, engines, towing, fuel economy, and warranty coverage. 

Sienna vs. Carnival: Passenger and cargo space

With its slightly larger size, the 2024 Kia Carnival provides more interior space. Both minivans can seat up to eight people, but the Carnival has a total passenger volume of 168.2 cu-ft, compared to 162.5 cu-ft for the 2024 Toyota Sienna.

Also, the Carnival offers considerably more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cu-ft, while the Sienna tops out at 101.0 cu-ft.

Sienna vs. Carnival: Safety

The Sienna is a safer minivan — providing greater protection for families on the move. Unlike the Carnival, it earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Sienna vs. Carnival: Reliability

The two minivans are closely matched for dependability. J.D. Power gave both of them an “average” reliability score, with a rating of 74/100 for the Sienna and 75/100 for the Carnival.

Sienna: vs. Carnival: Engines

The 2024 Kia Carnival outmuscles the 2024 Toyota Sienna with its more powerful engine. Its 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 290 horsepower, compared to 245 horsepower for the hybrid powertrain in the Sienna. 

However, for extra traction, the Sienna offers an all-wheel drive system, but AWD is not available for the Carnival. The all-wheel drive is helpful for driving in adverse weather conditions, on poor-quality roads, and light off-road use.

Sienna vs. Carnival: Towing

The Sienna and Carnival can tow the same amount of weight. Both minivans have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Sienna vs. Carnival: Fuel economy

With its hybrid powertrain, the Sienna has much higher gas mileage, helping to save money at the pump. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 36 city/36 highway mpg, compared to 19 city/26 highway mpg for the Carnival.

Sienna vs. Carnival: Warranty

The Sienna has more generous warranty coverage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Sienna. On the other hand, the Sienna has a 2-year/25,000-mile free maintenance plan, but the Carnival doesn’t offer a complimentary maintenance program. 

2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Kia Carnival: Advantages for each minivan

In this 2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Kia Carnival comparison, each minivan has advantages. For the 2024 Sienna, this includes safety, fuel economy, and a free maintenance plan. And for the 2024 Carnival, advantages include passenger and cargo space, a more powerful engine, and better warranty coverage.