Kia Carnival vs. Toyota Sienna: How the 2027 Carnival Compares to the 2026 Sienna

What Are the Kia Carnival and Toyota Sienna?

The Kia Carnival and Toyota Sienna are three-row minivans with power sliding doors and seating for up to eight. Kia calls the Carnival an MPV, short for multi-purpose vehicle, and gives it SUV-inspired styling. The Toyota Sienna is a hybrid-only minivan.

This comparison uses the 2027 Kia Carnival and the 2026 Toyota Sienna, the current model years from each brand. Figures come from Kia’s media site, Toyota’s newsroom, the EPA and Edmunds. At Greenway Kia of Rivergate in Madison, we want you to have the facts you need to compare both minivans with confidence.

Kia Carnival vs Toyota Sienna: Quick Comparison

Here are the key numbers side by side:

Carnival figures are from Kia’s 2027 specifications. Sienna cargo and towing figures are as reported by Edmunds, and each automaker measures cargo space its own way.

Which Minivan Has More Power?

The Carnival V6 is the most powerful choice, with 287 horsepower. Here is how the powertrains compare:

• Carnival V6: A 3.5-liter V6 with 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic.
• Carnival Hybrid: A 1.6-liter turbo hybrid with 242 combined horsepower and 270.5 lb.-ft. of combined torque.
• Sienna: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 245 total system horsepower, according to Toyota.

The Carnival is the only one of the two that offers a non-hybrid engine. Drivers who want a traditional V6 feel, or who tow near the limit, often like that option.

Which Minivan Has More Cargo Space?

The Carnival has more cargo space in every comparison. Kia lists 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the rear seats out of the way. Edmunds reports the Sienna at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row.

The Carnival’s second-row seats are removable on versions without VIP Lounge Seats. That helps on moving day or a big warehouse-store run. The Carnival is also the longer vehicle, at 203.0 inches.

How Many Seats Do They Have?

Both minivans seat seven or eight, depending on trim. Here is how seating works on each:

• 2027 Carnival: The LX seats seven. The LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige seat eight as standard, and seven-passenger seating is available on the EX, SX and SX Prestige. New for 2027, second-row captain’s chairs are available on the EX and SX.
• 2026 Sienna: Edmunds lists seven or eight seats, depending on trim.

On the Carnival SX Prestige, available second-row VIP Lounge Seats add one-touch relaxation mode, heat and ventilation, and leg extensions.

Which Minivan Can Tow More?

Both minivans are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 2027 Carnival V6 tows up to 3,500 pounds with a braked trailer, and the Carnival Hybrid is rated at 2,500 pounds. Edmunds lists the Sienna at a 3,500-pound maximum. Always confirm the rating for the specific vehicle in its owner’s manual.

What Is New for the 2027 Kia Carnival?

The 2027 Carnival adds more seating flexibility and a few styling updates. According to Kia’s 2027 release:

• Captain’s chairs: Second-row captain’s chairs are now available on EX and SX trims.
• Dark Edition: The Dark Edition Package now extends to the EX trim.
• New color: Iceberg Green joins the EX, SX and SX Prestige, replacing Flare Red.
• Rear-seat entertainment: It is now offered only on the Hybrid SX Prestige with VIP Lounge Seats.

Trim Levels at a Glance

Both minivans come in several trims that step up in features.

2027 Kia Carnival Trims

1. Gas V6: LX, LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige.
2. Hybrid: LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige.

Every Carnival includes a 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, according to Kia. The lineup also offers up to nine USB-C ports across all three rows and two 115-volt inverters.

2026 Toyota Sienna Trims

The 2026 Sienna is offered in LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Woodland Edition and Platinum trims, all with a hybrid powertrain.

Which Minivan Is Right for You?

The right minivan depends on what matters most to your family. Here is a simple way to decide:

• Choose the Carnival if you want maximum cargo space, a V6 option, removable second-row seats or SUV-inspired styling.
• Choose the Carnival Hybrid if you want strong fuel economy with Kia’s cargo room and features.

Kia also adds quality credentials to the conversation. In the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study, the 2026 Kia Carnival ranked highest in the minivan segment.

Test Drive the Kia Carnival at Greenway Kia of Rivergate

The best way to compare is to bring your family and load up a Carnival. Browse our new Kia Carnival inventory or the Kia Carnival Hybrid, and see all new vehicle inventory on our lot.

Greenway Kia of Rivergate serves drivers in Madison and across the Nashville area. You can also get a trade-in value estimate or apply for financing before you visit. Stop by 1536 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, call sales at (615) 257-0883, or contact our team to schedule a test drive of the 2027 Kia Carnival. Confirm seating, towing and features on the window sticker of any specific vehicle.

About the Author

This comparison was prepared by the sales team at Greenway Kia of Rivergate, a Kia dealership at 1536 Gallatin Pike North, Madison, TN 37115, serving drivers in Madison and across the Nashville area. Specifications come from Kia America’s media site, Toyota’s newsroom, the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov and Edmunds, as listed below.

References

Kia America media: 2027 Kia Carnival Overview (pricing and model-year updates) — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/carnival/2027 (2027 trims, captain’s chairs on EX/SX, 12.3-inch navigation, up to nine USB-C ports, two 115V inverters, VIP Lounge Seats)

Kia America media: 2027 Carnival Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/carnival/2027/specifications (3.5L V6 287 hp / 260 lb.-ft., 8-speed; 203.0 in. length; 40.2 / 145.1 cu. ft. cargo; 3,500 lb. braked towing)

Kia America media: 2027 Carnival HEV Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/carnival-hev/2027/specifications (242 combined hp, 270.5 lb.-ft.; 2,500 lb. braked towing)

Kia America media: 2027 Carnival Features & Options — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/carnival/2027/features (Seating by trim; removable second-row seats)

Kelley Blue Book: 2027 Kia Carnival Specs — https://www.kbb.com/kia/carnival/2027/specs/ (Front-wheel drive on all trims)

Toyota USA Newsroom: 2026 Toyota Sienna — https://pressroom.toyota.com/vehicle/2026-toyota-sienna/ (Hybrid-only lineup; 245 total system horsepower; FWD or AWD)

Edmunds: 2026 Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey spec comparison — https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2026-toyota-sienna-honda-odyssey-spec-comparison.html (Sienna 2.5L hybrid; 3,500 lb. max towing; 7 or 8 seats; 33.5 / 75.2 / 101.0 cu. ft. cargo; AWD available, standard on Woodland and Platinum)

Cars.com: 2026 Toyota Sienna research — https://www.cars.com/RESEARCH/TOYOTA-SIENNA-2026 (2026 Sienna trim lineup: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Woodland Edition, Platinum)

EPA fueleconomy.gov: 2027 Kia Carnival — https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2027&year2=2027&make=Kia&baseModel=Carnival&srchtyp=ymm (Carnival V6 18/26/21; Carnival Hybrid 34/32/33 mpg)

EPA fueleconomy.gov: 2026 Toyota Sienna — https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2026&year2=2027&make=Toyota&baseModel=Sienna&srchtyp=ymm (Sienna FWD 36/36/36; AWD 35/36/35 mpg)

Hyundai Motor Group newsroom: Kia Carnival and K4 Named Segment Winners in J.D. Power 2026 U.S. IQS — https://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com/en/news/kia-carnival-and-k4-models-named-segment-winners-in–jd-power-2026-us-initial-quality-study-iqs (2026 Carnival highest in the Minivan segment)