Compare the2023 Kia CarnivalVS 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

The Carnival’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Carnival and the Pacifica have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Carnival its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 112 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Pacifica is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

The Carnival comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire van and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Pacifica’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Carnival 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Chrysler covers the Pacifica. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Pacifica ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Carnival’s reliability 27 points higher than the Pacifica.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 104 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 95 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is ranked 27th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 4 places higher in reliability than Chrysler.

The Carnival’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 30 more horsepower (290 vs. 260) than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid. The Carnival’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 3 more horsepower (290 vs. 287) than the Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Kia Carnival is faster than the Chrysler Pacifica:

The Carnival has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (19 vs. 16.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Carnival stops much shorter than the Pacifica:

The Carnival has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Carnival flat and controlled during cornering. The Pacifica 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For better maneuverability, the Carnival’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Pacifica’s (38 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The Carnival’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the Pacifica AWD’s (38 feet vs. 40.2 feet).

The Carnival has 3.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Pacifica (168.2 vs. 165.1).

The Carnival has .8 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear legroom, 1.6 inches more rear hip room, .2 inches more rear shoulder room and .9 inches more third row hip room than the Pacifica.

The Carnival’s cargo area provides more volume than the Pacifica.

While the Pacifica Hybrid is not recommended to tow, any Carnival can tow a minimum of 3500 pounds.

A Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on all models of the Carnival, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. Only the Pacifica Pinnacle non-hybrid offers a trailer sway program.

The Carnival has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. A locking fuel/charge port door is only offered on the Pacifica Hybrid.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Carnival’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Pacifica’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Carnival SX/Prestige has standard front air conditioned seats and the Carnival Prestige also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Pacifica doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Kia Carnival EX/SX/Prestige has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Pacifica doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Consumer Reports® chose the Kia Carnival as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Chrysler Pacifica isn't recommended.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its August 2021 issue and they ranked the Kia Carnival Prestige first. They ranked the Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD third.