Minivans may not rule the road like they used to, but there’s still nothing quite like them when it comes to family hauling. Today’s lineup is smaller, which means the right one isn’t always obvious. Today, we're putting two popular crowd-pleasers under the spotlight—the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2025 Kia Carnival.
Key Takeaways
- The Pacifica's price range is slightly higher than the Carnival's, but you do get more options to choose from.
- Both vans have the same gas-powered engine and also offer a hybrid version.
- The Pacifica is slightly better than the Carnival in fuel economy when in gas-powered mode.
The Pacifica starts at $44,445, so it’s not the cheapest minivan on the block, but it gives you more options to match your family’s lifestyle. Trims include:
- Select: $44,445
- Limited: $51,565
- Hybrid Select: $53,050
- Hybrid FAV Edition: $54,975
- Pinnacle: $56,230
- Hybrid Premium S Appearance Pkg: $58,800
- Hybrid Pinnacle: $61,780
The Carnival is more budget-friendly, starting at $38,235, but with fewer trim options:
- LX: $38,235
- LXS: $40,235
- EX: $42,435
- SX: $47,335
- SX Prestige: $52,335
2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs Kia Carnival Fuel Economy and Performance
Both vans have a V6 3.5-liter generating 287 horsepower when mated with an eight-speed automatic. In gas-powered mode, the Pacifica delivers an estimated 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The Carnival isn’t far behind, with 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
If you opt for the Pacifica's plug-in hybrid, you get a combination of a V6 and dual electric motors. It delivers around 260 horsepower and gives you 32 miles of all-electric range. In comparison, Kia's hybrid version puts out 242 horses and earns a solid 33 mpg combined.
The Pacifica vs Carnival: Which Minivan Excels in Interior Tech?
Let’s talk screens and gadgets. The Pacifica gives you a 10-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Wi-Fi. If you go for the top trims, you can score features like:
- A 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Amazon Fire TV streaming
- In-cabin camera views
- Wireless phone charging
Kia doesn’t slack on tech, either. The Carnival has a wide dual-display setup with a built-in voice assistant, seven USB ports, and an optional rear entertainment package with two massive 14.6-inch screens. But while it’s flashy, it doesn’t quite match the Pacifica’s premium options or its seamless integration of family-first features.
Why the 2025 Pacifica Is the Better Buy
The 2025 Kia Carnival does a lot right. But when you stack it up against the Chrysler Pacifica, you start to see which mini is the real standout. The Pacifica offers efficiency that actually makes a difference, top-tier tech, and a more versatile lineup of trims.
If you’re serious about comfort, flexibility, and stretching your fuel dollars, the Pacifica is absolutely worth a closer look. Want to see why families are loving this one? Come test drive the Pacifica today! It might just be everything you’ve been looking for in a modern minivan.