Minivans and SUVs compete for the hearts and minds of American families. SUVs are more popular, but minivans are simply better because they have significantly more interior space and convenient features like sliding doors. If you’re torn on which is right for your family, you’re in the right place.
Let’s take a closer look at the Kia Carnival and Toyota Highlander and find the right family hauler for your crew.
2025 Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a spacious and affordable minivan that brings a surprising degree of style to the minivan class. Some big updates for the 2025 model include a fresh aesthetic, a new hybrid option, and updated tech features. Pricing starts at $38,235.
Kia Carnival Highlights
Better warranty: The Kia Carnival has class-leading warranty coverage with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Tons of space: Since it’s a minivan, the Kia Carnival has significantly more passenger and cargo space than any midsize SUV, including the Toyota Highlander. Your third-row passengers will appreciate the extra 7.6 inches of legroom, and the Carnival has 151% more cargo room behind the third row than the Highlander. Those aren’t typos; minivans are really that much roomier than midsize SUVs.
Sliding doors: Every minivan has sliding doors, but we can’t stress enough what a huge advantage this is for minivans over SUVs. These doors make for the easiest possible entry and exit for kids, plus you’ll never worry about the little ones dinging the cars next to you when opening the doors.
Read our Kia Carnival Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Carnival models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander was one of the original midsize 3-row family SUVs when it came out in the early 2000s and it’s still one of the best. This well-rounded SUV provides safety, reliability, and practicality; consequently, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. Pricing starts at $40,970.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
Available AWD: The Toyota Highlander is available with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the Kia Carnival isn’t. If all-wheel drive is a must-have feature for you, then consider either the Highlander or the Toyota Sienna minivan, where it’s also optional.
Better fuel economy: When comparing both their respective base engine and hybrid option, the Toyota Highlander is more efficient than the Kia Carnival. This translates to lower fuel costs, making the Highlander easier on the wallet at the fuel pump.
Towing muscle: The Toyota Highlander can tow a bit more than the Kia Carnival. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the Carnival’s max towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. This is a nice advantage for Toyota if you regularly pull a camper.
Read our Toyota Highlander Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these vehicles have three-row seating and available hybrid powertrains. They also have similar infotainment and safety tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Carnival Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,235 |
$36,736 |
|||
$40,235 |
$38,605 |
|||
$42,435 |
$40,635 |
|||
$47,335 |
$45,171 |
|||
$52,335 |
$50,063 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Carnival vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 Toyota Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, FWD | 8-speed automatic, FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder hybrid | AWD, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 203.0 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 78.5 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 68.5 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.7 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.6 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 35.6 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 64.2 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 63.2 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 59.5 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume Behind 3rd/2nd/Front Rows | 40.2/86.9/145.1 cubic feet | 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic feet |
Conclusion
As a family car, the Kia Carnival minivan is just plain better than the Toyota Highlander SUV. With sliding doors, dramatically more interior space, and a better warranty, the Carnival excels at giving families a great vehicle at great value. The Toyota Highlander does have the advantages of available all-wheel drive and better fuel economy, but when it comes to family-friendly convenience, minivans beat SUVs every time.
