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Acura MDX vs Kia Carnival - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (355 HP vs 287 HP), trunk space and price (51,200 $ vs 36,800 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Acura MDX or Kia Carnival?

Acura MDX vs Kia Carnival: Key differences

Acura MDX

  • a bit more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • barely lighter

Kia Carnival

  • noticeably cheaper

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MDX

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Kia Carnival is noticeably cheaper – starting at 36,800 $ , while the Acura MDX costs 51,200 $ . That’s a price difference of around 14,400 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Acura MDX performs very slightly better – achieving 19 mpg, compared to 18 mpg for the Kia Carnival. That’s a difference of about 1 mpg.

MDX

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Acura MDX offers a bit more power – delivering 355 HP compared to 287 HP. That’s roughly 68 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Acura MDX delivers noticeably more torque with 354 lb-ft compared to 260 lb-ft. That’s about 94 lb-ft more.

MDX

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Kia Carnival offers more seats – 8 vs 7.

In terms of curb weight, Acura MDX is barely lighter – 4,268 lbs compared to 4,431 lbs. The difference is around 163 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Acura MDX is narrowly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $51,200
MDX

Acura MDX

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel, Front Wheel
  • Power HP : 290 - 355 HP
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View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

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General
View detailed analysis

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX blends upscale comfort with a surprisingly playful chassis, making school runs feel like detours you actually want to take. Tech and cabin quality punch above the badge, while the confident styling tells the neighbors you’ve graduated from minivan life without going full luxury-brand showoff.

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01 2023 Acura MDX
03 2022 Acura MDX Type S (1) (1)
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Reviews Acura MDX

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Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle that adeptly combines the best features of a minivan with upscale amenities. Its spacious interior offers impressive flexibility, catering to both family needs and cargo demands, while providing passengers with a premium travel experience. With advanced safety features and a contemporary design, the Kia Carnival makes an attractive option for those seeking comfort and reliability in their daily drive or road trips.

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Reviews Kia Carnival

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Acura MDX
Kia Carnival

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,200 - 75,300 $
Price
36,800 - 50,900 $
FuelEconomy City
17 - 19 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
21 - 26 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal
Fuel tank capacity
19 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SH-AWD, SUV
Body Type
Van
Seats
7
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,268 - 4,776 lbs
Curb weight
4,431 - 4,581 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
198.4 in.
Length
203 in.
Width
78.7 in.
Width
78.5 in.
Height
67 in.
Height
68 - 69 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Power HP
290 - 355 HP
Power HP
287 HP
Torque
267 - 354 lb-ft
Torque
260 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
3.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Acura
Brand
Kia
What is the starting MSRP for the Acura MDX?

Starting from 51,200 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.