VS

Kia Carnival vs Toyota Grand Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (287 HP vs 362 HP), trunk space and price (36,800 $ vs 43,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Kia Carnival or Toyota Grand Highlander?

Kia Carnival vs Toyota Grand Highlander: Key differences

Kia Carnival

  • a bit cheaper

Toyota Grand Highlander

  • visibly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter

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

Grand Highlander

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Carnival is a bit cheaper – starting at 36,800 $ , while the Toyota Grand Highlander costs 43,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 6,520 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Grand Highlander performs significantly better – achieving 37 mpg, compared to 18 mpg for the Kia Carnival. That’s a difference of about 19 mpg.

Grand Highlander

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 Toyota Grand Highlander offers visibly more power – delivering 362 HP compared to 287 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Grand Highlander delivers noticeably more torque with 400 lb-ft compared to 260 lb-ft. That’s about 140 lb-ft more.

Grand Highlander

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

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

In terms of curb weight, Toyota Grand Highlander is very slightly lighter – 4,300 lbs compared to 4,431 lbs. The difference is around 131 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is far ahead overall 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 $43,300
Grand Highlander

Toyota Grand Highlander

  • Engine Type : Hybrid, Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 245 - 362 HP
details

Frequently compared as well

Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
Toyota Sequoia vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: the Sequoia is the brawny, body-on-frame hauler with big towing chops and a trucky vibe, while the Grand Highlander is the roomy, road-trip hero with adult-friendly third-row space and hybrid efficiency. If your weekend plans involve a boat ramp, pick the …
Acura MDX
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
The Acura MDX brings athletic steering, a premium cabin, and available Type S punch, while the Toyota Grand Highlander counters with a cavernous third row, family-friendly storage, and Hybrid MAX torque that doesn’t gulp fuel. If you want luxury road manners and a little badge cred, pick the MDX; …
Kia Carnival
Toyota Grand Highlander

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

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.

details

Reviews Kia Carnival

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the Highlander on a growth spurt, serving up generous space, a calm ride, and a cabin that actually understands family life. It won’t thrill canyon roads, but with smart storage, adult-friendly third-row comfort, and fuss-free tech, it turns school runs and road trips into easy wins.

details
2026_Toyota_Grand-Highlander_Nightshade_Cement_001
2026_Toyota_Grand-Highlander_Nightshade_Cement_005
2026_Toyota_Grand-Highlander_Nightshade_Cement_025

Reviews Toyota Grand Highlander

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Lexus LX
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
The Lexus LX is a leather-lined, body-on-frame bruiser with real off-road chops and a price tag that whispers “chauffeur included,” while the Toyota Grand Highlander plays family MVP with a cavernous third row, easy tech, and hybrid mpg that won’t spook your accountant. If you want to tow your boat …
Ford F-150
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
Unsure whether the Ford F-150 or the Toyota Grand Highlander is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Honda Ridgeline
Kia Carnival
VS
Honda Ridgeline and Kia Carnival go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Land Rover Discovery
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
Unsure whether the Land Rover Discovery or the Toyota Grand Highlander is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mazda CX-70
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
The Mazda CX-70 and Toyota Grand Highlander compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
GMC Sierra 1500
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
Unsure whether the GMC Sierra 1500 or the Toyota Grand Highlander is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Grand Highlander
VS
Honda Odyssey and Toyota Grand Highlander go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Honda Pilot
Kia Carnival
VS
Unsure whether the Honda Pilot or the Kia Carnival is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Kia Carnival
Toyota Grand Highlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
36,800 - 50,900 $
Price
43,300 - 58,500 $
FuelEconomy City
18 mpg
FuelEconomy City
20 - 37 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 34 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
19 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.2 - 17.8 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Van
Body Type
SUV
Seats
7 - 8
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,431 - 4,581 lbs
Curb weight
4,300 - 4,920 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
203 in.
Length
201.4 in.
Width
78.5 in.
Width
78.3 in.
Height
68 - 69 in.
Height
70 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Hybrid, Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
287 HP
Power HP
245 - 362 HP
Torque
260 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 400 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Kia
Brand
Toyota
What is the starting MSRP for the Kia Carnival?

The Kia Carnival starts at 36,800 $.

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.