2022 Toyota Sienna vs. 2022 Kia Carnival: Which Is Better?

The hybrid-powered 2022 Toyota Sienna takes on the brand-new 2022 Kia Carnival, with both offering a few different seating layouts and loads of standard and optional features. Which is better?

Quick Facts

• Sienna earns 36 mpg combined.
• Kia Carnival is all-new for 2022.
• Toyota Sienna is one of only two minivans with optional all-wheel drive.

2022 Toyota Sienna

Base price: $35,000 (est.) / Choose the right trim for your 2022 Toyota Sienna

What we like: Standard hybrid power; optional all-wheel drive; fuel economy.

What we would change: Can’t remove second-row seats; underpowered; single engine choice.

Overview: After a major redesign for 2021, the Toyota Sienna minivan returns for 2022 largely unchanged. With a single engine choice consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors at both front and rear, the 2022 Sienna makes outstanding fuel economy of 36 mpg, considerably better than its V6-powered rivals. It’s a bit down on power and can get a little noisy, but it’s sufficient to get the Sienna where it needs to go, and an all-wheel-drive Sienna can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The steering feel is good, and the ride is comfortable, which is more important than outright performance in the minivan world.

The front layout is similar to an SUV, with a console between driver and passenger rather than the previous more open feel. The second-row captain’s chairs slide for easy access to the third row, and there’s a stowable center seat for the maximum 8-passenger capability. Standard features are comprehensive, including a 9-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the company’s suite of safety features.

What’s new for 2022: After a comprehensive redesign for 2021, the 2022 Toyota Sienna is largely carryover, except the new Woodland Edition. The Woodland’s suspension is lifted 0.6 inches, and both all-wheel drive and a 3,500-pound capacity tow hitch are added. Also included in the Woodland Edition are a 1,500-watt power outlet, roof rails, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, and dark chrome exterior trim.

Features and technology: With a single hybrid engine choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors front and rear, the 2022 Toyota Sienna also offers the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, 7 USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker AM/FM sound system. Also standard are power sliding doors on both sides, 3-zone climate control, an 8-way-adjustable driver seat, and second-row sunshades. Also standard is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist.

Options include a 12-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL audio system, navigation, a 360-degree camera system, and a power slide and tilt moonroof. Also optional are a rear-seat entertainment system, an onboard vacuum, and a refrigerator.

What does the future hold: With a major redesign in 2021, we don’t expect much in the way of changes for a few years, aside from perhaps a shuffling of options and more safety features as they are developed.

See 2022 Toyota Sienna models for sale

2022 Kia Carnival

Base price: $33,275  Read our Kia Carnival Review

What we like: Lots of space; good power; standard safety systems.

What we would change: No all-wheel drive; no hybrid option; average fuel economy.

Overview: Brand-new for 2022 and replacing the Sedona in Kia’s lineup, the Carnival is an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle); Kia does not like the stigma associated with “minivan.” We’re impressed with the 8-passenger Carnival, which makes excellent use of space and offers seating for 6-footers in all three rows. Passenger count varies, with some trims only offering seating for seven and others allowing removal of the second row for extra cargo storage. On that front, the Carnival shines, with 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which expands to a cavernous 141.5 cubic feet with all seats folded and the second row removed.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6, and it’s plenty to get the Carnival going, even with a full complement of passengers. The Carnival is front-wheel drive only, however, with no option for all-wheel drive. The ride is quiet and smooth, with some trims offering extra acoustic insulation for improved interior solace. We like the exterior styling of the Carnival, with more of an SUV look to it that gives it a bit of a rugged vibe. Standard features are numerous, and there are plenty of options to outfit it to your liking.

What’s new for 2022: Everything, as the Carnival is brand new for 2022, replacing the Sedona.

Features and technology: A 3.5-liter V6 uses an 8-speed automatic to send power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available. As value for money is a Kia specialty, the Carnival comes well equipped, with even the base LX trim including keyless ignition, sliding and removable second-row seats, A/C front and rear, and powered sliding doors. Infotainment comes via an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, six USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio system. Safety features include forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

Upper trims include a rear passenger camera, a cabin intercom system, 8-passenger seating, heated front seats, and simulated leather upholstery. Other options include up to nine USB ports, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch navigation screen, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a 360-degree camera system.

What does the future hold: We don’t expect anything too radical since the Carnival is brand new just this year, although we would like to see a hybrid option and possibly the addition of all-wheel drive. See 2022 Kia Carnival models for sale

Sienna vs. Carnival: Strengths Comparison

Sienna Benefits: Fuel economy; optional all-wheel drive; resale value.

Carnival Benefits: Lower starting price; power; long warranty; cargo volume.

2022 Toyota Sienna vs. 2022 Kia Carnival: Which is better?

A veteran of the minivan world, the 2022 Toyota Sienna offers a few different layouts and a hybrid powertrain, making it a great choice if you value fuel economy over power. Optional all-wheel drive makes it a great choice if all-weather stability is a concern, and Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for reliability.

If you don’t like the stigma associated with minivans, the 2022 Kia Carnival has a more chiseled SUV look to it, and its standard V6 makes great power. It’s also priced lower than the Sienna and comes with a class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for added peace of mind.

See 2022 Toyota Sienna models for sale or See 2022 Kia Carnival models for sale