Hybrid minivans are a step above the rest
Originally introduced to the North American market for the 1998 model year, the Toyota Sienna minivan is a veteran of a dwindling segment—one of the few that can claim the title. At launch, the Sienna rode a similar platform to the Camry sedan, resulting in it becoming known as “The Camry of Minivans.” Fast forward to the 2025 model year, and the Sienna wields Toyota’s latest infotainment system and several interesting family-friendly features. Not only that, but the 2025 Toyota Sienna receives an interior update as well.
In a bold move, Kia is taking a step opposite to most automakers. The Korean manufacturer added the Carnival Hybrid to its lineup for the 2025 model year. As a result, the 2026 model carries over unchanged. While it looks similar to the ICE-only Carnival, the only notable difference is a gas engine paired with an electric motor, a combination that offers higher fuel economy.
Interior materials and quality differences
With an MSRP between $40,990 and $53,090, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid shares the same styling as its non-hybrid counterpart, which was refreshed for the 2025 model year. For reference, the non-hybrid 2026 Kia Carnival is $4,000 cheaper than the hybrid version at the base level. Inside, the Carnival Hybrid boasts spacious front seating, with up to 40.9 and 41.4 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. Kia’s hybrid minivan features seating for up to eight passengers and is available in four trim levels.
Buyers can opt for reclining second-row seats with footrests, but they can’t be stowed in the floor or removed, which limits cargo space and reduces seating to seven passengers. With all three rows in their upright position, the Kia Carnival Hybrid offers up to 40.2 cu ft. of cargo space, while opening up the cabin increases storage space to 145.1 cu ft. In terms of tech, an eight-inch touchscreen comes standard, but you can opt for dual 12.3-inch displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility make the list of standard equipment, and there are seven USB ports located throughout the cabin. Higher trim levels also feature two rear 14.6-inch displays with access to content streaming services.
Thanks to its interior refresh, the 2025 Toyota Sienna boasts an accommodating cabin that nods to the automaker’s dedication to practicality and functionality. Up front, the Sienna is plenty spacious, with up to 40.1 and 40.3 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. Toyota’s minivan seats either seven or eight passengers, depending on trim level. Priced from $39,485 to $56,445, the 2025 Sienna is available in six trim levels.
The Toyota Sienna’s second-row seats can’t be removed either, also limiting its cargo space. Instead, the optional second-row captain’s chairs slide around two feet forward and backward. Unfortunately, the Japanese minivan’s cargo capacity is on the low end for the segment, measuring 33.5 cu ft. with all three rows in place and topping out at 101 cu ft. The Sienna comes equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen display, while higher trim levels get a 12.3-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the board. All but the base Sienna LE can be optioned with an 11.6-inch rear entertainment display. Upper-tier Sienna models also include a built-in vacuum cleaner and fridge.
Efficiency first, performance second
Fuel efficiency is a major factor for most drivers looking into hybrid minivans, and neither the Toyota Sienna nor the Kia Carnival Hybrid disappoints. The Toyota Sienna has featured a standard hybrid powertrain since 2021, and it’s the only minivan available with an all-wheel drivetrain. The 2026 model year marks the Kia Carnival Hybrid’s second year on the market.
The Sienna comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, CVT, and two electric motors, a combination that puts out 245 horsepower. All-wheel drive can be optioned by adding a third electric motor that powers the rear wheels, but performance remains the same. All 2025 Toyota Sienna models earn up to 36 mpg across the board when equipped with front-wheel drive. Opting for AWD reduces fuel economy by two miles per gallon in city driving.
The Kia Carnival Hybrid switches out the gas-powered model’s V6 engine and eight-speed transmission for a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that powers the front wheels. That combination delivers 242 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. All 2025 Carnival Hybrid models earn identical fuel economy, up to 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Exterior styling that stands out
As far as minivans go, the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival Hybrid’s designs couldn’t be more different, while also sharing similar elements. The Carnival Hybrid shares the SUV-inspired styling of the gas-powered model, with a blunt front end, wide grille, and elongated body with a raised rear end. All models come equipped with power sliding rear doors and ride on either 17- or 19-inch wheels. The Carnival Hybrid features LED daytime running lights across the board, but only the top-end SX Prestige comes with LED taillights.
The Toyota Sienna comes styled like a traditional minivan, with a black grille and LED headlights and taillights that complement clean lines. The family hauler rides on 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels, depending on the model. Heated side mirrors with blind spot warning indicators make for a convenient addition to the Sienna’s standard equipment as well.
Naturally, safety comes standard in both family minivans. Notably, however, the 2025 Toyota Sienna earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Toyota’s minivan comes equipped with the automaker’s Safety Sense 2.0 package, as well as other active safety systems. Standard systems include lane departure alert, pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and more.
Neither the 2025/2026 Kia Carnival nor its hybrid version has received an overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but it comes equipped with an abundance of safety systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, among others.
Final thoughts
In a battle of veteran minivan versus newcomer, there really is no clear winner. While the Kia Carnival Hybrid offers impressive interior space and a sweet set of features, the Sienna has its reputation behind it and higher fuel economy. If you’re on the hunt for a new hybrid family hauler, make sure to see both models in person before you come to a decision!
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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