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2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid vs. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Comparison

See how the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Carnival Hybrid 2026

$41,390 - $53,490

All Test Results

Grand Highlander Hybrid 2026

$42,260 - $60,175

All Test Results
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About
About
The Carnival is among the few minivans still for sale, but it carries on with fresh styling, an updated infotainment system, and an available hybrid version. The hybrid combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric drive to prod...
 
The three-row Grand Highlander is positioned above the current Highlander and designed to better compete with class leaders like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. This all-new SUV offers three powertrains: a base 2.4-liter turbocha...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Pleasant hybrid powertrain
Green Checkmark Icon Interior room
 
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Easy to get in and out of
Green Checkmark Icon Lots of passenger and cargo room
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Long wet stopping distances
Red 'X' Icon Split-use audio/climate control panel is a nuisance
Red 'X' Icon Removing the second-row seats for extra cargo space is a chore
 
Red 'X' Icon Short on handling agility
Red 'X' Icon Some infotainment features are a little confusing
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

minivan

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

EX, SX Prestige, LXS, SX

 

Limited, Nightshade, XLE, LE, MAX Limited, MAX Platinum

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$41,390 - $53,490

 

$42,260 - $60,175

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

FWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear, 3 Third

 

2 Front, 2 Rear, 3 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

1.6-liter 4 hybrid (242 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 hybrid (245 hp); 2.4-liter 4 hybrid (362 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

6-speed Automatic

 

6-speed Automatic, CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.