Against 161 other V6 cars rated 2025–2027, the Carnival beats their 20.9 mpg average by 6.1 mpg, about $415 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2022, the 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid (2025–2027), does 32.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2022–2027), 21.5: $612 a year apart.
Every Kia Carnival engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid | 34 / 31.3 | 2025–2027 | $1,174 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 18.5 / 25.8 | 2022–2027 | $1,786 |
Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2025–2026 model years, a hybrid Carnival asks a median $5,874 more than a gas one of the same year. At 32.5 against 21 mpg it saves about $647 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 9.1 years. Hybrids make up 15% of the gas and hybrid Carnival listings we track from the last ten model years.
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Sienna gets 36 mpg, the Chrysler Pacifica 24.7 mpg and the Chrysler Voyager 22 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2027 Carnival.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2025–2027 | −$415 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,572 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 Kia Carnival gives up 3 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 26 in the city, $153 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (12%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Carnival changed over the years
The Carnival peaked in 2027 at 27 mpg (26 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2024 at 22 — 5 mpg apart, or $323 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2025: 22 to 27 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 26 / 29 | 2 | $1,422 | |
| 2026 | 26 / 28 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,422 | |
| 2024 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Kia Carnival — 2 engines across 2022–2027. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,572. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 Kia Carnival get?
27 mpg combined, 26 city and 29 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 33. Across every year since 2022 the Carnival has averaged 25.2 mpg.
Is the 2027 Carnival more efficient than the 2026?
About the same: 27 against 26.5 mpg combined.
Which Carnival year has the best gas mileage?
The 2027, at 27 mpg combined (26 city, 29 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Carnival get better gas mileage than the Toyota Sienna?
No: 27 mpg for the 2027 Carnival against 36 for the 2026 Toyota Sienna, about $355 a year more to run.
Is the Carnival hybrid worth the extra cost?
In our listings a hybrid asks a median $5,874 more than a gas Carnival of the same year and saves about $647 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 9.1 years.
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