2027 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2027 Kia Carnival: Full Comparison
The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica tows 3,600 lbs, tops the Carnival's 3,500-lb rating, and adds available AWD. No other minivan pairs AWD with second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seating. See how both minivans stack up, then browse Pacifica inventory at ASA Auto Plaza.
The Short Answer
The Pacifica wins on traction and flexibility. It is the only minivan in the segment with available AWD paired alongside a second- and third-row Stow 'n Go system, and its 3,600-lb tow rating leads the class. The Carnival counters with standard 8-passenger seating, a larger standard touchscreen at 12.3 inches, and a stronger powertrain warranty. Families in Jackson, MN who deal with harsh winters or tow recreational gear will find the Pacifica the more capable choice. Buyers who put warranty length first and do not need AWD may prefer the Carnival.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 Chrysler Pacifica | 2027 Kia Carnival |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD only |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 19/28/22 (FWD) | 18/26/21 |
| Seating | 7 (8 available on Select) | 8 standard |
| Max Cargo | 140.5 cu ft | 145.1 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 32.3 cu ft | 40.2 cu ft |
| Towing | 3,600 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Length | 204.3 in | 203.0 in |
Performance and Powertrain
Both minivans produce identical peak horsepower at 287, but the engines and transmissions differ in meaningful ways. The Pacifica's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 pairs with a 9-speed automatic, giving it one more gear ratio than the Carnival's 8-speed. That extra gear helps at highway speeds and contributes to the Pacifica's edge in fuel economy: 28 mpg highway versus the Carnival's 26. Combined, the Pacifica rates 22 mpg against the Carnival's 21.
The bigger differentiator is the Pacifica's available AWD. Offered on Select, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the system can direct 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels or to whichever wheels have the most grip, then fully disconnect when AWD is not needed to reduce drag. The Carnival offers no AWD option at any trim level. For Minnesota winters, that difference is decisive.
On towing, the Pacifica's Trailer Tow Group (optional on Limited and Pinnacle) delivers 3,600 lbs of capacity. The Carnival caps at 3,500 lbs.
Interior, Space and Cargo
The Carnival offers standard 8-passenger seating across most of its lineup, while the Pacifica seats 7 across all trims with an available 8-passenger configuration on the Select (FWD only). If moving the maximum number of people on every trip is the primary goal, the Carnival holds the edge at base trims.
Where the Pacifica separates itself is Stow 'n Go. Both the second and third rows fold completely into the floor in seconds, creating a flat load area with up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space. No competing minivan, including the Carnival, matches this system with both seat rows. The Carnival's second-row seats slide and are removable but do not fold into the floor.
On raw cargo numbers, the Carnival shows 145.1 cubic feet maximum and 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row versus the Pacifica's 140.5 cubic feet maximum and 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Carnival's advantage behind the third row is real. However, the Pacifica's in-floor storage bins add usable storage that is not reflected in that cargo figure.
The Pacifica Pinnacle steps up to quilted Nappa leather, captain's chairs with lumbar pillows, an Ultra Console, and the new Blue Agave interior with Copper Alloy bezels. The Carnival SX Prestige answers with leather seating, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and an available VIP Lounge Seat Package with heated and ventilated second-row power lounge seats. Both flagship trims deliver a genuine premium cabin experience.
Technology and Safety
The Carnival's standard infotainment screen is larger: a 12.3-inch touchscreen appears on LXS and above, while a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display setup arrives on SX trims. The Pacifica runs a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen on LX and Select, with Uconnect 5 NAV on Limited and Pinnacle.
Both vehicles offer wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Pacifica adds Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM 360L. The Carnival adds Highway Driving Assist 2 on SX and above, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on SX and above, and an 11-inch head-up display on the SX Prestige.
For rear-seat entertainment, the Pacifica's optional Theater Group provides dual 10-inch HD seatback touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV built-in. The Carnival does not offer a comparable factory rear-screen entertainment option at any trim level.
On standard safety, both minivans are well-equipped. The Pacifica includes Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Pedestrian AEB, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, and ParkSense Rear Park Assist on every trim. The Carnival matches many of those with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Monitors, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert standard.
The Pacifica's optional Safety Sphere Package adds a 360-degree camera system, turn signal-activated Blind Spot View, and ParkSense-based camera activation. On Pinnacle, Safety Sphere is standard. The Carnival's 360-degree Surround View Monitor arrives on SX and above.
One exclusive on the Pacifica: the FamCAM interior camera, available in the Family Tech Group, gives parents a high-definition rear-cabin view with a zoom-to-seat function, useful for monitoring a rear-facing child seat.
Value and Ownership
The Carnival's warranty is class-leading: 5 years or 60,000 miles on the basic warranty and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain. The Pacifica does not match those figures. Buyers who prioritize long-term powertrain coverage will favor the Carnival.
On standard content, the Pacifica delivers more safety technology at every trim level, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection on the base LX. It also adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Pedestrian AEB on every trim. The Carnival's LX does include a strong suite of standard safety features, but the Pacifica's base safety list is notably thorough.
Both vehicles include three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and power-sliding rear doors as standard or near-standard features.
The Pacifica's adjustable-height power liftgate is now standard across all trims for 2027, a practical feature for parking in low-clearance garages. The Carnival's Smart Power Liftgate arrives at the EX trim and above.
Fuel economy also favors the Pacifica: 28 mpg highway versus the Carnival's 26. Over a high-mileage ownership cycle, that gap translates to real savings at the pump.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica if:
- You live in Jackson, MN or anywhere with serious winter weather and want the only minivan that combines AWD with Stow 'n Go seating
- You tow a camper, boat, or recreational equipment and need the class-leading 3,600-lb capacity
- Your family values rear-seat entertainment and the exclusive FamCAM monitoring system
- You want maximum cargo flexibility without removing seats
Choose the 2027 Kia Carnival if:
- Standard 8-passenger seating matters more than cargo flexibility
- Long-term powertrain warranty coverage is your top priority
- You want a larger standard touchscreen at a comparable entry trim
- You prefer a slightly larger behind-third-row cargo floor for everyday loading
For most families in Jackson and across Minnesota who face snowy roads, haul gear, and need true seating versatility, the Pacifica's AWD availability and Stow 'n Go system form a combination the Carnival simply cannot replicate.
See the 2027 Pacifica at ASA Auto Plaza in Jackson
ASA Auto Plaza serves Chrysler buyers across the Jackson, MN area with Pacifica inventory in multiple trims. Whether you need the Stow 'n Go flexibility of a Select, the premium finish of a Pinnacle, or the all-weather confidence of an AWD model, the team at ASA Auto Plaza can help you find the right fit. Come in to see the Pacifica in person and put it through its paces before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica offer AWD?
Yes. AWD is available on the Select, Limited, and Pinnacle trims of the 2027 Pacifica. It is not available on the base LX trim. The 2027 Kia Carnival does not offer AWD at any trim level.
Which has better fuel economy, the 2027 Pacifica or the 2027 Carnival?
The 2027 Pacifica gets better fuel economy on both city and highway ratings. The Pacifica FWD earns 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined. The Carnival earns 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.
Which minivan tows more, the Pacifica or the Carnival?
The Pacifica tows up to 3,600 lbs with the optional Trailer Tow Group. The Carnival tows up to 3,500 lbs. The Pacifica holds a 100-lb advantage.
Does the 2027 Kia Carnival have rear-seat entertainment screens?
No. The 2027 Kia Carnival does not offer factory-installed rear seatback screens at any trim level. The 2027 Pacifica offers optional dual 10-inch HD seatback touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV built-in through the Theater Group.
What is Stow 'n Go seating and does the Carnival have it?
Stow 'n Go is Chrysler's system that allows both second- and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor without removing them, creating a flat cargo surface. The Carnival does not offer this feature. It has sliding and removable second-row seats and a split-folding third row, but neither folds into the floor.
Which minivan has the better warranty?
The 2027 Kia Carnival offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Those figures exceed what Chrysler offers on the Pacifica. Buyers who prioritize long powertrain coverage should factor the Carnival's warranty into their decision.
Can I get an 8-passenger Pacifica?
Yes. The 2027 Pacifica Select trim offers an available 8-passenger seating configuration with FWD. The AWD models and all other trims are configured for 7 passengers.