Are you shopping around for a minivan? Two leading choices are the 2023 Toyota Sienna and the 2023 Kia Carnival. Both minivans have various strengths, but for this article, we focus on the advantages of the Sienna. In another article in the near future, we’ll cover the advantages of the Carnival. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 Sienna, not a 2023 Carnival.

2023 Toyota Sienna gets better gas mileage than the 2023 Kia Carnival

The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Sienna instead of a 2023 Kia Carnival is the Sienna gets better gas mileage than the Carnival. With high gasoline prices, many drivers are feeling the pain at the fuel pump these days. Therefore, choosing a gas-sipping minivan like the Sienna can result in much savings. 

With its hybrid powertrain, the Sienna gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 36 city/36 highway mpg. However, the Carnival has a traditional internal combustion engine, resulting in an estimated gas mileage of only 19 city/26 highway mpg.

Unlike the 2023 Carnival, the 2023 Sienna offers an all-wheel drive system

The second reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Sienna instead of a 2023 Kia Carnival is that, unlike the Carnival, the Sienna offers an all-wheel drive system. With its available all-wheel drive system, the Sienna provides confident traction on slippery roads. This makes the Sienna a good minivan choice for drivers that live in a location with harsh winter weather.

The Sienna’s all-wheel drive system is also beneficial for driving on low-quality roads, such as those with broken concrete, cracks, and potholes. Also, while no one will confuse the Sienna for an off-road powerhouse, the all-wheel drive system gives it a greater ability to drive on uneven terrain.

Toyota Sienna is safer than the Kia Carnival

The third reason to buy a 2023 Sienna instead of a 2023 Carnival is the Sienna is safer than the Carnival. One of the most trusted authorities for safety evaluations is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For crash tests for the previous model year, the Sienna earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

In comparison, the Carnival earned the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Considering that both the Sienna and Carnival are carryover models, the minivans will likely have similar safety ratings for the 2023 model year.

Unlike the 2023 Carnival, the 2023 Sienna has a free maintenance plan

The fourth reason to buy a 2023 Sienna instead of a 2023 Carnival is that, unlike the Carnival, the Sienna has a free maintenance plan. All new Sienna models have ToyotaCare complimentary maintenance, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles. ToyotaCare for the Sienna includes engine oil and filter changes, tire rotations, multi-point inspections, and topping off of the fluids.

Routine maintenance helps ensure that your vehicle runs safely and smoothly for many miles and years. With its free maintenance plan, this is a more affordable endeavor for the Sienna.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna has advantages over the 2023 Kia Carnival for gas mileage, an available all-wheel drive system, safety, and a free maintenance plan. These are four key reasons for minivan shoppers to buy a 2023 Sienna, not a 2023 Carnival.

Stay tuned for an article in which we highlight the reasons to buy a 2023 Carnival instead of a 2023 Sienna. This includes advantages for performance, interior space, warranty coverage, and price.