2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant design transformation, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento midsize crossover SUV. The front fascia featured a larger grille, pushing the headlights aside to create a more SUV-like look. Daytime running lights extended from the corners of the front end onto the hood, adding a unique touch. Despite these changes, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than the pre-refresh version. The rear end was cleaned up by relocating the license plate housing to the lower part of the tailgate, and the top SX Prestige trim level boasted "Star Map" taillights. The Carnival Hybrid skipped the base LX trim, offering LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige grades, with 17-inch wheels standard on the LXS and 19-inch wheels available on higher trims. The interior, largely carried over from the 2024 model, impressed with its premium feel, especially in the SX Prestige hybrid, featuring a navy and gray color scheme and high-quality materials.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid embraced a conservative design approach, drawing inspiration from the previous-generation RAV4. This decision resulted in a vehicle that resembled a larger RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. However, glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall experience. The climate system was user-friendly, featuring large temperature-adjustment knobs, but the infotainment interface had a tiny volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, with its Storm Cloud paint, exuded a sense of sophistication, but the styling remained a matter of personal preference.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid shared its powertrain with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive, with only Toyota offering a hybrid minivan with all-wheel drive. The Carnival Hybrid's acceleration felt similar to the V6 model, with noticeable electric motor torque off the line, but a dip in acceleration before turbocharger boost kicked in. The vehicle's 2,500-pound towing capacity was 1,000 pounds less than the V6 model. Kia included three levels of regenerative braking, allowing for battery recharge on long downhills. The Carnival Hybrid impressed with its excellent steering, minimal body roll, and quiet ride, although the four-cylinder engine's exhaust note was less pleasant than the V6.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max prioritized performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, avoiding the droning common in CVTs. However, the Hybrid Max's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg, compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 36 mpg. The Hybrid Max could tow up to 5,000 pounds, 1,500 more than the standard hybrid. During testing, it achieved 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, but road undulations could cause vertical bounding and lateral rocking. Handling was secure, though the tires squealed early, and the vehicle felt large on mountain roads. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, but the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats, while fold-flat third-row seats were standard. Optional VIP Lounge Seats provided reclining captain's chairs with leg rests, but they were not removable, making third-row access challenging. Interior dimensions remained consistent with the non-hybrid model, offering competitive headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, leading the segment. The interior featured a rotary shifter, functional center console, and easy-to-reach controls, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, unlined storage locations contributed to noise and vibration. The Platinum-trim test vehicle featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The second-row captain's chairs, with a removable center console, allowed for easy third-row access. The Grand Highlander's rearmost seats were reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample crush space for safety. Cargo space measured 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, nearly matching the Sienna minivan.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was easy to navigate, but switchgear functions changed based on the menu, causing some confusion. SX and SX Prestige models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. A voice-recognition system was available but not activated by default. The Carnival Hybrid also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports in all rows, and tech options like an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Rear-seat entertainment with dual 14.6-inch HD monitors was available.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services provided features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, but the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were drawbacks. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum test car included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not updated at the time of publication, but the 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS and was unrated by the NHTSA. The Carnival Hybrid retained its comprehensive driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. SX and SX Prestige models added junction crossing and lane-change assist functions, along with Highway Driving Assist 2 for highway lane following. A 360-degree camera system and blind-spot camera system were standard on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was included but found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander's safety tech operated accurately, though the lane-keep assist system occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The vehicle received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.