2025 Hyundai Tucson SE vs 2026 Kia Carnival LX
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a compact SUV or a minivan. Key numbers: $7,185 price gap, 187 vs 287 hp, 26 vs 21 MPG.
The Tucson SE leads on $7,185 less, 5 MPG better. The Carnival LX leads on 100 more hp, 82 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Kia Carnival LX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,205 | $37,390 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,572 lbs | 4,555 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 121.7" |
| Length | 182.7" | 203.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.5" |
| Height | 66.3" | 68.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE and 2026 Kia Carnival LX?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $30,205, $7,185 less than the 2026 Kia Carnival LX at $37,390. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $126/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $7,185 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $385/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Carnival LX?
The 2026 Kia Carnival LX is the stronger pick when the extra 100 hp matters for your commute or driving style; your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Kia Carnival LX?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE rates 26 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Kia Carnival LX?
The 2026 Kia Carnival LX produces 287 hp, 100 more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE at 187 hp. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX also leads in torque at 260 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Kia Carnival LX uses a 3.5L V6. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE, FWD on the 2026 Kia Carnival LX.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE bigger than the 2026 Kia Carnival LX?
The 2026 Kia Carnival LX is 20.3″ longer at 203.0″ vs 182.7″. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX has a 13.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (compact SUV vs minivan), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE and 2026 Kia Carnival LX have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Kia Carnival LX uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a compact SUV against a minivan?
Yes, and many buyers do. A compact SUV and a minivan solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, Kia trims, Kia Carnival trims
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Tucson vs Carnival: What This Matchup Is Really About
A compact SUV against a minivan is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE ($30,205) and 2026 Kia Carnival LX ($37,390) solve different problems at different price points. The $7,185 gap adds up to $126/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Kia Carnival LX uses a 3.5L V6. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX has 100 more hp (287 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX adds 82 more lb-ft of torque (260 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE comes with AWD; the 2026 Kia Carnival LX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Tucson vs Carnival
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE saves roughly $385/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,925. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX is built to move the most people and cargo in the most space. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX is 20.3″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX has a 13.2″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Kia Carnival LX weighs 983 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE when you want to keep $7,185 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Kia Carnival LX when the extra 100 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $126/month more, the 2026 Kia Carnival LX needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Kia or any dealership.