This Toyota Sienna Alternative Has More Power At A Cheaper Price Point







There’s a minivan that competes with the Toyota Sienna that comes with more horsepower and a lower price. Before we reveal it, let’s see how the 2026 Toyota Sienna stacks up by itself. The Toyota Sienna really is the Toyota of minivans — it represents all of the Toyota attributes like reliability, high fuel efficiency, and a lifespan that is likely to be trouble-free and without any excess drama. That’s what Toyota buyers want. 

The Sienna is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, putting out 245 horsepower. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 36 MPG, both city and highway. The entry-level Sienna LE is priced at $42,415 including delivery, processing and handling. As it turns out, the Sienna is the most reliable minivan you can buy (according to J.D. Power)

Now let’s introduce our challenger, the 2026 Kia Carnival, whose 3.5-liter, 287-horsepower V6 engine drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s 42 more horsepower than the 2026 Toyota Sienna. Its fuel economy, according to EPA estimates, is 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, which is, admittedly, substantially less than the Sienna. As to price, the base 2026 Carnival LX undercuts the 2026 Sienna LE, going out the door for $38,935 including the destination fee. 

That’s a significant savings of about $3,500. This major price difference between the two minivans could purchase more than 800 gallons of gasoline, based on AAA’s national average price of around $4 per gallon, as of June 2026.

How does the Carnival perform compared to the Sienna?

Let’s start by comparing the performance stats of these two. The Toyota Sienna, with its 245 horsepower and its hybrid powertrain, in a Car and Driver test, achieved a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. The Kia Carnival was also tested by Car and Driver, and it did 0-60 mph in a slightly quicker seven seconds, meaning it puts its extra power down rather well. As we found out in our Carnival review, it will change your mind on minivans.

Another important area of comparison is cargo capacity. The Toyota Sienna gives you 33.5 cu ft of space behind its third row, which grows to 75.2 cu ft with the third row folded. Unfortunately, the Sienna’s second row can’t be removed nor folded flat, but with those seats moved forward, the available space goes up to 101 cu ft. The Sienna can carry either seven or eight occupants, based on the trim level selected.

The Kia Carnival is far superior to the Sienna in terms of cargo hauling ability, with 40.2 cu ft behind its third row of seats, expanding to 86.9 cu ft with the third row folded and providing a massive 145.1 cu ft of space with the second and third rows folded. Seating capacity of the Carnival varies between seven and eight people, again, depending on its trim.

How do the two models compare in terms of standard equipment?

We’ll start with the 2026 Sienna LE and its standard equipment, which includes some of the van’s coolest features. You get wireless phone charging, remote keyless entry with push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with eight speakers, illuminated vanity mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and cloth upholstery. Outside, there’s rear window privacy glass, a power liftgate, dual power sliding side doors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and full LED lighting. 

Moving to the 2026 Carnival LX, its standard equipment brings you a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, navigation-based cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, remote start, over-the-air updates, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. On the outside of the Carnival, there’s front and rear parking sensors, heated and power-adjustable side view mirrors, privacy glass, LED lighting, and power sliding rear doors. 

The 2026 Carnival LX represents excellent value in a minivan, particularly when compared to the Sienna LE. The Carnival has 42 more horsepower than the Sienna, which provides a notable performance advantage. Even better, the Carnival LX undercuts the Sienna LE on price by a whopping $3,480, while a comparison of their standard equipment comes out fairly even.





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Recent Reviews







2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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