2023 Kia Carnival: Value Party
What do our experts think of the 2023 Kia Carnival? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Kia Carnival – kiamedia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Carnival on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Kia Carnival?
All new last year, the 2023 Kia Carnival arrives as a mostly carry over model, though the SX model now sports 24-inch digital screens across the instrument panel and infotainment interface. We’ve been gushing about this SUV-esque minivan since it arrived in 2022, a review you can read here.
The 2023 Kia Carnival earned a spot on this List of Best Road Trippers and beat out the new Toyota Sienna in this comparison. Given the high level of standard features, strong advanced driver-assistance systems and robust roster of the latest tech, that should not come as a surprise.
The Breakdown
Gazillion driver aids
Handsome styling
Strong naturally aspirated V6
No AWD option
Second row captains do not stow
SX trim will be beeping with sensors non-stop
A minivan dressed up like an SUV
2023 Kia Specs
- 290 horsepower from base engine
- 262 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 40.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 145.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Driver attention monitor knows you’re staring at your phone
- Rear seat voice-control of infotainment
- Powertrain covered for 100,000 miles
2023 Kia Carnival Powertrain
You can have your 2023 Kia Carnival any way you want as long it has a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel-drive as that’s your only option.
From Kia’s Lambda-line of powertrains, it is a strong runner that makes 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, all of which is delivered without the turbo lag so common these days. In fact, it’ll zip to 60 mph in seven seconds flat per Car and Driver, which is plenty of scoot for a family hauler.
Four-corner independent suspension includes a multi-link rear configuration, which promises composed handling and given the largest tires you can fit are 19-inchers, ride should be comfortable. Kia has built their reputation on keeping vehicle options straight forward with little room for customer customization, which makes buying decisions easy. But its worth noting that competition like the Chrysler Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid configuration as well as all-wheel-drive, something that potential Kia buyers may be interested in.
2023 Kia Carnival Fuel Economy & MPG
Though the Carnival’s big V6 is plenty powerful, it comes with an associated ding in the fuel efficiency department. EPA estimates peg this minivan at 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. When the 19-gallon gas tank is filled with 87-octane, that translates to nearly 500 miles of road trip range.
The Toyota Sienna, which is strictly a hybrid, boasts a 36-mpg highway rating. With it’s 18-gallon tank, the Sienna will go nearly 650 miles on a tank.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Big, comfy and fancy are all fair descriptions of the 2023 Kia Carnivals’ cabin. Flip down the second and third row for a maximum capacity of 145 cubic feet. Step up to the SX Prestige model for climatized front and second row seats. On the fancy front, that top dog model also has no-cost “VIP Lounge Seats”. These middle row captain thrones can fully recline and feature power-extendable leg extensions for your highness.
Cloth upholstery is limited to the base LX trim with EX and SX models sporting SynTex, which does a solid imitation of real leather. And if you require animal hides, SX models offer it in both black and rather ritzy Tuscan Brown with Off-Black accents.
Across all trim levels, the third-row bench split-folds in a 60-40 configuration and will sink into the floor for more cargo space. However, if you select second-row buckets, keep in mind they do not stow nor are they removable, so don’t expect a ton of cargo space.
Entertainment & Technology
The Carnival’s party trick is that mammoth dual screen that handles instrument panel and infotainment duty. Standard on the two SX models, each display measures 12.3-inches but appears to be one long digital piece. The section in front of the driver can be configured to show current media details, advance diver assistance system info, and let’s not forget the speedometer.
Even with the lower models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard, though the infotainment screen drops to eight inches in size. A Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging is part of the deal on EX trim and above, though the 12-speaker Bose audio system is reserved for top-of-the-line SX Prestige Carnivals.
Safety Features
Every 2023 Carnival comes with automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane following and keeping, a driver attention monitor, and high beam assist. Impressive. As you move up the trim ladder, systems like semi-autonomous highway driving assist, regular old adaptive cruise control, a surround view monitor and live feed of blind spots are unlocked.
The list goes on to include options like rear parking collision avoidance and safe exit assist, which combined with nine standard airbags helps the Carnival earn a top safety pick rating from IIHS.
2023 Kia Carnival Trims & Pricing
LX – $33,935
Base Carnival LX minivans come with full LED lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the family-critical feature – power-sliding side doors. If you want the middle row bench on this model, it’ll cost you an extra $2000, but it does come standard with Apple and Android device integration on an 8-inch touchscreen, seven USB ports scattered throughout, and seven active safety systems.
EX – $39,435
For a relatively big jump in cost, EX trim adds 19-inch wheels, a hands-free tailgate, triple-zone automatic climate control, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, and sunshades for both back rows. Not too shabby. The list goes on with features like the 12-inch infotainment display, navigation, in-cabin intercom, and adaptive cruise control with highway driving assist all part of the deal. For more family-oriented vehicle features, check out this article.
SX – $42,635
Matte chrome exterior trim and black-finished 19-inch rims dress up the Carnival SX outside. Inside, amenities are bolstered with ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. This model also brings the 12-inch digital gauge cluster for a panoramic effect as well as the Blind Spot View Monitor that will display a live stream of what’s in your blind spot when preparing to change lanes.
SX Prestige – $47,035
The most expensive Carnival, SX Prestige models are loaded with a dual sunroof, real leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a heated steering wheel. This is the only trim you can access VIP lounge seats in the middle row and for an extra $1,000, you can add dual backseat entertainment screens with device mirroring capability.
Warranties
Kia’s warranty is famous at this point, headlined by the 10 year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Both the basic vehicle coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance run for five years or 60,000 miles, and body perforations are covered for five years or 100,000 miles. If Kia were to add complimentary maintenance, like you’ll find on a Toyota, they would have the warranty market cornered.
What We Think
2023 Kia Carnival – kiamedia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Carnival on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Kia Carnival is such an impressive vehicle that it took the top spot on this List of Best Minivans. As Kia has been doing for a long time, they load the Carnival with features at a price point that is incredibly competitive.
The only negative (that could be construed as a positive) is the staggering level of advanced driver-assisted systems. While they are designed to provide more safety, it’s possible that drivers would start to tune the systems out since they will be beeping, vibrating, and flashing incessantly given how many there are. Running a shade under $40,000, I’d go for the EX as it has a significant bump in content over the base model.
