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2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige Review, Specs & Price – Kia is calling the 2024 Carnival an “MPV,” a multi-purpose vehicle. It’s cleverly expressing”minivan” without actually declaring it. From many perspectives, it appears that the Carnival is more like an SUV that can be driven thanks to its low riding length and boxy, somewhat Ford Explorer-like design. However, despite its striking design, it is clear that it’s clear that the Carnival is actually a traditional minivan. Its huge sliding side doors provide the most obvious clue that hides a large and versatile interior that includes the option of three seating rows of top-of-the-line materials, as well as an option to fully recline second-row seats that have footrests.
The driver’s display integrated into the cabin and high-resolution infotainment touchscreen gives the Carnival an advanced feel like the camera in the cabin and intercom system that can be used to control the noisy and sleepy kids. The Carnival is also covered by a long-lasting warranty. The Carnival was introduced just two years ago and replaced the out-of-production Sedona minivan. The changes to 2024’s model are almost invisible. (The EX trim no longer has auto-up/down functionality on every power window, for instance.) It’s unlikely to see any major changes from Kia in the near future, however for it to stay competitive The Carnival might need to improve its driving characteristics and suspension so that it is more in line with the enthralling Honda Odyssey. An efficient V6 engine that is fuel efficient or perhaps a hybrid motor could also aid in closing the gap with the efficient Toyota Sienna.
Review
The engine of the Carnival’s V6 produces an impressive 290 horsepower however in our test, we discovered that the Carnival to not be any faster than a standard minivan. The test car accelerated from 0-60 miles per hour within 8.3 minutes. The accelerator pedal can be somewhat slow to react to stop-and-go traffic. Likewise, the brake pedal can be a bit delicate at first. However, you’ll probably get used to both in the course.
The steering of the Carnival has a bit of unsteadiness, which means that driving along a long straight highway will require a little more care to stay within the proper line. Its driving performance is in line with minivans. The transmission is smooth to shift but it’s not the fastest. If there’s a minivan segment that is equipped with a vehicle designed specifically for driving that’s The Honda Odyssey. All others, including the Carnival, sit together in the drives-like-a-minivan zone.
The Carnival could have one of the most comfy front seating in the minivan category. They’re ideal for long trips, and the cooling and heating functions were as you would expect.
The second-row seats come with some glitzy options However, you should test them prior to purchasing because we believe they’re too flimsy. It is only possible to fully recline and expand the leg rests, if they are slid completely to the back and middle in the vehicle. In any case, adults will not be able fully to recline the leg rests, without their feet coming in contact with the front-row seats. The third row may not be as big as the other minivans, but youngsters will not have a problem with it.
Our road test Carnival did a great job smoothing all bumps. However, some bad spots on the freeway caused the van to shudder much more than other vehicles that we’ve driven along similar sections. The minivan doesn’t seem like a car than some of its rivals. The system for controlling the temperature is able to cool and heat the interior well, but its touchscreen controls don’t provide any tactile feedback, making it difficult to use when on the go.
To add a touch of class you can choose SX Prestige. SX Prestige for:
- New LED headlights
- Interior lighting with LEDs
- Double power sunroofs
- Rearview mirror auto-dimming
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
12-speaker Bose premium audio system
A 2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige Seat package reconfigures the second row to accommodate two passengers seating. The seats include:
- Reclining and power-adjustable lounge chairs
- Seats with air conditioning and heating
- Dual-screen entertainment for the rear seat is available on the SX as well as SX Prestige versions.
Interior
The Carnival has quintessential minivan interior qualities. It’s big, spacious, and simple to access and get out of. The exterior style of the Carnival lets the doors that slide out of the rear appear smaller than the ones on other vans. However, the doors are large. A further advantage is the adjustable seat for the driver; people of any size should be able to be able to find the perfect seat. The view outward is fantastic. Big windows and the cameras that surround you help you see the surroundings in the area.
We’re not as impressed with the Carnival’s slippery piano black surfaces as well as the absence of any haptic reaction from the controls in the main cabin. Be aware that the seating in the lounge style cannot be removed. Our opinion is that the second-row benches will be most suitable for the vast majority of them.
Technology will be the main focus during this Carnival. It’s a plus that the available 12.3-inch touchscreen display for infotainment is massive and features crisp images. Parking cameras in abundance eliminate any doubts for people concerned about space. If you’re looking for USB ports that you’re looking for, Kia supplies almost two for each passenger. Some of these features come at a lower cost as compared to other models in the same class.
It’s just not as rosy, as it seems on the specs page. It’s true that Kia raises the bar by offering a plethora of technological options, but none of them work as well as we’d like. Voice control isn’t as intuitive or helpful as other systems we’ve tried as well as a lot of advanced driver assistance systems don’t work with the same precision as previous Kia cars we’ve tested. In many cases, the lane keeping and the traffic-adaptive cruise control system were a source of frustration rather than a benefit.
Naturally, it is true that the Carnival has a good cargo capacity. For the less parent-friendly 8-passenger model, the second-row bench is split into three sections which can are able to slide apart for additional flexibility. It is also possible to remove them however it is necessary to keep them in place. Third-row seats can fold up flat and into the flooring. The space is 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, and it can be expanded the 145.1 cubic feet when you fold the third row folded down and the bench seat for the second row is taken away. Both of these figures are amongst the highest in the category.
The Carnival cabin comes with plenty of pockets and nooks to keep things in, however, you will find better ideas in other vans. Do you have children who are at the age of car child seat or adult booster age? There’s plenty of space for safety seats to be installed, however, the lower seat anchors can be difficult to reach.
Engine
The EPA rates that the Carnival as averaging 22 mpg (19 cities/26 highways). In comparison to other minivans with V6 engines Carnival’s EPA estimations of fuel efficiency are in the middle. However, it isn’t as efficient as hybrid models that are capable of 30 mpg or more.
2023’s Carnival runs on the 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces an impressive 290 horsepower and an 8-speed auto transmission is the standard. The all-wheel drive option isn’t offered; however, it’s not available. Carnival is only available with a front-wheel drive model. The Chrysler Pacifica offers an additional hybrid powertrain that plugs into a plug. The Toyota Sienna comes only as an electric hybrid. However, we aren’t expecting Kia to provide this option at the Carnival or at all immediately. Kia states that the Carnival is able to tow up to 3500 pounds. We’re amazed at the well-balanced and smooth control and ride, which can be smooth while cruising, yet stout in turns. The V-6 engine is refined and provides quick acceleration. It accelerated this Carnival to 60 miles per hour within 7.0 seconds on our test track.
Price
The SX Prestige is the most expensive model. From $46,000 to over $40,000, the fully-loaded 2024 Kia Carnival upgrades the minivan’s capabilities in a variety of places. It includes, for instance, two sunroofs, a fully automatic liftgate, a power-sliding rear-view mirror as well as additional high-end options.
It also comes with numerous improvements inside. Two screens on the model measure 12.3 inches. Additionally, it has a 12-speaker high-end sound system as well as an intercom and camera in the cabin system. Kia has also given an SX Prestige a tri-zone automatic climate control with an automated defogger and the steering wheel has been heated.
In addition, this trim comes with a variety of advanced safety options. It includes, for instance, a blind-spot monitor as well as highway driving assistance, a 360-degree camera, as well as many more.
Additionally, there are numerous other features that can be added such as a rear seat with a dual-screen entertainment system. Each add-on package, as well as the most costly exterior paint A fully-loaded Kia Carnival in 2024 Kia Carnival, costs about $51,800.