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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2024 Kia Carnival Review
In the market for a minivan? The 2024 Kia Carnival is still worth your consideration. We look at trim levels, interior options, and more in our review.
What’s New for the 2024 Kia Carnival?
Compared to the 2023 model, little has changed on the 2024 Kia Carnival aside from auto up/down windows being dropped from EX trims. But compared to Lee Iacocca’s original minivan, the latest Carnival is an absolute tour-de-force. Kia stacks its minivan – which they call an MPV – with so much tech and so many driver aids you’ll need to actually read the owner’s manual to figure out all the beeps, bops, and blinking lights. That Multi-Purpose Vehicle marketing language is designed to reinforce the SUV-esque looks. But make no mistake, the 2024 Carnival is a family-friendly minivan replete with sliding doors and seating for everyone.
2024 Kia Carnival – kia.com | Shop 2024 Kia Carnival on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
9/10
Powertrain
Score
8/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
9.5/10
Value
Score
9.5/10
The Breakdown
SUV looks
Interior versatility
Tech galore
Lack of AWD
Needs a hybrid
Hassle of removing seats
The non-dorky minivan
2024 Carnival 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
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Cabin camera and intercom
- 10 years of powertrain protection
2024 Kia Carnival Powertrain 8/10
Every 2024 Kia Carnival comes with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 making 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This direct-injected DOHC mill pairs with an 8-speed automatic to form an FWD-only powertrain. Though AWD would be a nice option, for those in wintry climes, a good set of snow tires will get you through the slick stuff with ease.
But an extra set of tires will not improve the fuel economy the way a hybrid powertrain would. Toyota’s Sienna – which happens to be a hybrid with available AWD – delivers up to 36 mpg for the city and highway cycle. The Carnival manages just 19 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. Fortunately, it drinks 87 octane and the 19-gallon gas tank translates to nearly 500 miles of highway driving between fill-ups.
2024 Kia Carnival Interior 9/10
It’s fair to say the Kia Carnival cabin is a knockout. From EX trim and up, you can choose from black or varying shades of black-and-brown two-tone schemes that lend an upscale vibe. Only SX Prestige models offer genuine leather but finished in Tuscan Umber, it’s a looker that belies the price tag of well under $50,000. For parents, be ready to step up your leather upholstery care game, it’s worth the effort in this case.
Only the base Carnival LX comes standard with seating for seven. Every other model has a 2nd row bench and room for eight, though the SX Prestige can be optioned with no-cost VIP loungers in the 2nd row that recline, have power-extendable footrests, and fully climatized cushions. For most families, however, the 2nd row bench will suffice and is made more versatile thanks to a sliding center seat. It can be pulled forward for easy parental access from the front row or folded in half to make a table for those in the back.
There is a cavernous 145 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seats but it requires removing the 2nd row, which can be a hassle. Fortunately, the third-row seat does stow flat into the floor. Power sliding side doors are lineup standard with a hands-free liftgate included on the EX and above. Step up to the SX Prestige for dual power sunroofs, a heated steering wheel, and climatized front seats.
2024 Kia Carnival Technology Features 9.5/10
When it comes to technology, the 2024 Kia Carnival struts proudly as evidenced by its 1st place. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is fitted to the base LX, but every other model has a 12-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup as is voice control and a pair of USB ports for all three rows of seating. EX models again make the case for spending up by including navigation, Kia Connect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. But only the SX Prestige comes with the 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Drive Wise, Kia’s suite of driver aids, includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and a driver attention monitor on every 2024 Carnival. The fatigue monitor also has a “Leading Vehicle Departure Alert” that clues in clueless drivers when traffic starts moving from a stop. Adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous highway driving assist tech are added to EX models and above. Though the 2024 model has not yet been tested, the IIHS gave the 2022 Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.
2024 Kia Carnival Trims & Pricing
LX – $34,565
This entry-level Carnival comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote engine start, heated side mirrors, and LED headlights. Cabin highlights include an acoustic laminated windshield, gray woven cloth upholstery, and an 8-inch infotainment interface with Apple and Android mirroring software. For $2,000, the LX Seat package brings seating for eight, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, SynTex leatherette, and a heated 1st row.
EX – $40,065
EX models are very well-equipped with 19-inch rims, a hands-free liftgate, triple-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. A 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that manages the Wi-Fi hotspot, connected navigation, in-cabin camera (with night vision) and intercom, and rear-seat voice-control system is also part of the deal. Adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist technology are added to the driver-aid roster along with front parking sensors.
SX – $43,265
Satin chrome trim and 19-inch gloss black wheels dress up Carnivals in SX form. These models also have ventilated front seats, SynTex upholstery in your choice of gray or gray and Tuscan Umber, and a fully-digital gauge cluster screen. 120-volt outlets are added to the front console and cargo bay, while a surround-view monitor improves exterior visibility. An optional $1,500 rear seat entertainment system adds dual rear-facing screens to the front headrests.
SX Prestige – $47,665
Atop the 2024 Carnival trim hierarchy is the SX Prestige with advanced LED headlights, dual sunroofs, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and LED cabin lighting. Leather upholstery is standard as is a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and blind-spot monitor that displays a live feed of blind-spot activity in the gauge cluster.
2024 Kia Carnival Overall Value 9.5/10
Kia makes quite a case for the Carnival in EX trim as it piles on the style, amenities, and technology for about $3,000 more than a base model. This value approach is a Kia trademark and something that makes the 2024 Carnival a very compelling option in the minivan segment. When you compare the fuel economy to the likes of a Sienna, you’ll find yourself wishing for more, but the Carnival is right on par with an Odyssey for this metric. Of course, Kia has another ace up its sleeve with the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It does not include complimentary service, but it does include five years or 60,000 miles of basic vehicle coverage and roadside assistance.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 9/10
2024 Kia Carnival – kia.com | Shop 2024 Kia Carnival on Carsforsale.com
For those that need to haul kids and gear but are put off by the sliding door style of a minivan, the 2024 Kia Carnival is an excellent option. Easily mistaken for an SUV, the Carnival offers all the best aspects of minivan living – which by the way are the sliding doors – with incredible pricing and all the tech you can handle. If Kia could figure out a way to create a hybrid option, it would be that much better, but for now, the 2024 Kia Carnival is a very well-rounded option.
2024 Kia Carnival FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival a minivan?
Yes, even though it has SUV styling, the Kia Carnival is a minivan with sliding rear doors.
Are Kia Carnivals AWD?
No, the Kia Carnival can only be had with front-wheel drive. There is no option for AWD.
Does the Kia Carnival have a sunroof?
Only the top-spec Kia Carnival SX Prestige model has a sunroof. It is a dual-panel setup, one over the first row and one over the second row. Both are power-operated and both slide open.
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