The 2024 Kia Carnival brings upgraded styling and minivan practicality to the market. This could be the coolest minivan ever created.
Minivans aren’t cool, but they make a lot of sense for families. Some people might think minivans should have gone the way of the Dodo a few years ago, but the current crop brings impressive tech features, practicality, and usefulness that isn’t found in an SUV. The Kia Carnival looks more like an SUV and is called an MPV or Multi-Purpose Vehicle, but it’s really a minivan. The Carnival could be the coolest minivan in the entire market, with a strong list of great features for your family adventures.
How does the power stack up?
The Carnival uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides owners with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is more horsepower than you find in the Honda Odyssey, which is the only direct competitor. The fuel mileage reaches 22 mpg combined, which is average for this vehicle class. The max towing capacity of the Carnival is 3,500 pounds when it’s equipped with the tow hitch.
Kia gives this MPV an impressive warranty with the same 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty found across the entire brand lineup. This could be one way the Carnival stands out compared to the other three vans in the market.
What you’ll find in the 2024 Kia Carnival
There are four trim levels offered for this cool minivan. Here’s a look at what each trim brings to the drive, making it easy for you and your family to enjoy the ride.
LX Trim
The base model is the LX trim, which brings a strong package of features and good value to your drive. This model gives you:
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Power sliding rear doors
- Push-button starting
- 8-inch infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB ports in all three rows
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Driver attention warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-follow assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear occupant alert
- Safe exit assist
If you need eight seats in this minivan, you’ve got to pay for the LX Seat Package, which adds a center bench seat for an additional $2,000. This base model also has a few options, including:
- Upgraded paint colors
- Dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system
- Carpeted floor mats
- Tow hitch
EX Trim
The best value in the Kia Carnival lineup is likely the EX trim. This step up from the base model gives you:
- Second-row bench seat
- SynTex faux leather upholstery
- Power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate controls
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Power rear windows
- Wireless charging pad
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- 8-speaker audio system
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM
- In-cabin camera
- Quiet Mode
- Second and third-row sunshades
- Advanced forward collision avoidance
- Front parking sensors
- Navigation-based adaptive cruise control
- Highway Driving Assist
This model only offers a few options, which is fine considering the complete standard features package. The options are additional paint colors and the tow hitch.
SX Trim
Stepping up to the SX trim, you’ll find some premium features that make this minivan a little more luxurious. Some of these premium features are:
- Heated and ventilated power front seats
- Satin chrome exterior and interior trim
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
- Power-folding mirrors
- Roof rails
- LED fog lights
- 115-volt power outlet
- Dual-screen rear entertainment package
- Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- 360-degree overhead camera view
The SX trim doesn’t have a list of options, making it a complete package on its own.
SX Prestige Trim
The top model of the 2024 Kia Carnival is the SX Prestige trim. This model has the feeling of a VIP ride in a minivan body. If you want everything this MPV offers, this trim gives you:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and vented second-row seating
- Heated steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Dual LED headlights
- LED taillights
- LED interior lighting
- Digital instrument panel
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Dual-panel sunroof
- LED cargo lamp
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Roof rails
- Power-folding outside mirrors
The SX Prestige also offers the benefits of VIP lounge seating in the second row. This seating option adds power adjustments with VIP seats that slide and recline with leg-extension ottomans that make it easy to rest your legs during the ride.
The 2024 Kia Carnival is an impressive and feature-filled minivan that looks more like an SUV than a traditional minivan. If you’re looking for an excellent minivan with tons of great features, this Kia can be the one that’s right for you to drive.
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