The Kia Carnival is the only minivan in the Kia lineup and the successor to the Sedona. It’s a popular choice among families and individuals who require a lot of passenger space, not only because of its size but also due to its high-quality cabin and comfortable ride. It distinguishes itself from other vehicles in its class with its SUV-like design, which gives it a unique and sporty appearance. It also stands out because of its generous list of features that provide a level of safety and convenience that’s difficult to beat.
The 2023 Kia Carnival continues the tradition of its predecessor by offering a spacious and upscale interior, a distinctly handsome exterior, and modern technology. While it carries over many features that made the 2022 Carnival a hit, it also made a few changes, the most notable of which is the removal of the LXS trim. For 2023, the Carnival is available in five trim levels: LX, LX Seat Package, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Let’s take a closer look at each trim to help you determine which is best suited for your needs.
Notable Features Across All Trims
Before we get into the specifics of each trim level, it’s essential to list the features you can find across the board. To begin with, the Kia Carnival is only available in front-wheel drive. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also has these standard features:
- Power-adjustable and heated side view mirrors with LED turn signal indicators.
- Rear spoiler with LED taillight.
- Power-sliding rear doors.
- LED headlights and daytime running lights.
- Variable intermittent windshield wipers.
- Hidden rear windshield wiper.
- Space-saver spare tire.
- Sliding and removable second-row seats.
- 60/40 split-folding third-row seats.
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
- Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.
- USB ports.
- Power windows and door locks.
- Smart key with push-button and remote start.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Bluetooth wireless technology.
- Voice recognition.
The 2023 Carnival has numerous standard features that keep you and your passengers safe and secure. These include air bags, child safety locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Lane following and lane-keeping assist, lane departure and driver attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist are also part of the standard safety suite.
LX
The LX is the Carnival’s entry-level trim, with a starting MSRP of $33,100. It’s a seven-seater model with stand-alone captain’s chairs in the second row, unlike the other trim levels that offer comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. Apart from the features listed as standard across all trims, it also comes with 17-inch wheels, manually adjustable seats with woven cloth upholstery, and manual air conditioning with rear vents. A 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, 8-inch touch screen, and six-speaker audio system provide easy access to infotainment and add to this Carnival trim’s functionality.
LX Seat Package
The LX Seat Package has a starting MSRP of $35,100. It’s not often mentioned as a separate trim, but Kia identifies it as such because it offers several features present in the other trims that you won’t find in the LX. For example, from here on out, SynTex is used for the seats, and the second-row captain’s chairs in the LX are replaced with a bench to accommodate eight passengers.
Other features you can find starting from the LX Seat Package include an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. Second-row slide-flex seating also becomes standard here. This feature lets you slide the second-row middle seat forward or backward for easy access or fold it into a table for added utility.
EX
The EX trim has a starting MSRP of $38,600. Some of its features are upgrades to what you can find in the lower trims. These include 19-inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a smart power tailgate, an eight-speaker sound system, and a 12.3-inch touch screen with navigation and Kia Connect.
There are also features introduced in the EX that you’ll find in the SX and SX Prestige. The most notable among these are a Wi-Fi hot spot, HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, rear seat voice recognition, integrated sunshades for the rear seats, smart cruise control, and highway driving assist. Passenger view and passenger talk, which use an in-cabin camera and intercom, are also standard in this trim.
SX
The entry point to the high-end Carnival trims, the SX, has a starting price of $41,800. While it retains many of the features found in the EX, it showcases several upgrades. These include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, an eight-way power front passenger seat, a memory driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and LED fog lights. The SX trim also has a blind-spot and surround-view monitor, as well as two 115V power outlets. A dual-screen rear seat entertainment system also becomes available beginning with this trim.
SX Prestige
This is the top-of-the-line Carnival, and it starts at $46,200. It’s the only trim with standard genuine leather seats, a heated steering wheel, LED taillights and interior ambient lighting, dual sunroofs, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. Also available here are second-row VIP lounge seats with headrests, footrests, and the ability to fully recline. You can also replace the second-row bench with stand-alone captain’s chairs with the SX-Prestige Rear Seat Package.
The 2023 Kia Carnival is a versatile and stylish minivan that offers exceptional value across its five trim levels. The LX is a great choice if you prioritize affordability, but you can also opt for the LX Seat Package or EX to access more features at a friendly price point. However, if you want a luxurious ride, opt for the SX or SX Prestige.
Learn More About the Kia Carnival
If you want to know more about the latest Carnival or other new Kia vehicles, visit our dealership in Rochester, Minnesota, if you’re nearby. You can also contact us, and our team will be happy to provide guidance and assistance in finding the vehicle that’s right for you.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.