When it comes to finding a spacious and comfortable vehicle for larger families or groups, Kia offers a few standout options with seating for at least seven passengers. In this article, we explore which Kia models possess this attribute, providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for style, functionality, or both, these vehicles deliver without compromise. Let’s delve into the lineup of spacious Kia cars, and look at what each one has to offer.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride is an eight-seater known for its value, comfort, and extensive list of features. It’s been a part of Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list for four consecutive years and is a popular option for families looking for a roomy SUV. For 2023, the Telluride received a design refresh that includes a new front fascia and an available dual-screen display. A navigation system is also now standard on all trims. These are the 10 available trim levels and their starting prices:
- LX: $35,890.
- S: $37,890.
- EX: $41,490.
- EX X-Line: $45,685.
- SX: $45,690.
- SX X-Line: $49,085.
- SX X-Pro: $50,085.
- SX Prestige: $50,590.
- SX Prestige X-Line: $51,985.
- SX Prestige X-Pro: $52,985.
Power and Performance
The 2023 Telluride may have a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, depending on the trim. All models are powered by a 3.8L V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, making it a relatively capable hauler.
Passenger and Cargo Space
With three rows of seating, the Telluride can accommodate up to eight passengers, though some trims offer an optional second-row captain’s chairs configuration that reduces the capacity to seven. The total cargo volume ranges from 21 cu ft with all seats in place, to a generous 87 cu ft when both the second and third rows are folded. Here’s the maximum passenger space for the first, second, and third rows:
- Headroom: 40.9/ 40.2/ 38.1 in.
- Shoulder room: 61.6/ 61.2/ 55.3 in.
- Hip room: 58.9/ 58.0/ 43.7 in.
- Legroom: 41.4/ 42.4/ 31.4 in.
Kia Sorento
The Sorento is a midsize SUV that’s a suitable alternative to the much larger Telluride. There aren’t many changes to the model for 2023, and there’s still a plug-in hybrid version. These are its eight available trims, along with their respective MSRPs:
- LX: $30,090.
- S: $32,590.
- X-Line S AWD: $34,590.
- EX: $35,990.
- X-Line EX AWD: $39,690.
- SX: $38,890.
- SX Prestige AWD: $43,490.
- X-Line SX Prestige AWD: $43,690.
Power and Performance
Depending on trim level, the 2023 Sorento is equipped with either a 2.5L inline-four or turbocharged four-cylinder engine, both of which are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. These deliver 191 or 281 hp, and 182 or 311 lb-ft of torque, respectively. FWD is standard on the LX, S, EX, and SX, while the other trims feature AWD.
Passenger and Cargo Space
The Sorento offers a good amount of space for passengers and cargo alike. The second-row bench can be replaced with two captain’s chairs in some trims, but this decreases passenger capacity from seven to six. Both second- and third-row seats can be folded, increasing cargo volume from 12.6 cu ft with all seats up to a maximum of 75.5 cu ft. Here’s more information about the Sorento’s maximum space for the first, second, and third rows:
- Headroom: 40.3/ 39.1/ 36.8 in.
- Shoulder room: 59.1/ 58.1/ 53.0 in.
- Hip room: 55.6/ 55.1/ 42.5 in.
- Legroom: 41.4/ 41.7/ 29.6 in.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a multipurpose vehicle that replaced the Sedona in 2022, and its flexibility and functionality are its main selling points. It’s largely unchanged in the new model year, except for a few feature upgrades and the removal of the LXS trim from the lineup. That said, there are still five trims to choose from, and these are their MSRPs:
- LX: $33,100.
- LX Seat Package: $35,100.
- EX: $38,600.
- SX: $41,800.
- SX Prestige: $46,200.
Power and Performance
The 2023 Carnival sports a 3.5L V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its maximum power output is 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are similar to the Telluride’s, it loses out because of its lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and the lack of an available AWD system. Instead, all trims are equipped with FWD.
Passenger and Cargo Space
The Carnival’s interior is designed with versatility and comfort in mind, offering roomy accommodations for passengers and luggage. With its standard configuration, this minivan can seat up to eight passengers, while certain trims offer a seven-passenger layout with second-row VIP Lounge Seats or captain’s chairs. The cargo capacity ranges from 40.2 cu ft with all seats in place to a maximum of 145.1 cu ft that’s possible through the Carnival’s flexible seating options, including removable and sliding second-row seats and split-folding third-row seating. This is a quick look at the roominess of the first, second, and third rows:
- Headroom: 40.9/ 39.5/ 38.6 in.
- Shoulder room: 64.2/ 63.2/ 59.5 in.
- Hip room: 59.8/ 66.4/ 50.4 in.
- Legroom: 41.1/ 40.5/ 35.6 in.
Notable Features Across the Board
In addition to their space and versatility, the Sorento, Telluride, and Carnival also come packed with features that enhance the driving experience and provide additional value. Several safety features, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-following and lane-keeping assist, are standard across all three models. Infotainment systems with large touch screens, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and Bluetooth connectivity are also standard in the three Kia models, ensuring that occupants stay connected and entertained on the go.
The Kia Sorento, Telluride, and Carnival are worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable vehicle that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Get in touch with us at Tom Kadlec Kia or visit us if you’re in Rochester, Minnesota, or the surrounding areas to learn more about the features and capabilities of these three models. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get behind the wheel of the right Kia for your needs.
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