Blurring the lines between a minivan and a crossover SUV, the 2023 Kia Carnival MPV is, as the name states, a multi-purpose vehicle that’s ready for pretty much anything modern suburban life has to throw at it. As is typical for Kia vehicles, the Carnival starts at a very affordable, value-packed price in base form, but it can be optioned into its more luxurious form, too — for a price.
Starting at $32,600 for the base LX model, the 2023 Carnival is available in four primary trims. The LX model also gets the option of a “Seat Package,” which offers an 8-passenger configuration with second-row “slide-flex” seating. The Carnival EX (starting at $38,100) and SX (from $41,300) are mid-tier models, with the EX offering the 8-passenger seating configuration and the SX including 12.3-inch dual panoramic front-row displays.
For the absolute top-of-the-line 2023 Kia Carnival, you’ll want to upgrade to the SX Prestige, which offers dual sunroofs, a Bose premium audio system, and more, all for a starting price of $45,700. There’s also a short list of optional extras you can add to the 2023 Carnival SX Prestige, including a rear-seat entertainment system and a second-row, heated and ventilated VIP lounge seats with leg extension. The price of the fully loaded, every-box-ticked 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige? A cool $50,990, plus taxes and fees.
Other features you’ll find on the fully-loaded 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige include:
- 3.5-liter, 290-hp/262 lb-ft V6 engine
- 19-inch alloy wheels in gloss black
- Leather upholstery
- Dual sunroofs
- Roof rails
- Smart power tailgate
- Power sliding rear doors
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 115-volt power outlet
- Integrated window sunshades for second/third rows
- Surround-view monitor
- 12.3-inch dual displays
- In-cabin passenger camera and intercom
- Bose Premium Audio
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Wireless phone charger
- Front power seats with driver memory settings
- Kia Drive Wise driver-assist technology, including front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic assist, etc.
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- LED projector headlights
- LED taillights
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink
Hands-Free Sliding Rear Doors
Lending the otherwise SUV-proportioned Kia Carnival its minivan-like ease of entry are its sliding rear doors. Not only are they larger and more practical, but they can also be operated without any hands at all — as long as the SmartKey is nearby. It’s a great feature no matter whether you’re wrangling the kids to school or practice, shopping for groceries, or just headed out on the town.
Slide-Flex Seating
While most crossovers and minivans make waves about their optional captain’s chair second-row seating (also available), the Kia Carnival’s 8-passenger configuration is arguably the more interesting one, with its “Slide-Flex” seats. The Slide-Flex center seat can slide forward for easier front-row access, or it can be turned into a table for the rear seats.
More 2023 Kia Carnival
Read our full review to learn more about the Carnival, build and price your own, or see Carnival models for sale near you.
