2024 Kia Carnival review
Kia Carnival highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Distinctive styling
- Plenty of features for the price
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- Sensitive brake pedal that takes getting used to
- Some of the tech features lack refinement
- Touch-sensitive buttons require too much driver attention
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 26 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2024 Kia Carnival is a different take on a traditional minivan
The Kia Carnival is the brand's minivan, or as the automaker calls it, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). It competes with the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. The Carnival stands out from its competitors thanks to its SUV-like styling. This makes it more appealing to those who need the utility of a minivan but don't want it to look like one.
There were no significant changes to the 2024 Kia Carnival, as it is only two model years removed from its debut. The Carnival features a tech-forward interior with a widescreen display and a camera and intercom system to keep tabs on your passengers. It also has a roomy, versatile interior complete with three rows of seating and high-quality materials. If you want your passengers to sit in style, the top-of-the-line SX Prestige model can even be had with fully reclining second-row seats with footrests, though you will no longer be able to remove the seats to maximize cargo space.
All Kia Carnival years
5 reasons to buy the 2024 Kia Carnival
What We Like
Ease of entry: The Carnival sits a touch higher than other vans, but the seats are not too high and remain easy to slide in and out of. The exterior design makes the second-row sliding doors appear smaller, but they function just as well as those of competitors.
Large touchscreen: The Carnival has one of the largest touchscreens among minivans. The graphics are sharp, it responds quickly to touch, and the menus are well organized. The navigation prompts are easy to follow, and the system gives comprehensive directions that include lane guidance.
Excellent storage space: The Carnival does cargo space well, as you might expect from a minivan. In the more parent-friendly eight-passenger configuration, the second-row bench is divided into three sections that slide independently for greater flexibility. The second row can also be removed, though you will need to store it somewhere. The third-row seats, however, fold conveniently flat into the floor. There is 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the third row down and the second-row bench seat removed. Both figures are among the best in the class.
What Needs Improvement
Driver aids: While the Carnival may have a ton of driver aids, not all of them are polished. During its testing, Edmunds noticed that the Carnival veered out of the lane when the lane-keeping assistance and active steering could no longer spot the lane markers. When the auto cruise control was set to the speed limit, the van would surge forward when it noted a change in the speed limit. This could catch the driver off-guard, although setting the cruise speed at 1 mph above or below the limit resolved the issue.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2024 Kia Carnival is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
Kia Carnival features and specs
LX Seat Package 2WD 4D Pass Van
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Sliding Door(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Remote Start
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
290
Torque (ft-lbs)
262
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
121.7"
Overall length
203"
Width
78.5"
Height
68.5"
Leg room
F 41.1"/M 40.5"/R 35.6"
Head room
F 40.9"/M 39.5"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P235/65TR17
Rear tires
P235/65TR17
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2024 Kia Carnival FAQ
The 2024 Kia Carnival is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LX Seat Package: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- LX: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- EX: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SX: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SX Prestige: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
The 2024 Kia Carnival has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2024 Kia Carnival:
- Rear A/C Seat(s)
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Auxiliary Audio Input
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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