2024 Kia Carnival

The exterior design of the Kia Carnival is a breath of fresh air in the minivan market. Its SUV-inspired aesthetics, including a blocky, upright stance and a bold front grille, give it a rugged yet refined look. The 19-inch machine-finished wheels available on higher trims add to its commanding presence on the road. LED headlights and the accessory roof rack further enhance its stylish yet functional design. The EX-trim now includes a power-operated rear liftgate.

Step inside the Kia Carnival, and you'll find a modern and accommodating interior. The dashboard and front-seat area feature a large center console with ample storage for small items. An optional dual-screen infotainment system, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz designs, spans two-thirds of the dashboard, combining a digital gauge display with an infotainment screen. The interior of the Kia Carnival can be tailored to fit various needs, from practical to luxurious. The EX-trim includes an in-cabin intercom and a voice-control system that allows rear-seat passengers to interact with the infotainment system. opt for the SX Prestige trim, and you'll enjoy leather upholstery and reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests—ideal for long road trips. The cargo space of the Kia Carnival is impressive, with the ability to fit 14 carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 48 in total with all seats folded. However, unlike some rivals, the second-row seats in the Carnival cannot be removed or stowed in the floor, which slightly limits its maximum cargo capacity.

Kia has equipped the Carnival with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features to ensure peace of mind on the road. Key safety features include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. The Kia Carnival also offers advanced features such as the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects a live feed of your blind spots onto the instrument cluster, and the Highway Driving Assist, which uses sensors and cameras to assist with steering, acceleration, and deceleration. Technology-wise, the Kia Carnival does not disappoint. It comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, with an optional upgrade to dual 12.3-inch displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, and up to nine USB ports ensure that all passengers can stay connected. Higher trims offer a rear-seat entertainment system and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

Under the hood, the Kia Carnival features a robust 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it is only available as a front-wheel-drive model, the Carnival performs admirably in various driving conditions. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 7.0 seconds and delivers a smooth, composed ride. Fuel economy is respectable, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. In real-world testing, the Carnival exceeded expectations, achieving 28 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. Despite the lack of an all-wheel-drive option, the performance of the Kia Carnival is competitive, thanks to its powerful engine and well-balanced handling. With a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., it is also capable of handling family adventures with ease.