Today’s automotive market may be all about crossovers, but there is still a decent demand for minivans, which are still the most practical family haulers. The current market included a couple of minivans, including Kia Carnival, which came completely redesigned last year. Therefore, we don’t believe that the 2023 Kia Carnival, which will represent the second production year, could bring more important changes. We count on the same design, though there is always a chance to see minor updates like new standard features and similar things.
On the other hand, the overall design will remain largely the same. This is a pretty fresh model, which is bigger and more spacious than the previous generation. It is also equipped with more standard and available equipment, while the engine offers more power and better fuel economy. The cabin looks really upscale, while the seats are massive and comfortable.
As there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Kia Carnival will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Kia Carnival Design
The current generation of Kia’s minivan was introduced last year and, therefore, we have no doubt that the 2023 Kia Carnival will continue in the same way. The new model rides on the N3 platform, the same one that underpins the current-generation Kia Sorento. The ride quality is good and the Carnival is actually pretty easy to drive, despite 121.7 inches in wheelbase. More importantly, the ride is smooth and comfortable, perfect for long journeys.
Styling-wise, the recent redesign brought a completely new layout, based on the brand’s latest design language. The front end utilizes sharp lines and has a lot in common with the aforementioned Sorento. The rest of the body comes in a typical minivan manner, while we should also mention that the new generation is slightly bigger than the previous generation.
Interior
The Carnival is spacious and comfortable. With nearly 122 inches in wheelbase, there is no doubt that there is plenty of legroom in all three rows. This minivan can accommodate eight adults pretty easily, while you can also opt for the second-row captain’s chairs, which reduces the capacity to seven. The seats are well-shaped and offer good side support. They are also massive and comfortable.
Another thing we like about this minivan is its spacious and versatile cargo area. You may count on about 40 cubic feet behind the third row, 87 cubic feet behind the second row and 145 cubic feet of the total cargo volume. That’s pretty good for the segment, while we also like the fact that the third row folds flat into the floor. The second row folds as well, while it can be physically removed too.
The interior quality is really good too. Fine materials are all around the cabin, while the long list of standard and available equipment makes it look even more upscale.
Features
New things on the list of standard and available equipment are possible here and there but we don’t expect significant changes. Therefore, all models should come standard with goodies like push-button start, an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio, Bluetooth, seven USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Among upgrades, you can find a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, an eight-speaker audio system, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, additional USB ports, wireless device charging, a rear-seat entertainment system, dual sunroofs, tri-zone automatic climate control, an in-vehicle intercom, and a passenger-view camera.
When it comes to safety features, all models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, vehicle exit warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, driver drowsiness monitoring etc. The list of available safety features should include adaptive cruise control, cyclist detection, surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors etc.
2023 Kia Carnival Engine
Things under the hood definitely won’t change. The 2023 Kia Carnival will continue with the familiar 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 290 horsepower. The engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty good job too. Shifts are smooth and in a timely manner, while driving dynamics are pretty good too.
When it comes to fuel economy, you may count on about 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for the segment.
2023 Kia Carnival Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2023 Kia Carnival won’t arrive before the last quarter of the year. The current model starts at around 33.000 dollars and we don’t expect this to change in the next year. Key competitors are models like Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica.
