Since no changes are expected, or at least no major changes, the 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 is expected to be the base engine again and is sure to satisfy all your minivan needs, with some extra power if you want to seek some thrill. The vehicle produces a whopping 290 horsepower and manages a 7-second time for its 0-60mph test, which is the second-best among the competition.
In terms of the powertrain, the vehicle utilizes the usual 8-speed automatic transmission, utilizing the front wheels; the AWD is not yet confirmed as an option for the 2023 Kia Carnival. The torque is sufficient enough as well, with 262 lb-ft, it is sure to get you out of a sticky situation if you ever get into one. It is perfect for driving on smooth roads, with enough smoothness in ride quality and luxury. But, as in the current iteration, you might feel the bumps though, so go slow when you see one, or you might feel that one real good.
Model
|
2023 Kia Carnival
|
2023 Honda Odyssey
|
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
|
MSRP
|
$33,000
|
$37,000
|
$37,000
|
Engine
|
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
|
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
|
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD/AWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
Power (hp)
|
290 hp @ 6,400 rpm
|
280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
|
287 hp @ 6,400 rpm
|
Torque (lb.-ft)
|
262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
|
262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
|
262 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
7 seconds
|
6.7 seconds
|
7.3 seconds
|
Quarter-mile (seconds)
|
15.3 secs @ 93 mph
|
15.1 secs @ 94.4 mph
|
15.6 secs @ 89.9 mph
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
118 MPH
|
111 MPH
|
120 MPH
|
As you can see the 2023 Honda Odyssey seems to take the slice when it comes to being the quickest, at 6.7 seconds (now that is a fast minivan), with the 2022 Pacifica being the slowest at 7.3 seconds, but as mentioned earlier this isn’t a sports car section. A minivan is generally a family-orientated vehicle, and though performance matters when it comes to fuel efficiency and load capacity, it is not everything.
2023 Kia Carnival Ride and Handling
If the 2023 Carnival is to follow suit as the 2022 model year, then comfort will be top-tier. Being one of the best in the segment, the Carnival will be suited for long drives, no matter the weather. Although it does not perform well if the road is bad or has bumps, we are sure the advanced climate system and the reclining seats will reduce some of that discomfort. We can only speculate that Kia has taken in the positive criticism and found a solution to this issue.
The handling is nothing to be excited about. Sure, it might look like an SUV, but it is still expected to have that vague steering style you would get in a minivan but is nothing to be disappointed about. It promises to be much more refined than most minivans on the market. The transmission would shift smoothly enough since it is not a CVT.
2023 Kia Carnival Braking Performace
Kia understood the assignment when it came to the 2022 Kia Carnival, so why would you expect anything else on the new model? If not, it will be even better. For now, we will compare the statistics that we can rely on. It seems that the 2023 Kia Carnival if lives up to its parent, will have some good stop power behind it, coming to a full stop at 118 feet, which is the best out of its competition. When it comes to safety, “Prevention is better than a cure”, and good brakes can save you from a lot of problems plenty, and is a key factor in judging a good family-oriented vehicle.
Model
|
2023 Kia Carnival
|
2023 Honda Odyssey
|
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
|
Brake Rotors (front) (in.)
|
12.8
|
13
|
12.9
|
Brake Rotors (Rear) (in.)
|
12.8
|
13
|
12.5
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
4,376 lbs
|
4,521 lbs
|
4,610 lbs
|
60-0 (ft)
|
118 feet
|
119 feet
|
125 feet
|
The 2023 Odyssey seems to fight for the second position at 119 ft, with the 2022 Pacifica going last at 125 ft. The difference, though, would be due to the materials used. It can also be due to the difference in weight of these minivans.