The 2023 Kia Carnival is well speculated to have at least 4 trims. One thing about Kia is that despite the affordable price compared to the rivals, even its basic trims get some kind of unique features, like the Proximity sensors for entry. Although, nothing beats the feel of luxury and true Kia technology like the SX Prestige, which has features like the BMV system and the memory foamed seatings. But the price jumps along with it. If you want a taste of both worlds that is a bit of what Kia Carnival can truly offer but also keep cost in mind the SX is speculatively the best choice.

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Taking into consideration the average joe, we would suggest you go with the SX trim, to get the best of both worlds. A little bit of opulence, you, the hard-working customer deserve but also taking into consideration that money is not something you don’t want to spend too much on lavishness. Kia seems to know their customers well and the SX trims seem to give you the bang for your buck, with enough features that you would feel happy to pay the $42,000 price tag.

Release Date

There is much speculation about when it will be released, but Kia is expected to release the 2023 Carnival, probably around the second quarter of 2022, much like the 2022 Carnival last year. 

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.

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.

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.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2023 Kia Carnival can give you a decent mileage, that is if the speculated model year remains the same in terms of the base engine and curb weight. The 2023 Kia Carnival will probably fight for the last position with a mediocre combined mileage of 22 MPG, hence a range of 418 miles if the fuel tank remains a 19-gallons.

The 2023 Honda Odyssey leads the segment with a combined range of 429 miles, which is possible due to its fuel tank of 19.5-gallons. On the other hand, the 2022 Pacifica and 2023 Carnival are expected to stand neck-and-neck, averaging a combined mileage of 22 MPG. However, Chrysler does manage to gain a lead, when being driven on a highway. 

Do you want a premium interior, but don’t want to break the bank for it? The 2023 Kia Carnival would probably be the choice for you if it follows suit with the 2022 Kia Carnival. Even though the LX trim provides you with the basic, plushy seats, we would highly recommend you to go with the SX trims and above. You will be getting a higher quality finishing on your seats. The extra inches in the infotainment system, not to mention the rear entertainment system and premium sound quality is too much to pass upon, also did we mention that the SX Prestige comes in memory foamed, leather finished reclinable seats? Now, the main hall isn’t the only place where your dad can snooze off with the TV on. 

Overall, the 2023 Kia Carnival is expected to be the most spacious among the competition, especially in the first and second rows. A 6-ft tall person can easily sit both in the front and the second row with no problem. The cargo space is expected to be the biggest as well, estimated to be around 145 cubic feet.

The 2023 Honda Odyssey gives a tight competition with a narrow miss at 144.9 cubic feet in the maximum cargo space department. On the other hand, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica seems to take the second position in terms of spacing. The first row has a decent amount of space for the occupants to feel comfortable and it also bestows a good 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Some standout interior features of the 2023 Kia Carnival that are presumed to be included are:

• Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors
• 7-passenger seating w/ rear air conditioning
• Power Driver’s Seat w/ Power Lumbar Support
• 8-passenger seating w/2nd-row center free mode seat
• SynTex seating trim
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Smart power liftgate
• Tri-zone auto climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Memory driver’s seat
• Power passenger seat
• 115V power outlets
• Leather seating trim
• 12-Speaker Bose Premium Audio System
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 7-passenger seating w/ 2nd row VIP lounge seats
• Heated and ventilated 2nd-row seats
• Heated steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2023 Kia Carnival’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system isn’t anything special, but it doesn’t mean Kia will ignore it either. If it is to follow suit with the 2022 Carnival, you will be just fine, you will understand and utilize the system in no time. Currently, the base trim offers a basic 8-inch screen, with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, so not too shabby. The screens get bigger as the trims go up, but the extra spice would be the advance “Kia Connect” and smart navigation assisted cruise control you would get with the SX Prestige trim. 

Listed below are some standout features that are sure to be available with the Kia Carnival:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Rear-seat entertainment system with two displays
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Satellite radio
• Wireless device charging
• Built-in navigation

This people mover will probably keep the same design since it had a very positive response the first time when it was introduced last year. At most, Kia might make minor unnoticeable changes. The 2023 Carnival will retain typical minivan strengths, including massive interior space for people and cargo, and gain a few distinctive upgrades. For those who have a large family but don't want to pull up to soccer practice with another ugly minivan, the Carnival will be a solid pick. You could even consider it an alternative to run-of-the-mill three-row SUVs, the way it is designed. Heck, you probably wouldn't tell it was a minivan from afar. 

The 2023 Kia Carnival is unlikely to beat out the class favorites in terms of space since the length, width, and height are not competitive enough. That being said it’s not to say the Kia Carnival is going to be crappy and tight. Quite the contrary, the minivan has the longest wheelbase of 121.7 inches in its segment. 

It seems, finally, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica owners got something to flex with better measurements than the competitors. It has the biggest dimensions of them all, with length, width, and height of 204.3, 79.6, and 69.9 inches, respectively. The 2023 Honda Odyssey is slightly smaller in its dimensions and even has the shortest wheelbase of 118.1 inches. 

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• Power sliding rear doors
• Smart power liftgate
• LED fog lamps
• LED projector headlights and rear taillights
• Rear Spoiler w/ LED Taillight
• Sound-Absorbing Front Windshield
• Emergency Tire Solution

As to not putting the cart before the horse, we cannot provide an accurate statement in terms of safety and its aspects as the 2023 MY is yet to be released. Although, the 2022 Kia Carnival was the “Top Safety Pick” for the IIHS, and no sensible company is going to do anything to go below the current safety ratings, right? So we can expect the same excellence in safety in the 2023 Carnival as well.

Some of the standout safety features that could be available with the 2023 Kia Carnival include:

• Auto Emergency Braking Technology
• Blind Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance
• Lane Keeping Assist Technology
• Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors
• Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking w/ Junction Turn and Cyclist Detection
• Navigation based smart cruise control
• Parking Distance Warning – forward

2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey has had a strong reputation in the minivan segment for a while now, for its strong engine, upscale interior, and a long list of other standard features. However, with the arrival of the 2022 Carnival, Kia has questioned its supremacy, especially in terms of standard features and technology. So, we expect the same head-to-head clash in the 2023 Model year as well. Where one section the Honda has the upper hand the Kia gets another one, with the price being the only clear difference you can make at a quick glance.

You can go ahead with the 2023 Kia Carnival, with a slight bit better pricing estimates provided compared to the 2023 Honda Odyssey. 

2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the top-rated minivans and can share a lot of merits with the new Carnival model. The Pacifica also has a premium interior with ample space for both passengers and cargo. However, that is where the comparison ends. As the cost, mileage, overall ride quality, performance, and cargo space, the Carnival has gotten it beaten.

The Kia Carnival can beat the 2022 Pacifica easily unless Chrysler does something about it. As it stands, getting the SX trim is still more cost-efficient for you. Since not only will you get a superior interior and plenty of features, it is speculated to still cost as much as the base trim of Pacifica, which has nothing to offer comparatively.

Firstly, the Kia Carnival is great, but, and there is always one, there is going to be no change for the 2023 Model Year. So, why wait? Clearly, the 2022 Kia Carnival is a good enough minivan, has everything a person with a family and a bit of “aesthetic requiring” person needs. Unless there is any serious change with the features provided or the safety rating, you can go ahead with the 2022 Kia Carnival or wait for the 2023 one too, since you have been so patient.