The 2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige is a minivan masquerading as an SUV. KIA revolutionizes the perception of minivan driving. I recall my sister mentioning she required a minivan but wanted to avoid the stereotype associated with being a soccer mom. One glimpse of the Carnival altered her perspective. This minivan is replete with opulence, comfort, and cutting-edge features usually found in premium SUVs.
Exterior
The Carnival SX Prestige boasts a captivating facade and daring design. Most would agree that the exterior aesthetics resemble those of an SUV. The Ceramic Silver body color is attractive and a lovely shade of gray. It is equipped with dual LED headlights, LED taillights, and 19-inch wheels that ensure a comfortable ride while enhancing its sophisticated look. The heated side mirrors that fold power-folding and integrate turn signals add practicality and elegance. Furthermore, the dual-panel sunroof floods the interior with natural illumination, contributing to a more expansive and welcoming atmosphere.
Interior
Inside, the Carnival SX Prestige continues to impress. The interior is furnished with top-notch materials, featuring genuine leather seating and VIP lounge seats in the second row that can slide, recline, and even provide leg-extension ottomans. These seating options are ideal for long journeys, delivering unmatched comfort. The third row likewise provides generous headroom and legroom, accommodating adult passengers comfortably. The Carnival is genuinely cozy. We cycled people in and out in various configurations and everyone felt at ease. With the Carnival, there is much to envy for rear passengers, as they are equipped with numerous entertainment choices and can truly recline for a nap on extended trips.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system are focal points of the Carnival’s sophisticated interior. The system includes a 12-speaker Bose sound system, delivering an extraordinary audio experience. I found the infotainment system intuitive and it offers a diverse range of features.
Performance
Under the hood, the Carnival SX Prestige is equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for seamless and efficient gear changes. The Carnival’s performance is remarkable for its category, with responsive acceleration and a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. The front-wheel-drive system performs well overall. I had the opportunity to test it in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ, and the Carnival excelled.
Safety and Technology
The Carnival SX Prestige is filled with state-of-the-art safety amenities, making it an attractive option for families. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance assistance, blind spot collision avoidance assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. The surround-view camera system and blind spot view monitor are particularly advantageous, offering excellent visibility and facilitating safer and easier maneuvers.
Cargo and Storage
Regarding cargo capacity, the Carnival exceeds expectations. With all seats upright, it provides 40.3 cubic feet of cargo room. Folding down the third row increases this to 86.9 cubic feet, and with the second row removed, you can access a cavernous 145.1 cubic feet of storage. However, opting for the VIP lounge seats means they cannot be removed, so you’ll need to choose between ultimate luxury and maximum cargo space.
Prestige Package
We have received numerous questions about what the Prestige Package entails, so here is an updated addition to the review. The Kia Prestige Package is a premium option available for various Kia models, including the Telluride and the Carnival. It enhances the vehicle with additional luxury and technological features.
- Interior Enhancements:
- Leather Upholstery: Superior leather seating that imparts a more luxurious ambiance.
- Heated and Ventilated Seats: Both front and second-row seating are heated and ventilated to enhance comfort in any climate.
- VIP Lounge Seating (Carnival): Electrically-adjustable second-row seats with leg-extension ottomans, offering first-class relaxation.
- Technology and Convenience:
- Head-Up Display: Projects essential driving data onto the windshield, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road.
- Surround View Monitor: Offers a 360-degree view around the vehicle, assisting in parking and close maneuvers.
- Premium Audio System: An exceptional Bose audio system with multiple speakers for an enhanced listening experience.
- Wireless Smartphone Charging: Conveniently charges compatible devices without the need for wires.
- Climate and Comfort:
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Allows distinct climate preferences for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers.
- Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatically adjusts wiper speed according to the rain’s intensity.
- Exterior Enhancements:
- Dual-Pane Sunroof: Provides an expansive view and lets in additional light, making the cabin feel more open and refreshing.
- LED Lighting: Features dual LED headlights, LED taillights, and fog lights for enhanced visibility and a modern appearance.
- Safety Features:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays a live feed of the vehicle’s blind spots when the turn signal is engaged, enhancing safety during lane switches.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Incorporates features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist to bolster overall safety.
The Kia Prestige Package significantly enhances the luxury and technology of already well-equipped vehicles, making them competitive with pricier luxury brands
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige merges luxury, functionality, and advanced technology into a unified, family-oriented package. Its upscale interior, robust performance, and comprehensive safety features render it an exceptional option for those looking to merge the utility of a minivan with the comforts of a high-end SUV. Although the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay is a minor drawback, the overall offering is challenging to surpass in the minivan category.
The MSRP for my test vehicle was $49,480 with all the extras. You can acquire a new Carnival starting at an MSRP of $36,500.
For further details and the official updates on all things KIA, you can visit the link below:
https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival-mpv
