2023 Kia Carnival Isn’t A Real Upgrade
Price Range: $26,388 - $38,590
View 179 more photos
View 179 more photos360°
View 179 more photos
View 179 more photos
View 179 more photos+175
The 2023 Kia Carnival has some very attractive qualities. It boasts distinctive styling, a ton of standard features, comfortable seats and a great warranty. However, an underwhelming driving experience and some unrefined technology features keep it from being a home-run hit.
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $40,780
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Distinctive styling
- Lots of features for the price
- Comfortable seats
- Great warranty
Cons
- Drives like a minivan
- Some of the tech lacks refinement
- Some controls require too much driver attention
What's new
- New infotainment and driver assistance standard features for SX trim
- SX Prestige trim offers new second-row seating option
- Part of the first Carnival generation introduced for 2022
It’s still a classic minivan
Kia wants you to think of the 2023 Carnival as a "multi-purpose vehicle." However, despite its dramatic styling, SUV-style interior, and gimmicky available fully reclining second-row lounge seats, the Kia Carnival is a classic minivan. Large sliding rear side doors with exposed tracks, a cavernous interior with three rows of seats, and a V6 engine propelling the front wheels give it away.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
453 listings
- $34,750good price$3,267 below market
- 21,476 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Koons Woodbridge Ford (28 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! 2023 Kia Carnival SX Panthera Metal3.51 Axle Ratio, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, Auto High-beam Headlights, Delay-of...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDNE5H35P6292156
Stock: KWF261562A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-07-2026 - $36,000good price$2,175 below market
- 20,659 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 8 Seats, 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Koons Kia of Woodbridge (29 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
2023 Kia Carnival SX **PRICED BELOW MARKET VALUE**, 3rd row seats: split-bench, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Driver's Seat Integrated Memory System, ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDNE5H33P6280068
Stock: KWKP230823
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-17-2026
The styling and interior layout are what sets the Carnival apart from rivals such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Otherwise, this Kia uses a classic minivan recipe backed up by an excellent warranty. For now, electrified versions and all-wheel drive are unavailable, so the Carnival cannot match the Pacifica or Sienna on either front. The Carnival also isn't as good to drive as the Odyssey, though Kia's infotainment and driver assistance technologies are more advanced than what Honda provides.
Introduced for the 2022 model year, when it replaced the previous Sedona minivan, the Carnival only reflects minor changes for 2023. The SX trim now offers a standard blind-spot camera view and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, previously available only on the higher SX Prestige trim. The SX Prestige, meanwhile, now comes standard with a sliding bench-style second-row seat; the formerly standard lounge seats are now optional. Is this the best pick for your minivan needs? Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating of the Carnival to help you decide.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Kia Carnival on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance: Adequate power, sluggish feel
7/10
How does the Carnival drive? The Carnival's V6 engine makes a stout 290 hp, but in our testing we found the Carnival to be no quicker than the average minivan. Our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. The gas pedal is a little slow to respond in stop-and-go traffic, and the brake pedal is overly sensitive at first touch. But you'll likely adjust to both over time.
The Carnival's steering has some vagueness off-center, so driving down a long straight highway requires a bit more attention to keep it in line. Drivability in most situations is on par for a minivan. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly but isn't especially quick. If the minivan segment has a van built for the driving experience, it's the Honda Odyssey. All others, including the Carnival, sit together in the drives-like-a-minivan zone.
The Carnival's steering has some vagueness off-center, so driving down a long straight highway requires a bit more attention to keep it in line. Drivability in most situations is on par for a minivan. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly but isn't especially quick. If the minivan segment has a van built for the driving experience, it's the Honda Odyssey. All others, including the Carnival, sit together in the drives-like-a-minivan zone.
Comfort: Front seats win, second-row gimmicks stall
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Carnival? The Carnival may well have the most comfortable front seats in the minivan segment. They are well suited for long drives, and the heating and cooling functions worked just as expected.
The optional second-row lounge-style seats have some flashy features, but try them before buying because we think they're a bit gimmicky. You can only fully recline and extend the legrests if you slide the seats fully toward the center and rear of the van. Even then, adults will not be able to fully extend the legrests without having their feet touch the front-row seats. The third row isn't quite as spacious as in other minivans, but kids won't mind.
Our test Carnival managed to smooth out most bumps, but a few bad sections of freeway made our van shudder significantly more than any other we've driven through the same stretch. This minivan just doesn't feel quite as smooth or car-like as some other rivals. The climate control system heats and cools the cabin effectively, but the system's touch-sensitive controls offer no haptic feedback, which makes them cumbersome to interact with on the move.
The optional second-row lounge-style seats have some flashy features, but try them before buying because we think they're a bit gimmicky. You can only fully recline and extend the legrests if you slide the seats fully toward the center and rear of the van. Even then, adults will not be able to fully extend the legrests without having their feet touch the front-row seats. The third row isn't quite as spacious as in other minivans, but kids won't mind.
Our test Carnival managed to smooth out most bumps, but a few bad sections of freeway made our van shudder significantly more than any other we've driven through the same stretch. This minivan just doesn't feel quite as smooth or car-like as some other rivals. The climate control system heats and cools the cabin effectively, but the system's touch-sensitive controls offer no haptic feedback, which makes them cumbersome to interact with on the move.
Interior: Roomy practicality with minor cabin annoyances
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Carnival has quintessential minivan interior qualities. It's spacious, versatile, and easy to get in and out of. The Carnival's exterior design makes the rear sliding doors look smaller than those on other vans, but functionally the openings are just as big. Another advantage is the highly adjustable driver's seat; drivers of all sizes should find a comfortable spot. Outward visibility is excellent. The big windows and available surround-view camera system make it easy to know what's around you.
We're less impressed by the Carnival's smudge-prone piano black surfaces and lack of haptic response from some of the main cabin controls. Also note that the optional lounge-style seats can't be removed. We think the second-row bench seating will be the way to go for most.
We're less impressed by the Carnival's smudge-prone piano black surfaces and lack of haptic response from some of the main cabin controls. Also note that the optional lounge-style seats can't be removed. We think the second-row bench seating will be the way to go for most.
Technology: Tech shines, but driver aids lag
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Technology should be a highlight for the Carnival. On the upside, the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display is huge and has crisp-looking graphics. The multitude of parking cameras erase all guesswork for those with spatial concerns, too. If it's USB ports you're after, Kia supplies almost two per passenger. Many of these features are included at lower prices than for the rest of the class.
But it's not all as rosy as it appears on the spec sheet. Yes, Kia sets the bar with this bevy of tech options, but not all of them are as polished as we expect. The voice control system is less intuitive and helpful than other systems we've tested, and many of the advanced driver aids don't perform as crisply as those in other recent Kia vehicles we've tested. Oftentimes the lane keeping and traffic-adaptive cruise control systems seemed to be a hindrance rather than helpful.
But it's not all as rosy as it appears on the spec sheet. Yes, Kia sets the bar with this bevy of tech options, but not all of them are as polished as we expect. The voice control system is less intuitive and helpful than other systems we've tested, and many of the advanced driver aids don't perform as crisply as those in other recent Kia vehicles we've tested. Oftentimes the lane keeping and traffic-adaptive cruise control systems seemed to be a hindrance rather than helpful.
Storage: Cargo space wins, flex seats included
8.5/10
How’s the storage? Naturally, the Carnival does cargo space well. In the more parent-friendly, eight-passenger configuration, the second-row bench is divided into three sections that slide independently for flexibility. They can also be removed, though it's necessary to store them someplace. The third-row seats conveniently fold flat into the floor. There is 40.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the third row down and the second-row bench seat removed. Both figures are among the best in the class.
The Carnival cabin has plenty of nooks and pockets for storing things, but you can find more clever solutions in other vans. Are you transporting children at the car seat or booster seat age? There's plenty of room for installing safety seats, but the Carnival's lower seat anchors are a little difficult to access.
The Carnival cabin has plenty of nooks and pockets for storing things, but you can find more clever solutions in other vans. Are you transporting children at the car seat or booster seat age? There's plenty of room for installing safety seats, but the Carnival's lower seat anchors are a little difficult to access.
Fuel Economy: Average numbers, real-world surprise
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Carnival at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway). Compared to other V6-equipped minivans, its EPA fuel economy estimates are average. But it can't touch the hybrid competitors capable of 30 mpg and higher. On Edmunds' real-world evaluation route, the Carnival returned 26.2 mpg, which suggests the van may exceed the EPA's estimates in some driving situations.
Value: Kia brings low entry pricing and perks
8.5/10
Is the Carnival a good value? Kia continues to offer vehicles with strong value propositions. The Carnival has a competitive entry price in the low $30,000s, and each trim level upgrade seems to sneak in a feature that either the other guys don't have or only offer at a higher price point. Build quality is very good and the interior materials are impressive. Another bonus is Kia's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Wildcard: Kia sells counterculture minivan tech and value
8/10
Kia is pushing the not-a-minivan marketing angle, and you might find the Carnival has a bit of counterculture personality. But in the end, everything substantive about the vehicle is straight out of the minivan playbook. Where the Carnival does stand out is with its technology features and value.
2023 Kia Carnival trim level differences
Four versions of the Kia Carnival are available: LX, EX, SX and SX Prestige. Each comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Depending on the configuration, the Carnival seats seven or eight people. Highlights of each trim level include: Compare the 2023 Kia Carnival trim levels in-depth.
Which Carnival trim does Edmunds recommend?
We think the EX offers the best blend of style, features and value. It includes the safety and infotainment technology you're most likely to want combined with practical conveniences that make daily living easier.

2027 Kia Telluride: Exterior and Interior Photo Gallery

2026 Kia Carnival vs. Toyota Sienna: Hybrid Minivans Compared

2027 Kia Telluride Pricing: Here's How Much the Gas and Hybrid Trims Cost

The Best Minivans of 2026
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$226/mo for Carnival LX
Carnival LX
vs
$272/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Reliability
The 2023 Kia Carnival has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V025000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC292
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 101049
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
- Recall Number:
- 23V236000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC266
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 51568
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.
- Defect Consequence:
- A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
- Recall Number:
- 23V179000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC265
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3555
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Kia Carnival Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(52%)
4(16%)
3(8%)
2(10%)
1(14%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Quietest and most comfortable vehicle ever owned!
5 out of 5 starsJoe C, 01/30/2023
2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I am 78 and have owned everything from a Chevy vega to a BMW M3 convertible. At last count, I believe we have owned 43 or 44 new vehicles over the years, Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, Honda, Toyota, etc. This time we wanted a minivan as they are the most practical when you get older. the seats are slightly higher, but the ground clearance is lower. We wanted the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid … Platinum addition. But once we got to see one, and test drive it, the noise of the engine, the comfort, and the price at 54,110, it made sense to buy the KIA. Especially with an additional 6K upcharge and a 14-month wait!! We purchased a 2023 KIA Carnival SX Prestige in October at an MSRP of 48,612. We live in a retirement community where we take folks with wheelchairs and walkers. It is very roomy for these extra items and easy to get in and out of. The 3rd row comes in handy when our grandchildren visit. We drove to Florida and back in October and December. We average 27.6 MPG. The front seats are very comfortable with good electric adjustments. The adaptive cruise control works extremely well, and I can drive for 4 to 6 hours without stopping and have no pain, stiffness, or leg cramps! The middle row is comfortable, but it should have electric adjustments for moving forward, backward, and side to side. The prestige seats require you to slide in for you fully recline. We found the OEM tires on the Carnival were noisy, so I put Michelina snow tires on for the winter. The car is amazingly quiet, even at a cruising speed of 70 to 80 MPH. We have owned several SUVs
We now realize they are impractical and overrated. I do wish Carnival was an all-wheel drive. Folks should get over the stigma of a minivan and be comfortable and safe. this is a great car. Give it a chance, neigh sayers?
Pretty Sweet Ride
4 out of 5 starsKayla , 04/17/2021
2022 Kia Carnival SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I said I would never drive a minivan but really needed the space of a van and then boom Kia comes out with this MPV Carnival. If you ask why they decided to call it that its because the kids are the circus thats my thought anyways. This Carnival has lots of leg room for all passengers in the second and third row. The seats will actually slide up and back for more or less room as well. It … can hold 8 passengers but the middle second row seat can be removed to have captain seats and make easy access to the 3rd row. All the tech in the front is great. The front could have more storage space but over all I still love it. I am very unpleased with the entertainment system in the second row. The car itself does not have wifi so you can't use it unless you have a Hotspot. I am also currently having some issues with it randomly wanting to turn off while using it and the screen sometimes gives off a fuzzy resolution. There is only YouTube and Netflix on the system which I believe there should be more streaming options or I should be able to stream anything I want from my phone but unfortunately that is not an option. I would have been fine with a DVD player in the back so kids could watch what they want whenever and not hace to worry about connecting the system to wifi. The ride is great and very smooth. Overall great vehicle but there are definitely some things I would change or could have been better from a moms perspective and at the price point its at. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to other moms.
Upgraded from Soul EX
5 out of 5 starsKathryn M, 09/08/2023
2023 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I had owned 3 Souls since 2012 and since moving to Florida i needed more space for camping, fishing and kayak/paddleboard gear. I was looking at Bigger SUV's or even a Toyota Pickup but in the rain, nothing would be protected so I saw the Carnival in the dealer showroom and after looking at all the features and how much room it had i kinda fell for it! Everyone that see's it in my … community loves it. It doesn't "look" like a minivan, but it looks real nice. I have camped inside with 2nd row seats forward with an air mattress in the rain and had plenty of room to stand up and move around. I had a hitch installed as well for a bike rack. I recently took a trip to Key Largo, about 700 miles total, i shockingly got 30 mpg both ways. I LOVE the added horsepower as well. The turning radius is awesome as well! I also had 5 adults going to the beach w/all our gear and coolers - plenty of room. Overall, no real issues except once the dash display lights would not go brighter ( fuses were ok but found a solution online ) I disconnected the battery and reconnected it then heard all the modules resetting... Voila! it worked!
Eventually i'd like to tow a small teardrop trailer but for now tents and the SUV Tent work great with all the interior room i have.
Update: i bought a Mini Max Trailer and it tows pretty well. Mpg towing 2000-2500 lbs is avg 13 depending on the drive.
I have 26K miles now after 1.5 years and no issues.
Update: 3/2025, 34K miles, brakes and tires are still good and original. No issues with the car with regular maintenance.
Update August 2025: I traded in for a different vehicle, no issues with Carnival and i miss the spacious cabin. I had 40k miles no issues with it. Was a great car!
All the safety features are great 👍. It towed well , it sold within a week at the dealer!
2023 Kia Carnival Issues
1 out of 5 starsIrishwillow, 02/11/2025
2023 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I have had nothing but problems with my 2023 Kia Carnival. Starting with 3 recalls, and fuel system issues. I also brought to the attention of Tobin Kia dealership the hair line crack in the panel under rear window, silver on handles bubbling off and the sliding door jerking when opened. I was told the faulty material and workmanship of the vehicle were not covered under warranty. … They even suggested I might be at fault of causing the problems. WOW, and we are talking about a vehicle with only 13,500 miles with the same issue posted on the internet. In my opinion no one should ever buy a Kia.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Kia Carnival, so we've included reviews for other years of the Carnival since its last redesign.
2023 Kia Carnival video
The Best New & Upcoming Cars 2022-2023 | Highlights From the LA Auto Show 2021
2023 Carnival Features & Specs
LX
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $33,100 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $226/month |
| Seating | 7 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 40.2 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Carnival models:
- Rear Occupant Alert w/Ultrasonic Sensor
- Monitors interior for movement for 24 hours after the Carnival is parked, and can notify the owner via text if sensors detect a child or pet.
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal.
- Highway Driving Assist
- Combines adaptive cruise control with automated steering to keep the Carnival in its lane. System can operate down to stop-and-start speeds.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
| 5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
| Starting at $41,390 |
| 5.0 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
| Starting at $42,795 |
| 2.7 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
| Starting at $40,420 |
Related Used 2023 Kia Carnival info
Vehicle reviews of used Kia models
- Kia Cadenza 2020 Review
- Kia Forte 2020 Review
- Kia Forte 2021 Review
- Kia K5 2021 Review
- Kia K900 2020 Review
Shop similar used models
- Used Kia Carnival 2026
- Used Honda Odyssey 2026
- Used Chrysler Voyager 2026
- Used Ford Transit-connect 2021
- Used Nissan Quest 2017
- Used Dodge Grand-caravan 2020
- Used Nissan NV200 2021
- Used Honda Pilot 2026
- Used Chrysler Pacifica 2026
Shop used vehicles in your area
Research newer models of Kia
Other models
- Used Jeep Wrangler in Lima, OH 2025
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-2500 in Mooresville, NC 2004
- Used Volkswagen Golf-R in Ithaca, NY 2026
- Used Honda Accord-Hybrid in Utica, NY 2022
- Used Audi RS-Q8 in Los Angeles, CA 2026
- Used Audi RS-7 in North Miami Beach, FL 2026
- Used Nissan 350Z in Plano, TX 2009
- Used Hyundai Santa-Cruz in Mentor, OH 2026
- Used Lexus LX-470 in Goleta, CA 2007
- Used Lexus NX-350 in Culver City, CA 2023
- New Acura Adx for Sale in Upper Marlboro, MD
- New Honda Prelude for Sale in Kissimmee, FL
- New GMC Hummer-Ev-Suv for Sale in Merrillville, IN
- New Audi S6-Sportback-E-Tron for Sale in Linden, NJ
- New Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class for Sale in North Miami Beach, FL
- New Volvo Ex30-Cross-Country for Sale in Swedesboro, NJ
- New Honda Passport for Sale in Milford, CT
- New Mercedes-Benz Gla for Sale in Lewiston, ID
- New Jaguar F-Pace for Sale in Seattle, WA

