2024 Kia Carnival

Price Range: $33,600 - $46,700

Kia Carnival SX Prestige Passenger Minivan Exterior Shown

Good

The 2024 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.Read full review

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Kia Carnival for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$29,494

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/2/26

Final assembly in South Korea

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

Minor feature changes to EX trim
Part of the first Carnival generation introduced for 2022

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

3/9/2026

Despite Kia wanting to call the 2024 Carnival an "MPV or "multi-purpose vehicle," we think it is one of the best minivans on sale. The Carnival has SUV-like styling, but with trademark minivan doors that give way to a functional, luxurious interior. There's even an optional fully reclining second row with footrests.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$186/mo

$225/mo

Avg. Large Minivan

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We like the integrated driver display and widescreen infotainment touchscreen that give the Carnival a tech-savvy feel, as do the in-cabin camera and intercom system for managing sleeping or boisterous kids. The Carnival is also backed by a generous warranty. The Carnival debuted only two years ago, replacing the discontinued Sedona minivan, and changes for 2024 are nearly imperceptible. (The EX trim no longer offers auto up/down on all power windows, for example.) We wouldn't expect big changes from Kia now, but to remain competitive, the Carnival may need to refine its suspension and driving dynamics to more closely match the engaging Honda Odyssey. A more fuel-efficient V6 or even a hybrid powertrain would also help it close the gap on the exceptionally fuel-efficient Toyota Sienna.

For now the Carnival represents one of the most stylish and comfortable ways to own a minivan without the assumed frumpiness. It's an MPV after all. Is it right for you? Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Mike Schmidt

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2024 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

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.

Comfort

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.

Interior

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2024 Kia Carnival pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2024 Kia Carnival for March

Here are some valuable buying and negotiating tips for the 2024 Kia Carnival to help car shoppers make informed decisions and secure the best deals.

The Edmunds True Market Value for all trims of the 2024 Kia Carnival is about 14.5% less than the MSRP. This translates to savings ranging from around $4,888 to over $6,793, depending on the trim. Use this information to negotiate a better purchase price with dealers.
If you are considering used options, there's a good amount of used inventory available across different trims of the Kia Carnival. The lowest displayed dealer price for used models starts around $26,679.2, providing a baseline to compare and negotiate prices for used options.
The SX Prestige trim offers the highest savings off MSRP at $6,793. If you're considering new, this trim may offer the best value in terms of price reduction, making it a worthwhile option to investigate further during negotiations.
While there is no new inventory reported, pay attention to the used inventory levels for specific trims. For example, the LX and EX trims have substantial used inventories, meaning you might have more room to negotiate discounts on these models. However, with the SX trim selling in about 29 days, much quicker than the average 43 days for used cars, you'll want to act fast as these models are in higher demand.

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Technology

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.

Storage

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

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

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

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.

2024 Kia Carnival trim level differences

The 2024 Kia Carnival is a three-row minivan available in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX and SX Prestige. Each comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque), eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Carnival seats seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2024 Kia Carnival trim levels in-depth.

Which Carnival trim does Edmunds recommend?

We like the EX best because it combines plenty of useful features — heated seats, larger touchscreen, wireless phone charger, additional safety systems — while sparing the expense of the SX trims and their extra luxuries.

Kia Carnival Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

34 reviews

5(64%)

4(11%)

3(3%)

2(13%)

1(9%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2024 Kia Carnival is mixed. Owners like the roomy interior, comfortable seating, and features that make driving enjoyable. However, many owners report troubling mechanical issues, problems with the safety features, and poor customer service. Some feel the design has flaws, like the front grill being easily damaged and the limit on having extra keys.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 34 reviews of the Kia Carnival

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Quietest and most comfortable vehicle ever owned!

Joe 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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Kia Carnival, so we've included review for other years of the Carnival since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2024 Kia Carnival video

The Best New & Upcoming Cars 2022-2023 | Highlights From the LA Auto Show 2021

NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Kia Carnival, but since the 2024 Kia Carnival is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

2024 Kia Carnival Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$186/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	40.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2024 Kia Carnival has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking 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.

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

Compare the Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival
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Kia Carnival vs. Chrysler Pacifica

Like the Carnival, the Pacifica masks its minivan function in a sleek, vaguely SUV-like body. It offers unique second-row seats that can fold into the floor to maximize cargo capacity, and it's one of only two minivans available with all-wheel drive. (The Toyota Sienna is the other.) The Pacifica also offers a plug-in hybrid option, making it a pretty versatile lineup for minivan shoppers. The Kia can't match the Pacifica's flexibility, but it's roomier overall and offers more cargo space.

Compare Kia Carnival & Chrysler Pacifica features

Kia Carnival vs. Honda Odyssey

Consider the Odyssey the "driver's choice" among minivans. Honda's typically spirited handling characteristics are baked in and the V6 engine is eager and strong. It also offers three comfortable rows of flexible seating configurations. But the Odyssey's design is polarizing and its aging infotainment and safety systems have fallen behind competitors. Its lack of all-wheel-drive and hybrid options also limit its appeal. See what it's like to live with the current-generation Odyssey by reading our long-term road test.

Compare Kia Carnival & Honda Odyssey features

Kia Carnival vs. Toyota Sienna

Toyota redesigned the Sienna a couple of years ago, turning it into a hybrid and giving it the best fuel economy among minivans. All-wheel drive is also optional, and there's even a modestly capable off-road version called the Woodland Edition with a lifted suspension. The Sienna offers a generously roomy interior, but fixed second-row seats limit its utility and maximum cargo space. For more, read the Edmunds long-term road test of the Toyota Sienna.

Compare Kia Carnival & Toyota Sienna features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Carnival safety features:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	14%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Poor
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

FAQ

Is the Kia Carnival a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Carnival both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Carnival gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Carnival has 40.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Carnival. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Kia Carnival?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Kia Carnival:

Minor feature changes to EX trim
Part of the first Carnival generation introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Carnival is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Carnival. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Carnival's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Kia Carnival a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Kia Carnival is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Carnival and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Carnival gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Carnival is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Kia Carnival?

The least-expensive 2024 Kia Carnival is the 2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $33,600.

Other versions include:

LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $33,600
LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $35,600
EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,100
SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,300
SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $46,700

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Carnival?

If you're interested in the Kia Carnival, the next question is, which Carnival model is right for you? Carnival variants include LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Carnival models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Kia Carnival

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Buying Tips for the 2024 Kia Carnival for March

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2024 Kia Carnival trim level differences

Which Carnival trim does Edmunds recommend?

Kia Carnival Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2024 Kia Carnival video

2024 Kia Carnival Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Compare the Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival vs. Chrysler Pacifica

Kia Carnival vs. Honda Odyssey

Kia Carnival vs. Toyota Sienna

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Carnival safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Kia Carnival a good car?

What's new in the 2024 Kia Carnival?

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

Is the 2024 Kia Carnival a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Kia Carnival?

What are the different models of Kia Carnival?