2024 Kia Carnival Consumer Reviews
Pricing
LX - $34,995 MSRP
Edmunds suggests you pay
$32,794Prices based on sales in GA thru 6/2/25
Final assembly in South Korea
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Carnival, so we've included reviews for other years of the Carnival since its last redesign.
Quietest and most comfortable vehicle ever owned!
Joe C, 01/30/2023
2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
101 of 103 people found this review helpful
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?
Never saw me in a mini van
Bob never me in a mini van , 12/27/2022
2023 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
After looking at the carnival and taking a ride we purchased a 2023 model. It is a base model and we are very happy with it so far have 7,000 miles on it already. Very comfortable very sporty and handles like a dream. Gas mileage is not bad for the size it is very roomy inside. So far nothing I don't like about it I would recommend it to friends and family
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2024 Kia Carnival for sale near you
Showing 3 of 50 listings
- EX Passenger MinivanMSRP: $36,42062 mi away
- LX Seat Package Passenger MinivanMSRP: $29,42062 mi away
- LX Seat Package Passenger MinivanMSRP: $33,99896 mi away
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Upgraded from Soul EX
Kathryn M, 09/08/2023
updated 03/11/2025
2023 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
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.
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5 months ownership
B. Kieffer, 08/30/2024
2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Pros: Excellent ride quality, adequate acceleration, comfortable seating, roomy interior, great tech and infotainment. Cons: Loose steering except in sport drive mode, long break travel, cruise control is slow to react to changes in elevation. Having owned my Kia Carnival for the past 5 months, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a minivan.
2023 Kia Carnival Issues
Irishwillow, 02/11/2025
2023 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
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Won't start, less than 4,000 miles
Nate, 11/10/2023
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
36 of 44 people found this review helpful
Within the first couple months of having my brand new Kia carnival, it wouldn't start in the morning and has now been at the dealership for 5 days and they can't figure out what's wrong with it. I've been paying out of pocket for a rental car because they refused to let me use one of their vehicles as a loaner. This is my first Kia and also my last.
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Huge Upgrade Coming From A Chrysler Pacifica
Carnival Owner, 10/26/2023
2024 Kia Carnival SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
Just picked up a 2024 Carnival SX and it is very nice upgrade from our Pacifica. It seats 8 much more comfortably and has all the features you could ask for from wireless charging to Highway Assisted Driving that helps steer the vehicle and not just brake or accelerate like every other minivan. The biggest thing is peace of mind knowing that the Carnival won't blow a head gasket like the Chrysler Pacifica. Overall it's a great vehicle, driving is refined and MPG gets better than advertised when using ECO mode.
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Great Minivan for a base level model!!!
Fish, 02/16/2023
2023 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I’ve always been a Toyota or Honda owner. I was skeptical about Kia. After research and making deals between Toyota and Honda dealerships, I gave up on looking to upgrade to a minivan. Fortunately, I came across Kia and took a chance on this Carnival base level. For an entry level and the functionality of minivan it was equipped nicely compare to other brands at a reasonable cost. Since my purchase, I think the handling, and the comfort is better than my Highlander. Furthermore, it’s roomy and serve the purpose for my family in a budget cost. If I had a better budget, I would get an EX or SX trim level. Only time will tell how reliable is Kia compare to Toyota or Honda!!! I’m sure down the road, Kia probably will offer AWD and or Hybrid version.
Just purchased my second Carnival SXP!
RJH, 01/04/2024
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We travel a lot(60k miles on our 2022). We looked and test drives several(Pacifica, Odyssey, Sienna), and came back the the Kia Carnival. For our needs, it's the perfect ride!
SX Prestige - Best Tech Package I have ever seen!
Allan C, 10/01/2023
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
The vehicle itself just looks good and has more of an SUV/Crossover look than a Minivan look. Mine has the 2nd row VIP Lounge Seating since I just never haul enough people to need 8 seats. Tons of room and I have always liked the Kia 3rd row seats that stow in the floor. Pop them up and the cargo space goes from generous to huge. The Tech Package just tops anything I personally have seen. The user selectable functions and options literally took me hours to setup (did a software update while I was at it). You can opt to set up an in-vehicle wireless hotspot that will require a Verizon subscription once the 3 month free trial is over. That's the one shortcoming in my book; you can't set up a router WiFi connection. The update process requires downloading the package to a USB drive. It would be nice to download it directly to the vehicles' head unit but that's a minor issue I can live with.
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Great vehicle- horrible grill design and service
Gary, 07/14/2024
2024 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
11 of 15 people found this review helpful
First off, I love the Carnival look, ride and experience but so disappointed in the front grill design and customer care. After one year of driving in optimal conditions and only 8000 miles my air conditioning wasn’t working and I took it in for service. It was not covered because they stated that the condenser was damaged due to road debris. As stated, I drove the garage kept van for short jaunts and highway driving and treated it like kid gloves. When shown the condenser which is right behind the grill it look like a machine gun riddled it. Looking at the grill the bottom and top are wide open and a plastic molding is across the middle where there was a void in damage. This design seems very susceptible to future damage. The repair cost over $3000 and I’m concerned with future issues. I contacted the head of customer care at Kia as well as his second and after sending several emails and photos about my concerns and the design issue I never received any response. Very disappointed.
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Never buy kia carnival
M mamda, 12/05/2023
2023 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
26 of 38 people found this review helpful
I bought kia last year 2023 since now I want to deler ship a lot this car has door issue, electronic issue for light , recall also front screen cracked I off the technician say lots off cosmetic items made by plastic I have a extended warranty cover by but last time I pay for bulbs and door to fix now I went yesterday for same issue It's cover only bulbs and door not the screen it almost $1400 I been tried to go to dealer ship to fix if you looking to reliable van my suggestion to look something else
The Blue Streak
Big Mart , 07/06/2024
2024 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this van for three weeks, 3000 miles and has been a joy to drive. It has all the room I need for my long trips to Florida. The carnival has a lot of high tech features which you can overcome easily. The ride is very smooth and has plenty of power. On the open road I got 28mpg and the average was 25mpg.There is a hidden hitch available for this model and all you see is the receiver tube which has a clean look. We like the interior two tone look with black accents. The navigation system with the12" touchscreen is very sleek and flows with the Instrument cluster. The rear seats fold down very easily. The highway driving assist is something I will need to get more familiar with .The model I purchased is the EX in ASTRA BLUE with interior saddle brown. The fit and finish inside and out look superb. We are extremely satisfied with this vehicle.
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Nice car, Inconvenient Safety features
Mike, 04/06/2024
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Kia in July 2023, It is a 2024 model SX Prestige. Let me start out by saying the car rides nice, gets good mileage and is overall comfortable. But the “safety features” are very user unfriendly!! It’s frustrating that you can’t lock the doors with the lock control on the inside of the door. All of the doors have to be shut then you have to press the button on the door handle. Not very handy in a rainstorm. The app leaves a lot to be desired. You can start the car or unlock the doors not both! Not very handy when you want to warm the car and open it for guests. When you use the app to open the door you have 10 seconds to get to the drivers door handle or it locks again on you! Again not very handy in a rainstorm! The app also works very slow, not sure if that’s a connection issue or app issue but it doesn’t respond well. If they allowed you to set the controls to your needs that would be great but they don’t allow that. Overall I like the car but some of the “safety settings” are very inconvenient.
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Not a minivan
Gregory, 06/07/2024
2023 Kia Carnival SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Kia Carnival looks like an SUV but have everything a minivan would have. This vehicle provides the driver with the best visibility I have experienced in any other vehicle I have driven. The Kia Carnival also has great handling and throttle control.
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The styling and flash of an SUV in a Van function!
VanSuv Buyer, 08/31/2022
2023 Kia Carnival SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
Beyond a completely versatile functioning vehicle feel that beyond adds flash and style of that SUV look.
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Just what I need it
Adele Corujo, 07/30/2023
2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
To my surprise the car feels very sturdy, like heavy so I feel well protected . At the same time it runs really smooth . The turns are complete in one attempt. I like it is not too complicate to understand the digital board . The only thing is the the trunk foor is manusl and it feels heavy.
Luxury car with a awesome price tag
Marcos LZ, 10/19/2023
2024 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Kia Carnival very spacious for 8 people with a very advanced handling system that helps you be safer, luxurious with a navigation system, sensors at all angles and at a good price
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Sensors keep going bad not covered by warranty
Cristina S, 07/10/2024
2024 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
The door sensors keep going bad. First the gas door sensor and the doors wouldn't open, then the door sensors went bad and they try to say that its our fault that the rubber came off and Kia won't cover it even though we are within the warranty. Its literally been one after the other with their bad sensors, time off to go there, days of missed work and then we have to pay for it. Go to a different company that doesn't have this problem.
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Kia catch-all
uglydick , 02/08/2024
2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
I’m of the age that all I need is an on-off switch, this vehicle has too much distraction functions, too much to play with while driving otherwise the Kia Carnival is the ideal automobile The Kia staff was amazed that I didn’t carry my phone with me.
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Love
DG, 06/01/2024
2024 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very happy with our purchase
SUV and minivan combined into one!
Laura, 06/19/2024
2024 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my 2024 Kia Carnival EX! This is our first time purchasing a brand new car. With the features and specs, the price tag is fantastic! We also own a fully loaded 2021 GMC Acadia Denali, and even though the KIA doesn’t have as many features as our GMC, its still seems very luxurious. It’s also very convenient for the kids. I am pregnant with baby #3, which is what prompted us to get a minivan and the Carnival was an easy choice. We were also considering the Chrystler Pacifica, but it turns out the Pacifica doesn’t have as much storage space. We also didnt go with the entertainment package for the KIA because they are basically tablets attached to the back of the seats. If your kids already own tablets, just purchase tablet holders for your car, don’t waste your money. I have had my KIA for about a week now, learning how to adjust the seats took some time. I was also kind of disappointed that the apple car play was not wireless like our GMC, but it’s really no inconvenience. The low MPG haven’t really caused a lot of trouble, it has a big gas tank, so I feel like I can go pretty far without needing to fill up. I come from having a ford escape as well as a ford focus, so this is a huge upgrade! Having the GMC with the AWD and the minivan for the passenger space make two great vehicles to have for a family.
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The Best
JB, 06/26/2023
updated 01/03/2025
2024 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great looking. Great handling. Great riding. Just a great vehicle. Buy one and see for yourself.
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Impossible to Get More Than Two Keys! Don't Buy!
David Michael, 12/30/2022
2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
12 of 51 people found this review helpful
I almost made a huge mistake in buying this vehicle. It has a lot of things that I like and I would have purchased if not for one thing. My family has five drivers. Every other car I've ever owned could get extra keys programmed for it. Expensive sometimes, but always possible. I've always had at least four keys for every vehicle I've ever owned. I never imagined that any car company would be stupid enough to prevent its owners from having extra keys. I was on the verge of getting a brand-new 2023 Carnival SX Prestige when I learned that I would NEVER be able to have more than two keys for it. It was so hard for me to believe that I did extensive research to confirm the limitation. In the end, I had to select a different brand of vehicle altogether. Don't make the same mistake I almost made. Do not buy a Kia until they let their customers have more than two keys!
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Review
KL, 10/02/2024
2023 Kia Carnival SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I’m still getting use to my vehicle but I like it so far, used 2023. Great customer service from my car dealer. The only thing I was kinda upset about was when I was waiting for my car, he said they were detailing it, it wasn’t until I got home and looked in the back seat again, I saw that one of the seats and carpet still had what looked like dried up vomit or spilled food that wasn’t cleaned up, and I was told I was getting a free portable tire inflator which was no where to be found.
Nice car
Jay, 11/09/2022
2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Everything all great
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Best of all
Raymond , 11/29/2024
2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd kia and I love all 3 They are still in the family
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New money
Bigticket21 , 08/10/2023
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great van alot of features
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Roomie multi vehicle
Robert Ganci , 03/27/2024
2024 Kia Carnival EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
A lot of techno. And trying to know all, and where it is.
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Bougie on a budget!
Tory B., 10/30/2024
2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
So many high tech features! It helps me to drive safer. It raises the driving experience. I am very happy!
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Nice ride
Sandoval family, 11/16/2022
2023 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great van lots of room
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Feeling safe
Adele Corujo, 07/30/2023
2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far has been a great experience . I am feeling protected and while driving the car it runs really smooth.