The 2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige is a mini van disguised as an SUV. KIA redefines what it means to drive a minivan. I remember my sister saying she needed a minivan but didn’t want the stigma of being at that stage in life as a soccer mom. One look at the Carnival changed her mind. This minivan is packed with luxury, comfort and advanced features typically reserved for high-end SUVs.
Exterior
The Carnival SX Prestige has a striking presence and bold design. Almost everyone agrees the exterior style is more like an SUV.. The Ceramic Silver exterior color works and is a really pretty gray. It features dual LED headlights, LED tail lights, and 19-inch wheels that provide a smooth ride and enhance its upscale appearance. The power-folding, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals add both functionality and style. Additionally, the dual-panel sunroof fills the cabin with natural light, making the interior feel even more spacious and inviting.
Interior
Inside, the Carnival SX Prestige continues to make an impression. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, including genuine leather upholstery and VIP lounge seats in the second row that can slide, recline, and even offer leg-extension ottomans. These seats are perfect for long trips, providing unparalleled comfort. The third row also offers ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for adult passengers. The Carnival is really comfortable. We loaded people in and out in different configurations and everyone was comfortable. With the Carnival, there is much to be jealous of rear passengers as they have plenty of entertainment options and can really recline to take a nap on longer road trips.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system are central to the Carnival’s high-tech interior. The system includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing an exceptional sound experience.I found the infotainment system to be user-friendly and it has a wide range of options.
Performance
Under the hood, the Carnival SX Prestige is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient gear shifts. The Carnival’s performance is impressive for its class, with responsive acceleration and a 0-60 mph time of about 7 seconds. The front-wheel-drive system handles well overall. I had a chance to test it out in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ and the Carnival did great overall.
Safety and Technology
The Carnival SX Prestige is packed with advanced safety features,which makes it a compelling consideration for families. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The surround-view camera system and blind spot view monitor are particularly useful, providing excellent visibility and making maneuvers easier and safer.
Cargo and Storage
When it comes to cargo space, the Carnival doesn’t disappoint. With all seats in place, it offers 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the third row expands this to 86.9 cubic feet, and with the second row removed, you get a cavernous 145.1 cubic feet of storage space. However, if you opt for the VIP lounge seats, they are not removable, so you’ll need to decide between ultimate comfort and maximum cargo capacity.
Prestige Package
We have gotten quote a few inquiries asking what the Prestige Package is so here is an updated addition to the review. The Kia Prestige Package is a high-end option available for several Kia models, including the Telluride and the Carnival. It enhances the vehicle with additional luxury and technology features.
- Interior Upgrades:
- Leather Upholstery: Premium leather seats that provide a more luxurious feel.
- Heated and Ventilated Seats: Both front and second-row seats are heated and ventilated, enhancing comfort in all weather conditions.
- VIP Lounge Seating (Carnival): Power-adjustable second-row seats with leg-extension ottomans, offering first-class comfort.
- Technology and Convenience:
- Head-Up Display: Projects key driving information onto the windshield, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.
- Surround View Monitor: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and tight maneuvering.
- Premium Audio System: A high-quality Bose audio system with multiple speakers for an enhanced listening experience.
- Wireless Smartphone Charging: Conveniently charges compatible devices without the need for cables.
- Climate and Comfort:
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Allows separate climate settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers.
- Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatically adjusts wiper speed based on the intensity of the rain.
- Exterior Enhancements:
- Dual-Pane Sunroof: Offers an expansive view and lets in more light, making the cabin feel more open and airy.
- LED Lighting: Includes dual LED headlights, LED taillights, and fog lights for improved visibility and a modern look.
- Safety Features:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays a live feed of the vehicle’s blind spots when the turn signal is activated, increasing safety during lane changes.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist to enhance overall safety.
The Kia Prestige Package adds a significant amount of luxury and technology to already well-equipped vehicles, making them competitive with more expensive luxury brands
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Carnival SX Prestige blends luxury, practicality, and advanced technology into a single, family-friendly package. Its upscale interior, powerful performance, and extensive safety features make it an excellent choice for those looking to combine the utility of a minivan with the comforts of a high-end SUV. While the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay is a slight downside, the overall package is hard to beat in the minivan segment.
My test vehicle MSRP was $49,480 with all the extras. You can get into a new Carnival starting at MSRP $36,500
For more information and the official word on all things KIA you can visit the link below:
https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival-mpv
