2023 Kia Carnival Canada Review

Back

2023 Kia Carnival Canada Review

Posted on September 12, 2022

The 2023 Kia Carnival is the Korean automaker’s sole minivan, sorry, MPV. It’s a well-designed vehicle able to haul the whole family in comfort and safety, along with most cargo or luggage you’ll need.

 

It’s a solid option if you need to transport the family around and doesn’t look too bad either. We're going to give the 2023 Kia Carnival a review so you can decide if it's worth it in Canada.

 

 

Carnival design

 

The 2023 Kia Carnival looks a lot like a large SUV. It has similar looks with a lower ride height and that’s all for the good.

 

There’s the Kia grille up front with narrow lights and large fascia. An angular hood with sharp edge for the fender and smooth panels down the side.

 

A slightly sloping rood with rails runs the length of the cabin and ends in a large hatch at the back. A silver coloured quarterlight area integrates the rear door slider to complete the look.

 

Inside, the Carnival can seat up to 8 in comfort. Seating is comfortable, front seats are adjustable and the second two rows fold down for extra space.

 

The driving position is commanding, with good use of materials all round. There’s a digital dashboard and central touchscreen along with some physical controls for heat and AC.

 

 

The front screen is large, so offers an excellent view of the road and even though there are pillars all down the chassis, visibility isn’t compromised anywhere. There are cameras to show what you can’t easily see.

 

The middle row can be a standard row or captain’s chairs, with the latter reducing capacity to 7.

 

The middle seat in the second row can fold down to create a mini table of slide back into the third row. It’s a little thing, yet offers extra options.

 

The interior design maximizes space while delivering comfort, sound insulation from the road and plenty of storage and cubbies.

 

Engine and mechanicals

 

The 2023 Kia Carnival has a single engine and drivetrain option. It’s a 3.5-litre V6 that delivers 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 8 speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.

 

This is the only drivetrain option, which some lament. I think it’s perfectly adequate and delivers plenty of power and a smooth enough drive to transport everyone in comfort.

 

The U.S. IIHS rated it Top Safety Pick with LED headlights while the NHTSA has yet to rate the Carnival. We expect a similarly good score there.

 

All 2023 Kia Carnivals come with low speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitors, active lane control, driver attention warning and reverse parking sensors.

 

 

Higher trims also get front parking sensors, high speed automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a surround camera system and blind spot cameras.

 

If you need to transport up to 8, the 2023 Kia Carnival is a solid bet. It doesn’t particularly look or feel like a minivan and delivers everything you’re likely to need.

 

Check out the 2023 Kia Carnival in Canada at Georgetown Kia, 199 and 314 Guelph Street, Georgetown, Ontario

 

We’d love to help you find the perfect car loan. Simply fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you ASAP! 

 

Thanks for reading. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest great articles!