“The Kia Carnival is a fantastic investment for someone wanting a superior vehicle that has many seating and stowing options. It is still stylish and has a ton of technology.”
2023 Kia Carnival: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Kia Carnival gets a light trim-level update rather than a redesign. The main change is that the SX gains a standard pair of integrated 12.3-inch displays.
About the 2023 Kia Carnival
Fourth generation Carnival, introduced in the U.S. for 2022; 2023 is the second model year of that generation, before the 2025 refresh.
Kia positions the Carnival as a multi-purpose vehicle that blends SUV-like styling with minivan usefulness. Its appeal is big passenger and cargo room, sliding-door practicality, flexible three-row seating for seven or eight, a strong V6, and a generous list of driver-assistance features. In Kia's own framing, it sits between a family hauler and a three-row SUV, giving families everyday practicality without the traditional van look.
The Carnival remains a front-wheel-drive family vehicle with a V6 and seating for seven or eight, depending on trim. EX is the practical middle trim, with navigation, a cabin camera and an intercom, while SX adds more cameras and ventilated front seats. SX Prestige is the luxury-focused version, with leather seats, Bose audio, dual sunroofs and a standard eight-passenger layout for 2023.
What changed, by category
Tech
SX gains a standard integrated 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch center touchscreen.
Safety
SX gains Blind-Spot View Monitor, which shows a camera view of the adjacent lane in the instrument display when the turn signal is used.
2023 Kia Carnival specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.5 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.5 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.5 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.5 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 145.1 cu-ft | 145.1 cu-ft | 145.1 cu-ft | 145.1 cu-ft | 145.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Carnival a major redesign?
No. The 2023 Carnival carries over the fourth-generation design introduced for 2022, with updates limited to equipment on the SX and SX Prestige trims.
What changed on the 2023 Kia Carnival SX?
The 2023 Carnival SX gains a standard integrated pair of 12.3-inch displays and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Its other major features include a surround-view camera, reverse automatic braking and ventilated front seats.
How many seats does the 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige have?
The 2023 Carnival SX Prestige has eight seats as standard. Its Slide-Flex layout adds a multi-function center seat in the second row, replacing the prior standard seven-seat arrangement.
Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have all-wheel drive?
No. Every 2023 Carnival uses front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2023 Kia Carnival worth choosing over the 2022 model?
The 2023 model is most meaningfully different in SX and SX Prestige form. The SX adds its dual-display setup and blind-spot camera view, while the SX Prestige changes to a standard eight-seat layout; lower trims are essentially carryovers.
2023 Kia Carnival Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Carnival.
4.3
2023 Kia Carnival
(150 reviews)
“Super comfortable. Perfect for the family who needs a minivan but doesn't want to actually drive a minivan. Finally a cool looking “not" minivan.”
“It has great technology and space for all the kids. You'll love it. It has great storage for everyone and all of their belongings. It's a wonderful vehicle.”