2023 Kia Carnival Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

If you are looking for a minivan that looks more like a third-row SUV to cart your family around town, then the 2023 Kia Carnival might be just your speed. This vehicle might be part of a dying segment, but it is fresh off of a 2022 release and proving to be a real crowd-pleaser.

The Carnival stands out from the crowd with its unique styling elements. Is it a minivan? Is it an SUV? Is it both? This spacious vehicle has plenty of seats that pack in a ton of comfort, and there are a lot of features that get bundled into each trim level, thereby making the price easier to justify. And, of course, there is Kia's industry-leading warranty coverage. A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is above and beyond in terms of generosity, but you also get roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is a mini-van that takes on an entirely modern approach. With immense sliding rear doors for easy entry and exit, three rows of seats to accommodate larger families, front wheel drive capabilities and the power of its V6 engine - this vehicle was designed with busy parents in mind. What truly sets it apart from other mini vans though are its cutting edge infotainment features; providing prospective car owners a seamless user friendly experience they can rely upon when out on the road.

As the 2023 Kia Carnival rolls out onto the market, there is no shortage of choice for any potential buyer. From the base LX to its line-topping SX Prestige trim level, each option provides quality features that will appeal to drivers both young and old alike. But if you're looking for real value - which one stands above them all? Our comparison guide gives an in-depth look at how each grade measures up so motorists can make more educated decisions when purchasing their next set of wheels.

Compare the Carnival LX vs EX. What is the difference?

Let's start things off by discussing the 2023 Kia Carnival's base trim, which is known as the LX. This vehicle rides atop standard 17-inch wheels done in alloy, and it has LED headlights up front. There is a sliding rear door on either side of the vehicle, indicative of its minivan status. The side mirrors have a heating function built into them that ca help melt ice and snow off of them in inclement weather.

The LX offers plenty of space for you and your passengers, with seven seating spots upholstered in luxurious cloth that offer optimal comfort. Enjoy convenience features such as a height-adjustable driver's seat and rear captain chairs which slide fore/aft or can be removed to provide cargo flexibility. To complete the ultimate relaxation experience, those seated in the third row can take advantage of an adjustable reclining position – all while staying cool thanks to both front and rear air conditioning.

When it comes to technology, Kia loads even this base trim up pretty well. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard, plus there is connectivity with wireless smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A six-speaker sound system and USB ports for all three rows also come equipped inside of the LX.

Get behind the wheel of Kia's Carnival and experience a first-class suite of driver assists. From rear parking sensors that alert you to potential hazards, to driver attention warning for those moments your focus slips, plus rear seat reminder so no passengers are left behind and safer exits with safe exit assist - enjoy driving smarter in the all new Carnival.

In addition, Kia's Carnival also come with sensors to alert when there are obstacles behind your car, an attention warning in case you become distracted or drowsy at the wheel, reminders so that no one gets left behind after parking stops – all working together towards peace-of-mind motoring.

There is an optional LX Seat package, which swaps out the second-row captain's chairs for a bench seat that makes room for a total of eight occupants. The driver's seat becomes power adjustable eight different ways, and the upholstery gets upgraded to simulated leather. There is a heating function on the two front seats, and there is a gear shift knob and steering wheel wrapped in leather.

Now, if you decide to upgrade one trim level to the EX, you get a fair amount of changes that are worth noting. It rides atop larger, 19-inch wheels made from alloy. Also, the EX has a hands-free liftgate for easier access to the cargo area.

Inside, there is upgraded trim and manually rolling window shades for the second and third rows. A tri-zone climate control system works well at keeping all three rows to desired temperatures.

Technology sees a rather massive upgrade on this trim level, too. The infotainment touchscreen gets upgraded to a 12.3-inch display, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wired only. Satellite radio connectivity comes standard, and there is an eight-speaker sound system to enjoy. Integrated navigation comes included, as does a wireless charging pad for your digital devices with Qi compatibility. Quiet mode lets you turn off the rear speakers when your passengers are napping, and you can see into the two back rows with an interior camera system. Parents will also appreciate the cabin intercom system when they need to communicate with their kiddos.

Kia is delivering an enhanced driving experience with the EX trim level, now equipped to help protect pedestrians and cyclists while on the road. Further upping your protection game are front parking sensors that alert you of obstacles in time for swift maneuvers, lane keeping system providing intuitive guidance when drifting over boundaries plus adaptive cruise control maintaining a safe distance between cars - it's all within reach thanks to this advanced suite of features.

Compare the EX vs SX Trims. What is the difference?

If you want something a little more high-end and sporty, the 2023 Kia Carnival SX trim level might be more your speed. This vehicle spices things up with black-painted alloy wheels sized at 19 inches, and the front grille is upgraded to a sleek matte-chrome design. There is a satin chrome exterior trim, LED headlights up front, side mirrors that are power folding. Up top, there are some roof rails that you can utilize.

Within the SX, you will find a 115-volt power outlet as well as memory settings for the driver's seat. The front passenger seat becomes power adjustable eight ways. There is a ventilation function on the front seats, and a digital instrumentation display replaces the analog version on the lower trim levels.

A few more advanced driver aids get added to the SX trim level, too. There is a blind-spot camera that brings up an image of the SX's blind spot in the instrumentation panel whenever you signal a turn or lane change. A surround-view camera system gives you a 360-degree top-down look of everything immediately surrounding your vehicle. Rear automatic braking works when the sensors detect a potential rear-end collision and applies the brakes to avoid a crash.

Compare the SX vs SX Prestige Trim Levels. What is the difference?

At the very top of the 2023 Kia Carnival's line-up is the SX Prestige. It has a lot of the same design elements and features as the SX, but it kicks things up a notch in terms of luxury.

This trim level has full LED headlights, not to mention LED taillights and LED cabin lighting. Up top, you will notice dual sunroofs, which are power operated for your convenience. The SX Prestige is also outfitted with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror for improved visibility. There is also a heated steering wheel, breathable and cozy leather upholstered seats, and an impressive 12-speaker Bose premium sound system that delivers crisp audio quality throughout the cabin.

The SX Prestige trim level offers an optional package that provides comfort and convenience for family travels. Heated & ventilated second-row seats feature power reclining lounge chairs, perfect to relax in during those long trips; a stand-alone dual screen rear entertainment system is also available which will ensure the kids stay entertained on the go.

Final Thoughts

With the 2023 Kia Carnival mini-van, you get more than just a unique design. It provides plenty of value to choose from among four trim levels! From standard features like air conditioning and power windows up to optional extras like leather seats and heated mirrors, no matter which level you go with there's something special waiting for you. But if it's maximum bang for your buck that you're after - here comes the million dollar question: Which one is right for you?

The EX is the trim level on the 2023 Kia Carnival that stands out as having the most value to it. Why is this the case? The EX excellently blends a lofty sense of style with overall value and available features. Almost all of the most in-demand infotainment and safety features are equipped on the EX trim level, and there are plenty of options left over to add to this trim. What's more, the EX is not all that much more expensive than the base LX trim level. When you consider all of the features that come standard on it, it is easy to justify the jump in price.

Kia has achieved the perfect mix between a luxurious minivan and a captivating SUV. Among its 2023 offerings, you will find all of your desired specs with generous warranty coverage to match. With powerful V6 performance that moves at an accessible pace plus eight-speed transmission for smooth shifting – this Carnival trim level is sure to turn heads in the dwindling segment it inhabits.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Kia Carnival Trim Levels