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I really appreciated this review. Most car reviewers choose the top trim level to showcase and they always have all the bells and whistles and dont go over all the various trim levels.
I have a 2022 SX. It is truly one of the nicest cars I have owned (and that's a bunch). I was lucky and got it 2 weeks before the dealers started adding $5,000+ markup. The one downside to the Carnival is getting parts can take time. I needed a replacement sensor for the auto-close feature in the tailgate (you guys missed that cool feature) and it took six weeks to get here. I think things are getting better the longer we are out of the pandemic. Strangers stop me and ask if they can check mine out. I have no problem with that. So, in summary, I have had it for two years and have 41,000 miles on it (yes, we go places). In and around the suburbs I average 22 mpg and on the road moving at 75-80 mph, I get 28-30 mpg. YMMV. I recommend getting one of these, if you can find one.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am thinking about this car (2024 model) but I have heard about transmission and sensor issues. Also is the engine prone to carbon build up?
I’ve had a 2024 carnival prestige for 2 months now. One thing to note in the prestige level there is more soundproofing than the other levels - I am loving that. I’m coming from A Toyota Highlander so I can’t compare it to other minivans but my highlander definitely had more get up and go but I didn’t buy it for that - I bought it for bigger teenagers and more comfortable road trips. Also something I found out - I don’t know if it is just the prestige model - if I make a call on the phone and the AC is going full blast because I got into a hot car - the ac fan lowers itself for the duration of the conversation and then the fans will turn back up higher when the phone call ends!
I just brought home a 2024 CARNIVAL SX and it’s amazing! It is by far the best value for the buck. The base price of the SX is $41,900. The 2024 got some styling upgrades, and the SX now has full digital panoramic screens on the dash. There are no analog dials. The only thing up is the SX Presitge that has the crazy reclining dentist chairs, so we stayed with the SX. We paid cash and the total out the door after a few add ons, tax, title, edit was $47k. It’s the size and shape of an SUV. The insurance company considers it an SUV based on the VIN. Funny enough, our title came today and it calls is a station wagon 😂 Either way - WE LOVE IT. We did have to reserve and put a deposit on it a month before the car even got to the dealer once they got information on their inbound inventory. They were only getting 2 SX models and the other was also reserved over a month in advance. It was about a 2-3 month search for one, but bonus, we got one of the first 2024 models to hit the streets with the new standard upgrades. And really, other than the sliding doors, nothing about it feels like a minivan. It’s higher, wider wheel base, and more powerful engine than most minivans. It’s more on par with the telluride - but way better seating and cargo. These have been in Asia and Australia for years and are considered luxury limousine style vehicles. There is also a hybrid, AWD, and 11 seat Grand Carnival there. There less so updated the Sedona than they did remove it and put this already existing overseas model in its place. Just my take with actually owning the SX 2024 model.
@@EclecticLaurenIf you did your research, you would've found out that the SX-Prestige comes standard with a bench seat now. The reclining seats are an optional, no cost add-on. It's been this way since the 2023 model year. Also, there's no hybrid awd version. A hybrid was announced, but it won't go into production until 2024.
no. It doesn’t. Like I said, we just bought one and have been looking at them since early 2023 when the 2022 model was first going around and I became aware of them and started researching since we buy in cash and don’t the dealer shenanigans dance. It took us months to find any SX models period. Many were LX or EX and had been rental cars. The SX Prestige only has second row fully reclining non-removable power seats. We saw quite a few of those since they are less desirable to families that the SX with the bench of three removable seats. It’s not possible to get the power recline seats on anything BUT the prestige version of the SX, and it’s the seats that are the feature that make it a SX Prestige vs SX. We drove a few prestige versions just to get a feel for the vehicle period since so few were available of any trim at any price. We were at the point of custom ordering it when the 2024 started coming in and there was one that 90% fit what we wanted already and we put a deposit down to give us right of first refusal on it. We got to wait just over a month instead of 6-9 months for it to arrive that way. We’ve been to or talked to dealers in a 500 mile radius from us. We’ve custom detailed the vehicle multiple times with multiple dealers trying to get one - since buying it NEW is the same price or even cheaper depending on local inventory for the same or similar configurations we wanted. I assure you that you’re mistaken. The only stock upgrade to the SX is the rear seat entertainment that we explicitly didn’t want bc of how they stick out oddly from the seat back in-front and our kids all have tablets anyways and that entertainment package is optional on both. On one side by side comparison list on their website it shows it as an option, but it’s not correct. You can’t build one that way and there have been ZERO talk or proof that any prestige comes in anything BUT the reclining seats - and again that (and some speaker and LED interior lighting) are the only base differences. That’s also why the BASE MSRP s different even before you configure any of it - the seats cost more and aren’t removable. These have been in Asia for quite some time and THEY have way more options and models there. One dealer went as far as to speculate it was a reused info table from another market because zero prestige models have come across their lot or build request with any thing else in the second row. We last tried to build and order one in Feb that would have been delivered under 2024 specs. Then dealers stopped doing custom orders at all. We know now it was because 2024 line switching was happening and being shipped to lots and it would be even longer than the original 6-9 months we were quoted when we first started shopping 2023 models. But thanks for continuing to interact with this great channel. I’m sure they enjoy the extra boost in engagement. :) ::drives of into the sunset in her brand new 2024 Carnival SX::
We have owned mini-vans since 1990. In the beginning mostly Dodge Caravan, then Chrysler Town and Country. My biggest passion in the power sliding side doors !!! Then Chrysler dropped the AWD version in 2004, which we always demanded in the past. It was then we jumped brands to the Toyota Sienna AWD, the only option for us at the time. We mostly lease them and we have always LOVED the Toyota Sienna. Our present Toyota Sienna (which are are about to trade in) is a 2019 XLE AWD with 38,000 miles. It was a 3 year lease, which became a 1 year lease extension, and then I bought it this year, due to the impossible task of finding a new one, without a 12 month waiting period. We are now retired, and are in the process of trading in my 2019 Toyota Sienna in an a 2024 Kia Carnival SX, when it comes in, in September. We are very excited and confident that we will love it. It has all the features we had in the past (less the AWD) and more of the latest safety, comfort and technology features. We decided AWD is not really a MUST for us in NJ. We think the new smaller Toyota 4 cylinder hybrid engine will never equal the power of the 6 cyl. gas engine which we strongly prefer. Thanks for this great video, you have helped us feel better about our decision. We also are so happy to get away from expensive, poor performing, short lasting RUN FLAT TIRES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SERIOUSLY. For , since I started watching this channel, awhile back, I thought there was one person, not 2, doing this video. Just changed styling, that's it. But 2!! I'm floored. Oh, and great job. Love the channel.
just got an 8 seat prestige and loving it. it feels like an SUV yet with the comfort of a minivan. L2 drive assist is helpful during heavy traffic. The front console is so good looking that I wouldn't want to put a phone mount on it. But the glossy metal finish on dash in the higher trim models sometime cause sun reflection glare which could be annoying.
Just got a 2022 mid level w seat package… 40k miles on it - already my favorite vehicle ever!!! Baby 3 will be here in a few months🤍🤍🤍 Our family is so grateful to have found this vehicle!!
I’ve had Toyota sienna 2013/2016/ 2021 just got a 2024 today. With that being said I guess I’m bias. However the resale and AWD are a no brainer when it comes to vans. The 2021 came with a flawless 4cylinder with 2 electric motors for rear wheels. At 35 mpg. I was used to the 3.5 v6. But was overall happy. The 2024 has the same. Smooth and technologically advanced. The resale was amazing every time. Last one was 38k and I owed 22. I made money. It went to the 2024 limited and it only has double digit mileage.
@@discofishing because they tend to bring higher values. They come out with new models making older models worth less. However I lease vehicles because I want new nice vehicles. Ones that won’t break down and if they do Toyota care will take care of us. They have just gotten better and better everytime. Those are my reasons.
@@Ruddline The Pacifica has a hybrid. That's about all it has going for it. Plus, it's also Stellantis...or formally known as FIAT(aka Fix It Again Tony).
Just got one a couple of weeks ago. Totally love it. Awesome.for a family of 7 plus 2 dogs. Before buying I actually rented the Pacifica for a.roadtrip and the Carnival is waaaay superior. Very roomy, super comfortable and very silent while driving on the highway
@@Yurigavarret This is good to know, mine (2024 SX-Prestige with 8 seats) is supposed to come in August 18th. Have you tried using the highway drive assist 2 yet?
The Carnival is a great Sienna alternative, especially for those that desire a bit more oomph and smoothness from the powertrain. It does most things that you'd ask of a minivan well. And given that loaded Toyotas, Hondas, and Chryslers are well north of $50K(albeit the Pacifica PHEV can end up being cheaper than them all considering the tax incentive), the Carnival holds considerable value. The only thing about the Carnival is that it doesn't have any major class exclusives. Sure the VIP seating on the SX-L is cool, but Chrysler's Stow N Go is far more likely to be used. Honda has the excellent dynamics for a minivan. And of course Toyota with the hybrid and AWD.(a boon here in NH)
The seats in the Pacifica stow and go are a lot thinner than normal captain's chairs, they also sit lower to the ground. That's because they have to be able to fit in the bottom of the car's floor.
@@Superman-xr1oh nah maybe if people lease it but I'm not like that I usually pay in full for everything to avoid the interest payments and I want my stuff to last for a while before I look for a replacement especially if I'm dropping like 40+ grand on it
Kia should offer this with a nightfall edition to black out or darken the shiny chrome accents. This is one of the best-looking minivans on the market.
This is the first I've heard of a Carnival with the Nightfall Edition! I have a 2001 Telluride Nightfall and I love it. I've ordered an SX Prestige black with the leather interior, which is close to the Nightfall look. If I ever get it!
not having LED lights at the back is a plus for me as the lights are low thus way cheaper to replace if damaged.. with newer vehicles Led light modules prices growing higher and higher it's nice if a simple mistake which results in a cracked lens or lamp doesn't end up costing over $700 to buy.. couple gripes i had with the van i rented coming from the older Sedona like the gauge cluster in lower trims wasn't well done and the sliding door and tail gate button only on the drivers with plenty of blank button up by the roof which would allow both front passengers to open and close the second row doors for passengers or to load cargo
Which would you recommend between the odyssey, Sienna and the Carnival? Also, which do you think has better technology for the drive (being able to look at the mountains without worrying of running into someone or off a cliff lol)?
@ShaneCrenshaw I would say drive them and go with your gut. For me Top end Platinum Sienna was 7K more then my 23 Carnival SX Prestige 8 seater. That obviously is without markup and 12 month wait, which breakeven without calculating Interest on that 7K to about 10yrs. So not worth at least for me. I did extensive research on the engines, both are port and direct injected and forums people are able to hit 150K+ without any issues in the last few years. 10/100K warranty is there as well. I didn't consider Odyssey as it didn't change in last 7yrs and less safety features, if you need one you can buy used with 10 speed auto only.
I like a lot about his van, but honestly many of the features I have in my older 2017 Pacifica Limited seem much nicer. I also think those floor tracks are going to be magnets for all kinds of crumbs and everything else kids drop. There are definitely things I like about it but not enough for me to pay the asking price over my older minivan.
has a owner of a 275 K miles Kia Borrego, i can tell you Kia is very reliable, just avoid turbo's and CVT's in any brand, the Carnival should be reliable too, and it's the best looking one too.
Buhaaaaaaaa tell that to owners whose trannys and engines blown up to point there’s class action lawsuit. Not to mention stolen and unscientific to insure in some areas 😂
We just took delivery of a Snow White ex replacing a 18 odyssey exl. There’s some features from the Honda I wish the ex had but overall I’m happy. It’s way more nimble and not as slushy in the corners as the Honda was. The passenger view is great
I already owned a Kia Sedona for 2 years. It was nice at the time. I totaled it driving on Black Ice in Georgia in 2005. The safety features saved my life. But no more mini vans since then. i like Sedans the most.
This is a pretty cool minivan not a minivan minivan. With that being said, hopefully rear sliding doors with venture onto crossovers/suv's in the future
Thank you so much for this review, just got one a couple weeks ago and was second guessing ny decision. Just wished you guys went into more detail with the phone features, from NY experience so far you can't have a conversation hands free and play the radio at the same time. If true that's totally sucks!!
@CarConfections wow, that stinks prior I had a 2018 Journey and going hands free didn't affect the FM radio play. I'm guessing this is due to the Android or Apple Car Play?! Thanks for responding, you guys are awesome. Can't wait to show my sons your reviews, they love sports cars.....
I think Kia under rated the fuel economy as in city driving 10 to 11 L/100 Kilo that's 21.5 to 23 mpg is doable with not much effort once it's not bumper to bumper traffic and out on the highway 7.8 L/100 Kilo 30 mpg is attainable even at higher than normal speeds with easy driving at the speed limit the economy can drop down to 6.9 or 7 L/100 K or 33 to 34 mpg.. which was fantastic.. I rented one for 2 weeks as i needed the 8 seats
One of the details that is very nice on the Carnival is the screen. Unlike many cars of today, especially Sienna, the Carnival's screen LOOKS to be part of the design of the dashboard. Rather than a slab of a screen bolted on. It curves into the display and into the gauge cluster. The piano gloss is a bit too shiny, but overall - it makes the call look great. The lower-trim grill actually looks a bit nicer, IMHO. Either one is MUCH better than the giant slab of black plastic on Toyota's cars and trucks. The steering wheel is a bit "meh" thou. The center part just doesn't look good. Otherwise, almost everything else is great. Is that USB ports on the back of the first row seats?
"All you have to do is take out the 2nd row seats..." Channel lock pliers, ratchet set and screwdrivers? Do you push a button to take them out? How much do they weigh? How big are they when you store them? It's taking them out a 2 person job? Could my wife remove and install?
I'm sure it wasn't the safest compared to current seating, but I could easily unlock & pull the middle seat on my 1996 Plymouth Voyager. I had to have the Toyota mechanic unlock my middle seats on my 2009 Sienna & nervously drove home with them loose unto I could labiriously wrestle them to a spot in the garage. I'm down to one large dog and a walker or wheelchair so think/hope I can get by with removing one seat & pushing one way forward.
I have a 2024 SX Prestige with VIP seating in Panthera metallic with grey interior. Wife and kids are over the moon about it. We replaced our 85k mile 2016 Sedona SX with it. The Sedona was great too. We test drove both hybrid and regular Pacificas, Sienna and Odyssey. KIA told us it could take up to six months to get our special order Carnival in, but it only took six weeks.
I see this and the Sienna tied for the number 1 spot really. This has amazing cargo space and amenities, but then the Sienna fights back with its amazing fuel economy and what I believe to be one of the best third rows in the segment. Sadly haven’t really seen any large amount of Carnivals in my area, and when I do, it’s usually a fleet base model type.
We bought a 2023 Carnival when they first came out in 2022. After one year, we had a few major issues. The engine would randomly shutdown and the entertainment system would also shut off unexpectedly. Their dealerships are not the best when it comes to repairing them either and it took months and excuses why it took so long to fix the issues. We love our Sienna and haven’t had any issues like our Carnival did. Go with Toyota if you want reliability.
In my opinion it is not much of a big deal, by the time you drive 100 K miles you have to sell the car or get ready for another battery . It is true you save a lot of money in the first 5 to 6 years but ur gonna pay at least 8K at one time to exchange battery.
@@shadialyoussef5013 every buyer has their own situation. I will drive a lot in the first couple years so hybrid is a big advantage for me. And Sienna hybrid system has a long warranty that it covers 10 years/ 150 k miles. I think it is long enough before I sell it or I could buy an extended warranty if I keep it
@@rayleung7668 Then you may want the Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in. I have the Pacifica and Carnival. The Pacifica averages 60+MPG. The Carnival is getting 30+ on eco-mode.
16mins: In this Video and others, you comment about the 2nd row seat climate controls being on the right side (Passenger side). Most of the time, a minivan will not have an adult in the passenger seat, nor children. The child or a single adult passenger in the 2nd they want to talk with will be on right side so we can communicate more easily. Its harder to hear someone directly behind you, and same for the 2nd row passengers hearing the driver. Minivans/large SUVs are... large. With additional children, the younger child will be behind the driver. The older child will be "in charge" of the 2nd/3rd row kids. Thus, the 2nd row passenger most likely to use the controls WILL be on the right side. My older Odyssey has it on the Left side, its a PITA. My kid wishes it was on the right side. Most mini-vans have 3 zones. Thus, one set of controls is all that's needed. Otherwise, two kids will be playing with/ battling with the controls and added complexity in the front for the driver to select NON, L or R active. The Sienna has 4 climate zones and has its controls in the center. I gather the 3rd row is zoned like the 2nd row. (L v R sides). Center controls may get in the way of layout (sun roof, TV screen) and support so that may dictate if centered or to the side. Pacifica has it on the right side for good reason.
The 2.2 diesel is a ripper engine. 148Kw & 440Nm torque . Fuel efficiency of 6.5l/100km . Better than the V6 Petrol engines close to 10l/100km . Take the diesel anytime.
My Odyssey's rear climate control is on the driver side and that's where baby sits so it's kind of useless there. But I keep it in auto mode at 22-23C (72-73F) and no complaints generally.
Whoa, looking at about 18 minutes, the 3rd row seats don't fold flush to the floor space providing a flat surface? Clarifying, if I put a 36 inch long dog crate in the back facing the tailgate, is it going to be teetering back & forth on an uneven surface? 😢
That car looks like a cool SUV. If KIA decides to add a little more ground clearance to that design, 4WD, and a little bit more of SUV stying, i believe that many expensive SUV's with third row seats will become obsolete.
Great video as usual, "smacking your kid" is a great feature of this mini-van. however, your comparison the Carnival Milage of 6-cylinder 3.5-liter (22 MPG) to the Sienna 4-cylinder 2.4 liter (35MPG) is not fair or accurate. the Sienna with 3.5-liters and 6-cylinders gives 21 MPG which is less than the Carnival.
Haven’t had mine for 45 days and I honestly think I have one with a bad transmission. Drives really rough and lacks power. When I hit the gas, the arm on the left goes up all the way, but the vehicle doesn’t accelerate immediately. I’m tired already of it.
It's one or the other you either have a lower MSRP with lower tier stuff or have a higher one with nicer stuff they were definitely Targeting a price point
@@TYPICALTRYHARD_ LEDs are super cheap though to make now. Even the $23.5K Buick Envista entry level vehicle is all LED now. A $39K Carnival Trim shouldn't still have incandescent bulbs.
Did they update the engine compared to the other vehicles in the Hyundai/Kai line up that continually run into oil consumption issues, and you hope you catch it before it dies while also under warranty? You can give me all the bells and whistles you want, but I'm not buying something that only lasts 80-90K miles.
I am i miss understanding what tgey are saying... tgere is no way the Sienna is quieter than the Carnival! Sienna was removed from out list of possible replacements for QX56 soley based on the noise.
My wife and i just got a 2024 carnival lx after a deer totaled our pacifica. The pacifica is definitely a nicer van but we're happy with the carnival. Although not having a roof rack is a big minus.
My Sienna is AWD, so better traction and handling in my opinion. If AWD is a dealbreaker then Carnival not for you. Other than that Kia has a good minivan.
I really love Kia minivan they are really nice I I do on a Kia Sedona 2016 and I’m telling you I really love it is a really excellent minivan is the best minivan I have a bought one OK I’ll give Kia 15 stars rate
There is no stigma about buying a mini van as you stated in your video. It's that Americans have been obsessed about buying SUVs when they could consider a mini van instead. The best one in terms of versatility is the Chrysler Pacifica. Nobody beats the stow n go seats feature! Some models also have a stow n go vacuum.
What does Quiet Mode at around 13:12 actually do (I.e. *how* does it make it quieter? Also, amazing thigh support in that 3rd row. I think this could be one of the top 3 reasons to buy a minivan (if you make use of the 3rd row regularly, and/or you put adults in that 3rd row. Very impressive! Thanks.
@@TYPICALTRYHARD_ 1.5M Recalls last month when they has this over for 6+ years. Talk about defending toyotas and their poor quality control. Keep listening to fake news media clown.
All of those massive seat tracks sitting wide open in the floor waiting for all sorts of gunk, crap, toys and dirt to fill them. That looks like a nightmare to clean. I imagine the seats will jam as well.
I rented the carnival for couple of days. It was great. I just didn’t like the it drove. It drives very bulky for lack of better term. Odyssey on the other hand drove like a sedan even with 8 passengers.
@@Superman-xr1oh we will to wait for the new model. Until then odysseys can be had cheaper used. Save about 10k for 2-3 years used ones. The prices are coming down now.
Since we will never have the Staria but maybe the PBV , I would just like to get a very basic version without window and only for cargo of this Carnival hybrid. Toyota is not doing this with its Sienna, which could sell like hotcakes if it also offered a strictly cargo version.
Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler need to up the ante as far as technology is concerned in their minivan offerings. None of them have a fully digital gauge cluster, not even in their tip trim models. The Odyssey doesnt even have a 360 degree view, oof... Toyota and Honda are always the slowest and the last ones to refresh their cars. Toyota literally only started adding Android Auto and CarPlay to their cars not that long ago, lol.
