The Kia Carnival 2023 is one of the best minivans on the market. And although it starts at an affordable $33,000, some car buyers want more than the base model. That’s why Kia offers several trims and many options to build the perfect family hauler. Here’s how much a fully loaded 2023 Kia Carnival costs, what it offers, and whether it’s worth the price.
A quick overview of the Kia minivan and its 5 trims
The standard 2023 Kia Carnival offers a lot of value for $33,000. All models have the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 290 hp and gets 22 mpg combined. The standard Carnival also has a long list of advanced driver assistance systems. They include forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear passenger alert and more.
In addition, the standard Carnival comes with a 4.2-inch instrument display and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. And although it has three rows of seats, the standard LX only seats seven. To get eight seats, buyers must upgrade to the LX Seat Package model, which costs $35,000. This trim also offers other perks, such as heated front seats.
Kia offers three other models, each with more luxurious features and a higher price than the last. After the LX Seat Package trim is the EX, starting at just over $38,000. Then there’s the SX, which starts at around $42,000. Finally, there’s the SX Prestige, which starts at around $46,000.
How much does a fully loaded 2023 Kia Carnival cost?
The SX Prestige comes with many convenient and luxurious features, including some exclusive trims. For example, only the SX and SX Prestige come with fog lights, but the SX Prestige also has dual sunroofs. Like the SX, the SX Prestige boasts a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
This top trim also has a video intercom system that allows parents sitting in the front to see and talk to their children in the back. As for the seats, the SX Prestige offers exclusive features such as genuine leather upholstery and second row VIP seats. Because of the many amenities that come standard on the SX Prestige, this model doesn’t offer many available extras.
For example, Kia charges $495 for specific exterior paint options. Then there’s a $1,000 rear-seat entertainment package that equips the Carnival with two additional screens. People looking to tow a trailer up to 3,500 pounds can add a hitch for $575. Kia also offers an interior lighting kit for $450.
With every added option available, a fully loaded 2023 Kia Carnival costs around $51,500.
Is a fully loaded 2023 Kia Carnival worth over $50,000?
Although a fully loaded 2023 Kia Carnival will be extremely comfortable, it won’t necessarily give you the best bang for your buck. Two respected automotive review sites agree that a trim offers the greatest value. Both Car and Driver and Autotrader recommend the mid-level EX trim. The main reason: It gives buyers plenty of family-friendly features without forcing them to spend big on luxury.
For example, the EX model has that video intercom system that many families will find convenient. It also adds advanced driver assistance and an improved infotainment system. In particular, it has Kia’s Highway Assist, which should make highway driving a safer and easier experience.
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