The Kia Telluride rules the midsize SUV segment with an iron fist. Carnival is the South Korean automaker’s minivan model (despite the company’s insistence that it’s a “multi-purpose vehicle”). Telluride and Carnival are similar in terms of performance specs. Is Telluride Overshadowing Kia Carnival?
The Kia Telluride is a hit, but the Kia Carnival falls flat in comparison
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It’s no secret that the Kia Telluride is a standout model in its lineup. The Telluride is one of Kia’s best-selling lineups. The midsize SUV has dominated the competition in its segment since its arrival as a 2020 model year due to its value for money and enjoyable driving experience.
The Telluride is usually followed by its cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, in the rankings. SUVs normally sell better than vans, but the Telluride’s sales figures make the Kia Carnival look like a failure. The irony is that the Kia Carnival doesn’t have drastically different features than the Telluride. In fact, carnivals are even more affordable.
The 2023 Kia Telluride starts at $35,690. The 2023 Kia Carnival starts at $32,900. Both models use V6 engines that produce around 290 horsepower (291 hp for the Telluride). The Telluride gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Kia’s Carnival model gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
The two Kia models share a long list of excellent standard safety and driver assistance features. The Telluride has better standard creature comforts and tech features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Kia Carnivals aren’t for everyone
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So the Kia Telluride and the Kia Carnival have similar starting prices, a similar power output, and similar gas mileage. They are so similar that consumers can compare the two models when looking for a new family vehicle.
Ultimately, the Telluride is the better buy because of the better standard features. It may be more expensive than the Carnival, but Kia’s MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) lacks flair. Some of its most interesting features are reserved for the final model SX Prestige. Since both models offer eight-person seating, most consumers will choose the Telluride over the Carnival.
Maneuverability may be a factor, as the Carnival is six inches longer than the Telluride. Dimensions aside, the Telluride is arguably Kia’s most influential model, and the sales figures prove it. Kia’s Carnival MPV is a great option in its segment, but drivers aren’t feeling the vans as much as in previous years. SUVs like the Telluride take on some responsibilities.
Have vans become too boring for consumers?
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Vans aren’t as popular as SUVs, but that doesn’t mean automakers aren’t producing exciting minivan models. The Toyota Sienna is particularly interesting because it is an affordable standard hybrid minivan with outstanding fuel economy. It gets 36 miles per gallon combined and has an 18.0 gallon tank. The minibus can travel 648 miles on a single tank of gas. Car and Driver rates fuel efficiency and ride quality.
Automakers are constantly innovating and improving minivans. There is still a market for vans, it’s just not as big as the market for midsize SUVs like the Kia Telluride.
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