2023 Kia Carnival

In the EX trim, the Carnival delivers comfort and practicality in a way that feels intuitive and very easy to live with.

Visibility & Driver Comfort

Visibility is excellent, which immediately makes this feel confidence-boosting to drive. The big windows and large rear windshield give you great sightlines, and the overall driving position feels relaxed and comfortable.

• Large windows and an expansive rear windshield
• Oversized rearview mirror with a wide field of view
• Driver’s area that feels open and not cramped

Tech & “Mom Features” That Actually Help

This is where the Carnival really shines. The tech up front feels thoughtfully designed for everyday use, not just for show. The screen layout is big, clean, and flows nicely into the dash, giving the interior a more premium feel than you might expect.

• Large, modern touchscreen that blends seamlessly into the dash
• Wireless phone charger positioned right up front
• Multiple USB ports within easy reach (and throughout the cabin)

The family-focused features are genuinely useful and easy to access, which makes a big difference day to day.

• Quiet Mode to turn down rear audio when kids fall asleep
• Rear climate controls that are easy to find and lock from the front
• Passenger Talk, which plays my voice through the rear speakers so I don’t have to turn around
• Passenger View camera, letting me check on the kids with the push of a button, even at night
• Customizable star button on the steering wheel so I can pull up Passenger View instantly

Storage & Everyday Practicality

Everything up front feels like it has a purpose, which I really appreciate.

• Smart cubby space for phones, bags, and everyday clutter
• Dedicated change collector (still very relevant)
• Center console storage that’s easy to access

Overall, the first row feels comfortable, functional, and well thought out — exactly what you want when you’re spending a lot of time behind the wheel.

This is where I start judging, and honestly, the second row is living large. The comfort features are there, the practical stuff is there, and the access to the third row is one of the best parts.

Comfort and Amenities

• Ceiling vents with the controls up high, which I love because kids are not kicking them
• Built-in sunshades
• Power sliding door button right there for second-row passengers
• Cup holder situation is exciting:
  • Two cup holders back here
  • Cup holders in the door
  • Plus a phone holder, which I was obsessed with
• If you fold down the middle seat, you get extra cup holders and a flat surface

Car Seat Setup

I would consider the Kia Carnival three across friendly!

• In the second-row bench, every seating position has its own lower anchors and tether anchors
• The bench is wide, which makes three-across setups feel much more realistic
• I installed multiple seats and still had room to buckle safely in the middle

Third-Row Access

The second-row seats tilt and slide forward, Because the seat belts are attached to the seat, you don’t have to uninstall anything, and I was able to get back there with a car seat installed in the 3rd row.

• You can reconfigure the second row, including removing the center seat to create captain’s chairs
• Because the seat belts are attached to the seat, it makes it easier to slide forward for third-row access
• Even with a car seat installed, the access felt really usable. I literally slid back there with a car seat right there, and I was like, exciting things are happening

This is where minivans get to show off, and the Carnival absolutely does. The trunk is deep, tall, and genuinely usable.

With the third row up, there’s still plenty of space for a full-size stroller, groceries, backpacks, or sports gear without playing Tetris. That depth matters, and it’s something SUVs just can’t replicate.

• Deep cargo well that easily fits strollers and weekly groceries
• Tall opening makes loading bulky items much easier
• Side storage pockets for smaller items you don’t want rolling around

When you need more room, the third row folds down smoothly and quickly, opening up a massive cargo area for road trips, Costco runs, or hauling all the things that come with kids. This is one of those spaces that just works without overthinking it.