Kia Carnival review

The standard Kia Carnival has five trims, starting with the baseline LX, and followed by the LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige. All have the same powertrain and start adding features as they go up, from 17-inch wheels to 19-inch alloys, seven- to eight-passenger seating depending on the inclusion of a second-row bench, and a number of extra gadgets. In terms of pricing, the LX kicks things off with its $37,390 starting point while the SX Prestige comes in at $51,490.

It’s pretty much the same story for the Carnival Hybrid, although it drops the LX trim altogether and starts its line-up with the LXS. Prices here begin at $41,390 and go up to $53,490.

Which one to choose?

To start, the hybrid is the easy choice between the two versions, as you get a better return in terms of fuel savings, and there isn’t a large trade-off in power.

Narrowing down a trim is a little tricker. As attractive as the fully-laden SX Prestige is, it’s nearly $58,000 if you opt for the pricey rear seat entertainment package. We’re thinking the $41,590 Carnival EX packs in most of what you need, and what’s left on the table aren’t things you’ll be missing too much. Though the $46,490 SX trim is tempting if only for the 360-degree camera.

What are the alternatives?

Well, if you want all this, plus decent handling, the Pacifica continues to be the minivan all us car folk enjoy. The downside here is that it’s difficult to keep the price under $60k, if you’re buying new. There’s always the boring but bulletproof Toyota Sienna, which is comparably priced to the Kia.

With all that said, neither look half as good as the Carnival, inside or out, which admittedly isn’t the first concern of a prospective minivan buyer. But it sure helps take the sting out of acquiescing to that sort of lifestyle.