2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving it a modern edge. The interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, relied on its distinctive style, unique interior fittings, and impressive technology to stand out in the minivan segment. It came in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with base prices ranging from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a destination charge. The SX Prestige trim offered eight-passenger seating as standard, with the option for VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's design was upscale, with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while dual power sunroofs provided natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action imparted a sense of quality. However, the black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, with official EPA ratings at 21 mpg combined for AWD models. The X-Line and X-Pro had a raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro was equipped for off-roading with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a self-leveling rear air suspension, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride and quiet cabin, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined and offered 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The Carnival lacked AWD and hybrid options, which would have been beneficial in wet conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated flawlessly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride with a softer feel when fully loaded. It was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was noted to be more athletic.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs in the SX Prestige trim. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third row was accessible and comfortable, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride offered a smart power tailgate and generous cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and SUV-like center console. It came with cloth or artificial leather upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim. The SX Prestige included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival featured smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige Seat Package, which limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival offered 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate for easy access. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the second-row seats could be removed for a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition, and the ability to pair two devices via Bluetooth. The Telluride offered Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, with impressive graphics and imagery. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. The Carnival offered Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system allowed streaming content, though teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and a new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature. The SX trim added collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It included a rear-seat reminder system with ultrasonic sensors and a Safe Exit System. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist. The SX trim featured a surround-view camera and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.