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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.5L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 26 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 |
| COâ Emissions | 408 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Body Style | Minivan |
| Base Price | $33,751â$41,428 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Kia Carnival is a minivan that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 â rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 â above average, with owner data showing fewer issues than the segment mean. It's not flawless, but it's a dependable choice for most buyers. On safety, it scores an impressive 8.7/10, backed by strong NHTSA crash-test results and a well-rounded driver-assistance suite.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin â don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.4/10 â functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $33,751â$41,428, 21 MPG, seating 8, the Kia Carnival sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. Its value score of 8.3/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality â you're getting a lot for your money here. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions â compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Kia Carnival is a solid, well-rounded minivan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance â worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are built from NHTSA crash-test results, EPA fuel-economy figures, manufacturer-published specifications, and long-term owner reliability data. Every score is reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology â
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo â ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.