2024 Kia Carnival: The Minivan That Doesn't Look Like One

The Carnival is Kia's answer to a specific objection: people want what a minivan does, but not what a minivan looks like.
So Kia built one with SUV proportions, an upright stance, and styling that doesn't announce itself in the school pickup line — while keeping the sliding doors and the flat floor that make minivans genuinely better at carrying families.
Here's what the 2024 Carnival offers.

Powertrain

A 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
That's a naturally aspirated V6 in a segment increasingly moving to smaller turbocharged engines, and it means immediate throttle response with a full load of passengers — no waiting for boost when you're merging onto I-65.
EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped — a small camper, a utility trailer, or a pair of jet skis.

Seating and Flexibility

Seating for up to eight, depending on configuration.
Slide-Flex seating in the second row is the feature you'll actually use. The seats slide fore and aft and adjust laterally, which means you can widen the walkway to the third row, tighten it up for cargo, or reposition around a car seat. Most vans make you choose a layout once, at purchase.
Sliding doors on both sides. This is the minivan advantage nobody thinks about until they park between two SUVs and a kid opens a door. No dents, no apologies.

Interior

A 12.3-inch touchscreen anchoring the dashboard, with controls laid out for use rather than for a photograph.
Available leather upholstery and materials that make the upper trims feel considerably more expensive than they are — one of the reasons the Carnival gets cross-shopped against three-row luxury SUVs.
Tri-zone automatic climate control, so the third row isn't at the mercy of whatever the driver picked. In an Alabama summer with a full van, that's not a minor feature.

Exterior

The Carnival's design is the point. A bold, upright profile with SUV proportions, a distinctive front grille, and LED headlights that improve night visibility as well as the look.
Wheels from 17 to 19 inches depending on trim, and roof rails for a cargo box, bikes, or kayaks.
Colors run from Aurora Black Pearl to Flare Red.

Safety

Kia's driver-assistance suite includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Content varies by trim, so confirm what's on the specific vehicle.

The Ownership Case

Worth factoring in before you compare monthly payments against a Pacifica, an Odyssey, or a Sienna.
Kia's warranty is among the longest in the industry — 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage. On a vehicle you plan to keep through a decade of family life, that's real protection your alternatives don't include.
All warranties and roadside assistance are limited; ask us for full terms on the specific vehicle.

Minivan or Three-Row SUV?

Most Carnival shoppers are also looking at SUVs, so here's the honest comparison.
The Carnival wins on: third-row access and comfort, cargo space with all seats up, sliding doors in tight parking, ride quality, and how easily kids get themselves in and out.
An SUV wins on: towing capacity, ground clearance, and available all-wheel drive.
If you're carrying people and gear more than you're towing, the Carnival does the job better — and it's the one minivan that doesn't make you feel like you've given up on styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2024 Kia Carnival have?A 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
How many people does the Kia Carnival seat?Up to eight, depending on configuration.
What gas mileage does the Carnival get?An EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
How much can the Kia Carnival tow?Up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What is Slide-Flex seating?A second-row system that slides fore and aft and adjusts laterally, letting you widen third-row access, create more cargo room, or reposition around a car seat.
Does the Carnival have sliding doors?Yes, on both sides — one of the main practical advantages over a three-row SUV in tight parking.
What warranty comes with a new Kia?Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited — ask us for full terms.
Where can I see a Kia Carnival near Birmingham?Greenway Kia of Riverchase at 2200 Highway 31 South in Pelham, AL, serving Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, and Bessemer. Browse our new inventory or call (205) 987-6518.

Come Load One Up

Minivans get decided in the parking lot. Bring the car seats and the stroller, slide the second row where you'd actually keep it, and load the back with everyone aboard. Fifteen minutes settles it faster than a week of research.
Browse our new inventory, pre-owned inventory, or all available vehicles.
Learn more about our dealership or check our hours and directions before you visit. We're at 2200 Highway 31 South in Pelham — call (205) 987-6518 and we'll have one ready when you arrive.