2022 Kia Carnival SX vs SX Prestige

If we were to gripe about anything where the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival is concerned, it’s the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD).

Here’s why: Kia went out of its way to make Carnival, which is the replacement for the Sedona minivan, look like an SUV. Kia even calls it an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) rather than a minivan.

Well, okay, but then where’s the AWD? That’s all we’re saying.

When viewed through the minivan lens, however, we have nothing but good to say about it.

We like it from the new Kia logo on the hood to the well-sculpted tail.

During our time with Carnival, we were impressed with its strong V6 engine, standard driver aids, upscale cabin, flexible seating, and user-friendliness.

Kia separates Carnival into five grades: LX, LX Seat Package, EX, SX, and SX Prestige.

Seven-passenger seating is standard for the LX and SX Prestige. Eight-passenger seating is standard in the other trim levels.

A 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 provides the thrust via an 8-speed automatic transmission. As we mentioned at the top, the Carnival is front-wheel drive (FWD).

At least where combined driving is concerned, Carnival runs even with Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. According to government estimates, Carnival delivers 19 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in combined driving.

If we were shopping Carnival, we’d probably pick the EX trim. It’s a solid balance of standard content and price. You get the big 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist.

2022 Kia Carnival LX (starting at $32,100)

2022 Kia Carnival SX vs SX Prestige
The 2022 Kia Carnival LX starts at $32,100.

LX comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with auto on-off, LED daytime running lights, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Also included are removable-and-reversible second-row seating, a fold-flat third-row seat, cloth seating, and a 4.2-inch driver-information display.

Other standard features are a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, dual power-sliding side doors, air conditioning, and adaptive cruise control.

Kia also includes keyless entry with push-button start, high-beam assist, and six USB ports.

Within the infotainment system are an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Standard driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included are lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-park assist.

Kick in another $350 for a package with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink universal garage remote.

For $1,500, you can score a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.

Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the SX-Prestige base price equals $47,275. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% works out to $849 per month. See Kia Carnival SX Prestige models for sale

Kia made its name in the United States by producing vehicles with lots of features, handsome looks, and competitive pricing. The 2022 Carnival is positioned to continue this legacy with a five trim model range, starting with the base Carnival LX and topping out at the SX Prestige. Curious which version of Kia's newest family hauler is right for you? Check out the full trim guide right here.

2022 Kia Carnival LX Trim Pros And Cons

All Kia Carnival models get their power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's quicker than the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica but not as brisk to 60 mph from a standstill as the Honda Odyssey. Front-wheel drive is standard across the entire lineup, and all-wheel drive is not available at any trim level. Likewise, an eight-speed automatic transmission serves as the only available gearbox for the Carnival.

The base LX trim rides on standard 17-inch alloy wheels and has standard LED headlights. It has seating for seven, with two captain's chairs in the middle row. These seats can both slide and be removed for additional flexibility. LED headlights are also standard. The Carnival has standard keyless entry, and push-button and remote start. Crucially, power sliding rear doors are standard across the model range, although a power tailgate is only available as part of higher trim levels.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included on the LX trim and comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There's a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster as well. Occupants can keep devices charged and connected with seven standard USB ports.

The Carnival has a wealth of standard safety features. Kia includes the following driver assistance technologies on every variant of its minivan: forward collision avoidance-assist with pedestrian detection, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, high beam assist, rear view monitor with active parking guidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and rear parking distance warning. It's a very comprehensive suite of tech for a base model. The price is around $33,500 for the Carnival LX, which represents a pretty solid deal for entry-level family transportation.

2022 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package Trim Pros And Cons

Kia offers the 2022 Carnival LX Seat Package as the next trim in its minivan lineup. This minivan variant gains extra seating for eight total passengers as well as other upgrades over the regular LX model.

The center seat of the second row can be moved forward and backward, collapse, and be taken out of the vehicle entirely. For a little added luxury, Kia's SynTex faux leather and heated front seats are standard on LX Seat Package models. A 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support also comes as part of this zhuzhed up base model. Kia asks $2,000 more for the LX Seat Package than it does for the LX.

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2022 Kia Carnival EX Trim Pros And Cons

There's more bling, comfort, and convenience to be had with the Carnival EX. The 17-inch wheels are gone in favor of bigger 19-inch alloys. Eight-passenger seating is standard, and Kia adds three-zone climate control along with imitation wood interior trim. A power tailgate with automatic opening functionality is equipped on the Carnival EX, which is a pretty big step up from the LX versions.

This trim level includes more in-cabin technology. Kia swaps out the 8.0-inch touchscreen in favor of a larger 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still standard, but now Kia adds a wireless phone charger. There are some new safety features at this level, too. The Carnival EX has forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection and junction turning, as well as front and rear parking distance warning. Interested in the Carnival EX? Get ready to pony up almost $39,000.

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2022 Kia Carnival SX Trim Pros And Cons

Stepping up to the Carnival SX trim adds even more premium touches to what's offered with the EX variant. Kia paints the 19-inch alloy wheels black and decks out the Carnival's exterior in satin and matte silver trim. SX models also receive roof rails,

power folding outside mirrors, and LED foglights.

A dual screen rear seat entertainment system is now standard. On every model below the SX trim, this feature is a $1,500 option. Critically, this model adds a 360-degree camera system, a very helpful feature when you're parking a big minivan. Kia also adds two USB charging outlets to the second row. Finally, the Carnival SX gains two 115V power inverters. Its price tag, almost $42,500, is a significant step up from the EX model, but for many, this will be the minivan to buy.

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2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige Trim Pros And Cons

As the Prestige name suggests, the Carnival's top trim is as much a luxurious living room as it is a minivan. It has all of the SX content and more with some slight tweaks. For some, the deleted third seat in the second row will be a deal breaker. However, not everyone needs seating for eight, and those folks will find a lot to love in the Kia Carnival SX Prestige.

This is the only version of Kia's minivan that features a real leather interior. Parents wanting to properly pamper their children or folks who simply want to impress their friends will want this variant of the Carnival for the VIP second row seating. These lounge chairs fully recline and have heating and ventilation. Dual power, tilt, and slide sunroofs are standard on the SX Prestige, making the cabin feel even more open. This luxurious van also gains an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system. Drivers get some extra tech too in the form of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige stickers at almost $47,500.

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So Which 2022 Kia Carnival Is Best?

From the standpoint of value, practicality, and everyday satisfaction, the 2022 Kia Carnival EX is the best trim in the range. It offers a comprehensive blend of tech, comfort, and style without crossing the $40,000 mark. In fact, buyers in need of rear seat entertainment can fork over an additional $1,500 for two second-row displays and still make it out of the showroom having paid just over $40,000. If you'd really like a 360-degree camera system, though, consider the SX. The SX and SX Prestige trims have some luxurious appointments, but most minivan owners will be well served by the Carnival EX.

What's the difference between the Kia Carnival SX and SX Prestige?

Turn your SX into an SX Prestige and you'll add features like a power dual sunroof that tilts and slides, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, LED lighting all around (including fog lights), blind-spot view monitor, leather trim, heated and cooled second-row seats, second-row captain's chairs (knocks the SX's seat count ...

Does Carnival SX Prestige have 8 seats?

The SX trim snags the 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster that was previously exclusive to the SX Prestige. Additionally, the SX Prestige gets a new standard seat configuration. Instead of the reclining VIP Lounge seats coming standard, the regular model's 8-seat configuration is the standard setup.

Which variant of Kia Carnival is best?

The base Prestige variant is our top recommendation for most Kia Carnival buyers.

What are the 2022 Kia Carnival trim levels?

The 2022 Kia Carnival will have five different trim levels to choose from namely:.
LX with Seat Package..
SX Prestige..