2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique take on the traditional minivan, offering a stylish and upscale appearance that set it apart from its competitors. With its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, the Carnival SX Prestige trim was particularly attractive. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added a touch of sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, ensuring the minivan did not feel cheap, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride maintained its reputation for good looks, with styling updates that kept its attractive forms and proportions intact. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a dual sunroof panel that brightened the otherwise dark interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly. The Telluride also included thoughtful details, such as a digital instrumentation panel that changed with the time of day and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was a practical addition, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and was EPA-rated at 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved its performance in wet conditions and fuel economy. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The Telluride's all-wheel-drive system included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode, enhancing its capability in various conditions. The SUV was quick and refined, with responsive steering and brakes that resisted fade. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher velocities, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. The SX Prestige trim featured genuine leather upholstery, though it felt stiff and dry. The minivan included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The VIP Lounge Seats in the second row were a standout feature, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seating. However, they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet and made accessing the third row more challenging. The Carnival provided ample cargo capacity behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate and additional storage compartments.

The 2024 Kia Telluride prioritized comfort, especially in higher trim levels. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual sunroof panel. The controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was easy to navigate. The Telluride offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a smartphone tray. The hands-free power liftgate was a practical addition, providing easy access to the cargo area. The SUV offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. The Carnival also offered Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was sophisticated but underutilized by teenagers, who preferred their own devices.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Kia Connect subscription offered various features, including remote engine starting and climate pre-conditioning. The test vehicle included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride also featured a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. The camera-based rearview mirror and 10-inch head-up display were practical additions, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2022, though the NHTSA had not performed crash tests.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with upgrades available depending on the trim level. The more expensive Tellurides included Highway Driving Assist 2.0, which added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.