The 2023 Kia Carnival is an SUV-inspired “multi-passenger vehicle,” or minivan, getting strong reviews from critics. If your infotainment system is important to you, then you might wonder whether the Carnival comes with Apple CarPlay.

After all, a commute without an easy way to play your favorite tunes isn’t the same. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Kia Carnival to see just what features it offers and how much you can expect to shell out for them. 

Overview of the 2023 model

The 2023 Kia Carnival comes in five distinct trims, which vary significantly in price. At the low end of the spectrum, there’s the LX, which starts at $32,900. The LX Seat Package, meanwhile, starts at $34,900 and includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-passenger seating, faux-leather seating, and heated front seats. 

Next in line is the Carnival EX, which has an MSRP of $38,400. That price differential gains you 19-in. tires, three-zone climate control, and a larger, 12.3 in. infotainment display, among other features. Coming in at a couple of thousand dollars above that is the Carnival SX, which comes equipped with roof rails, power-folding outside mirrors, LED fog lights, and more. 

Finally, rounding out the list is the SX Prestige, which starts at $46,000. Among the offerings that come with this top-of-the-line Carnival are a real leather interior and fully reclining seats in the second row. It also comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have Apple CarPlay?

If you’re looking to take full advantage of your Kia Carnival sound system, you’ll want to ensure it integrates well with your music collection. Apple CarPlay can be a great way to do that, and luckily for Carnival owners, every trim level available comes with the feature. 

One of the significant advantages of Apple CarPlay is that it allows you to use many of your phone’s apps while staying hands-free. This provides an additional layer of safety while you’re on the road. It also makes navigation much straight forward, so you never need to worry about losing your way in unknown territory. 

Let’s not forget, moreover, that Apple CarPlay can also integrate with your car’s other systems, so it’s not just a matter of allowing you to use your phone while driving. Not only that, but Apple’s recent upgrade to the system will enable it to work with every screen in the car, not just the main display. 

The 2023 Kia Carnival offers other helpful tech and infotainment features

The tech and infotainment features on the Carnival don’t stop with Apple Play. If you spring for an SX or SX Prestige, your passengers can enjoy dual-screen rear seat entertainment with device mirroring. Moreover, a two-way intercom system allows drivers and passengers to communicate efficiently, thanks to voice amplification provided by the speaker system. 

Then there’s something every parent will find handy: passenger view with night vision. This feature has a camera display incorporated into the main touch screen, allowing you to check up on passengers in the back seat without having to turn your head around. 

Even at the basic LX trim level, you can count on some tech features to make your driving life easier and safer. These include auto emergency braking technology, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and power sliding rear doors, to name a few. 

With the various Carnival trims available, there’s something for everyone when it comes to included features. Anyone in the market for a minivan will undoubtedly want to consider the Carnival.