The Goldilocks 2024 Kia Carnival Trim Hits the Sweet Spot for Most Consumers
The Kia Carnival made its debut for the 2022 model year as the Sedona’s replacement. It rivals the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Pacifica in the small yet competitive minivan market. The South Korean automaker’s family hauler is beginning to catch on with consumers against its more based competitors. Indeed, one 2024 Kia Carnival trim in particular is a customer favorite.
2024 Kia Carnival trims and prices
The 2024 Kia Carnival offers five trims, boasting a base price thousands less than the Odyssey, Sienna, and Pacifica. However, the Carnival is no bargain-basement vehicle — each trim provides respectable value for the amenities. It also touts best-in-class passenger and cargo space.
The 2024 Kia Carnival trims and their base MSRPs are as follows:
- LX: $33,200
- LX Seat Package: $35,200
- EX: $38,700
- SX: $41,900
- SX Prestige: $46,300
Which 2024 Kia Carnival trim is the most popular?
More consumers have purchased one 2024 Kia Carnival trim above all the others. The most popular is the midrange LX Seat Package, starting at $35,200.
The LX Seat Package has all the standard amenities of the base model. That includes power-sliding rear doors, keyless entry and start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports throughout the cabin, reclining third-row seats, and a six-speaker audio system. Standard driver-assistance systems include forward collision mitigation, lane departure alert, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, a rear seat reminder, and safe exit assist.
In addition, the $2,000 premium the LX Seat Package commands over the base model brings sought-after upgrades. Synthetic leather upholstery replaces the standard cloth seats, the driver’s seat is power-adjustable, both front seats are heated, and leather covers the steering wheel and shift knob.
Perhaps most notable, the LX Seat Package, as the name implies, alters the seating arrangement for added practicality. The second-row captain’s chairs are replaced by a bench seat, increasing the passenger capacity from seven to eight. This setup includes “Slide-Flex” seating, where the second-row middle seat slides forward, allowing easier access to the third row, and folds into a table for use in the second and third rows.
According to Edmunds data, the LX Seat Package has been the most popular Kia Carnival trim since this minivan debuted. The 2024 Carnival is also a carryover model, though some additional driver’s aids are now standard across the range.
Is the LX Seat Package the best?
The LX Seat Package’s popularity is understandable, considering its price point is still about $2,000 under its rivals while delivering more amenities than the base Carnival. And because it’s a minivan, it’s unsurprising that many buyers would prefer the model’s eight-passenger seating capacity.
However, shoppers willing to spend about $3,500 more should consider the EX trim, which also includes the coveted Slide-Flex second row.
The EX has all the amenities of the LX Seat Package, plus a long list of luxurious upgrades. They include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, an eight-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging. Also included are a hands-free liftgate, faux open-pore wood interior trim, rear window sunshades, a “quiet mode” that turns off the rear speakers, an interior camera, and an in-cabin intercom. Additional safety features in the EX include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and front parking sensors.
The 2024 Kia Carnival EX trim commands a $38,700 MSRP, but it’s only about $900 more than the Odyssey base model, starting at $37,840, which doesn’t include a power tailgate. Also, the EX is only $1,500 more than the Sienna base model, starting at $37,185, and almost $400 less than the Pacifica base model, starting at $39,090.
