r/kiacarnivals

Got a 2026 SX Hybrid in Astra Blue + Tuscan Umber. We're coming from a 2015 CR-V and An older Accord.

The tech is simply outstanding and also a bit overwhelming. This is our dream car and it does every bit of justice towards style, tech, price, etc.

We've gotten so many compliments for the color combo. It feels awesome to drive a new car with all these fancy features.

I'm just worried that more tech = more chances of things going sideways but the warranties are reassuring.

Anyway, I wanted to thank this community for all the information and discussions because that's what led us into making this awesome purchase!

I’m not sure if this is even allowed or not, but I was wondering if anyone was getting rid of their middle seat. If so I’m interested. I have a 2023 btw☺️

Hello! I’m thinking about buying a ‘24 Carnival. What do you like or dislike about your ‘24?? Any big issues yet?

Sometimes (not every time) I approach my carnival (I have both key in purse and digital key in phone) my mirrors will pop open but the driver side door won’t unlock. I have to open the back slider before the front will unlock. It drives me nuts. Anyone else experience this? I have a 2026 SX Prestige.

Driving on ECO even with pedal to metal , it wouldn’t let me go past 55mph, I did notice the battery level was on the low end not sure if it had anything to do with that? I tried switching to sport mode but it still wouldn’t let me accelerate past 55mph.. eventually the hill became more leveled then it let me drive normal and go back to normal speeds. This is on the freeway from NorCal going into LA on i5 incase anyone knows the drive.

Hi guys,

My 2024 Honda Odyssey is totaled and I'm back on market as you see here. I'm in between Honda Odyssey & Carnival SX Prestige.

I test drove 2024 before purchasing my Honda 2 years ago, honestly before 2025 models did not have a good ride but refresh fixed that issue. This time I tested 4 Kia Carnivals (26 EX, 25 SXP Hybrid , 26 SXP , 26 SX Hybrid)

They all have the same issue which is vibrating/shaking at low frequency in city driving, and feel like the car needs alignment type of vibrating/shaking in the front in highway driving. One of the youtube channel was saying this is due to chassis is not being stiff enough.

I'm not sure if that issue can be fixed by using a better sway bar or strut tower brace - please let me know.

Other than that, car drives really good, very luxury and feel more spacious. Another drawback is the price.

I got $4-5000 discount for Honda Odyssey Elite trims (out of same $53,000 MSRP) but Kia only gives $2000 discount (from 1 dealer so far)

In addition, they still have 2025 Model Years on their lot - you can check how many brand new 2025 Kia Carnivals available online and compare to Honda. Well I did and 100+ 2025 brand new Kia Carnival available compare to 2 brand new Honda Odyssey. That is little concerning as why they didn't let them go for cheaper ?

One last question is reliability - please please tell me your mileage and issue you faced so far. My totaled Honda had warped disc brakes due to the lack of cooling. This is chronic Odyssey problem and it requires upgrading OEM disc brakes with better third party.

Many thanks in advance for your replies.