[Phantasm22]

The trims and associated options are a debacle of epic proportions. Kia Media relations have gone silent. SX Prestige was to only have 12.3" all digital dash screen, second row captains chairs, along with the dual panoramic sunroof.

TL;DR - The only options sheet you can trust is what's listed on the window sticker.

I just received a call back from Kia Consumer Relations and have no more of an explanation than before. They are guessing that the above standard features could be introduced at a later date. Their suggestion was to call the local dealerships as they would have the most up-to-date information. This is not boding well for a first Kia purchase.

 

[FunkyC]

I have an SX model ordered in Canada in Storm Blue, not sure when it will arrive, but hoping it will come soon.

Has anyone seen any pictures of the off black leather on the SX prestige? I originally wanted to the Brown leather in the SX model (Canadian Model), but it is only limited to 3 of the exterior colours. Trying to see one in the wild with the actual leather and colour. On the virtual site the leather looks light grey.

 

[juggernaut27]

Instrument cluster is not full digital. Console screen is definitely 12.3. The blind spot alert is the warning lights on mirrors and the sound it makes.

I looked online again, looks like you can even configure a red with black interior. Here is another dealer with a red one in stock. Also black interior.

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www.lawleykia.com

Did you get a SX or SX Prestige?

If SX Prestige...are some of them coming without the 12.3" digital cluster and VIP seats? Then what's the difference between SX vs Prestige?

 

[Medallione]

I have an SX model ordered in Canada in Storm Blue, not sure when it will arrive, but hoping it will come soon.

Has anyone seen any pictures of the off black leather on the SX prestige? I originally wanted to the Brown leather in the SX model (Canadian Model), but it is only limited to 3 of the exterior colours. Trying to see one in the wild with the actual leather and colour. On the virtual site the leather looks light grey.

How did you order without seeing the full spec sheet. Unlike in the US, there's no information anywhere in Kia Canada aboutt the full spec, and features list for each trim. I wanted to see the actual differences between the EX+ and SX trims before I decide.

 

[l3536]

I have SX, afaik there is no SXP in US yet. The difference should be exactly what's on Kia's build web page.

My SX spec sheet says Gray interior, but it's in fact off black.

 

[FunkyC]

How did you order without seeing the full spec sheet. Unlike in the US, there's no information anywhere in Kia Canada aboutt the full spec, and features list for each trim. I wanted to see the actual differences between the EX+ and SX trims before I decide.

Reach out to your dealer, they should have this information.

 

[SK77X]

I have SX, afaik there is no SXP in US yet.

I just did a search for Carnival's within 300 miles and found a listing for an SXP in Palmdale, CA. No photos so we can't rule out that the dealer listing is inaccurate, but looking at the car features the main giveaway is seating at 7.

New 2022 Kia Carnival For Sale at Rally Kia | VIN: KNDNE5H37N6060882

 

[SK77X]

In fact, when I broadened my Autotrader search to Unlimited distance from me there are currently a total of 11 SXP's showing up across the country. Again, no photos yet, but the specs match.

 

[Merkur720]

I just did a search for Carnival's within 300 miles and found a listing for an SXP in Palmdale, CA. No photos so we can't rule out that the dealer listing is inaccurate, but looking at the car features the main giveaway is seating at 7.

New 2022 Kia Carnival For Sale at Rally Kia | VIN: KNDNE5H37N6060882

Here is the window sticker, not a prestige.

https://www.kia.com/us/services/en/windowsticker/load/KNDNE5H37N6060882

 

[l3536]

It's a data entry mistake likely made from Kia headquarter early on.

Nearly all SX are listed as SXP and shown on the order form. Dealers are unable to fix (or it takes inordinate manual effort) because everything is electronically connected. You will not find any SXP in US as of now, even the ones priced as such were surely mistakes. If you ask dealers why SXP don't have the features you wanted they would be very confused because they have not studied spec sheet as well as potential buyers.

 

[SK77X]

Here is the window sticker, not a prestige.

https://www.kia.com/us/services/en/windowsticker/load/KNDNE5H37N6060882

Ah, I see you've already gone down this dead end road!

 

[SK77X]

I have SX, afaik there is no SXP in US yet.

If you don't mind me asking a few questions about your purchase:
1) Why did you jump on your purchase so soon?
2) Any reason you went for the SX over the EX?
3) Did you do any negotiating/haggling on price, and if so, how did that go?
4) Where any financing deals available?
5) What made you choose the Carnival over the Odyssey, Sienna and Pacifica?

Thanks, and love the deep red color!

 

[l3536]

1) Why did you jump on your purchase so soon?
Several factors 1. timing, need a car for upcoming road trips and would prefer to get the right car right now 2. based on my observation, I believe most dealers order 1-3 units and a quarter are SX. That means there are only ~5 ish SX per major metropolitan areas and ~100 in US. 3. the next shipment is going to take a while (3-6 mo) based on what the dealers tell me. This leads to the conclusion if you want a color / trim combination, grab it now or wait til Christmas.

There is also the risk factor of price going down, safety tests, and reliability report. Given Kia's recent track records I think those risks are acceptable.

2) Any reason you went for the SX over the EX?
EX is for tech and SX is for appearance. The reason to choose Carnival in the first place is because of the un-minivan appearance.

3) Did you do any negotiating/haggling on price, and if so, how did that go?
No haggle. One dealer wanted to mark it up by 2500. All others are offering at MSRP. I think this one depends strongly on where you live and how the market react over next few weeks.

4) Where any financing deals available?
1.9% APR as advertise on Kia website. I went with zero down.

5) What made you choose the Carnival over the Odyssey, Sienna and Pacifica?
Pacifica - reliability issues and a huge rental fleet of garbage
Odyssey - very boring / spartan interior, also reliability issues
Sienna - strongly considered XSE, love the Cypress color, but can't combine the two. And... still a minivan, so the WAF isn't there. Weak power but the hybrid system will save 5000-10000 depends on where you live over 100K miles. I actually consider Sienna very good value, it seems there is an oversupply and you can get 1500 off MSRP here.

 

[SK77X]

Thanks for the detailed answers!

Good to know about the limited availability, especially here in the Bay Area. I might just now jump on it rather than wait.

I'm now thinking of getting the EX over the SX because there isn't much difference. Regarding the rear entertainment screens, do you happen to know if there removable in any way? I know it has USB ports, so I'm guessing not, but just curious.

 

[CrystalSun]

I drove 200 miles across Sierra Nevada to get mine today because the local dealer won't get their SX for another week. Most dealers are willing to sell at MSRP.


Good Surprise
- Mileage is as advertised, 28 MPG @ 75 MPH. The Volvo with 2.0T engine had 31MPG along the same route. A tank of gas can you get close to 600 miles on highway!

Like
Highway assist features work as advertised
Sound proofing is excellent, except tire noise (see below)
The color Flare Red, very few available in US but it looks brilliant under California sun
Power and transmission are amazing. The whole car moves effortlessly.
Everyone thinks it's an SUV!

Not like
Seats are stiff, comparable to my Volvo. Won't feel it for short distance but not as comfortable after several hours. The Sedona with cloth seats were softer.
Tire and tire noise. Continental Crosscontact RX is basically a starter tire - like the starter toner in some printers. It is also very noisy on rough pavements. I plan on replacing those at 20K.
Instrument cluster and arm rests are designed for low seaters, if you like a higher seating position with head closer to roof, instruments are harder to read and arms don't get rested
Back seat entertainment screens shakes a lot more than expected

Bad Surprise
Blind spot alert is broken - only working intermittently. Already talked to dealer and will have it fixed. Anyone else have this problem?
Seats were the wrong color, they were black not two-tone grey as shown on window sticker. Not that I mind but wow.

Thanks so much for sharing!
After reading your review and reading opinions and reviews from others, here’s the painful verdict

The Carnival is an amazing idea poorly executed

Compare it to its Japanese rivals, while I might not love the idea of the Sienna or Odyssey and they’re not as trendy as the Carnival they are both executed perfectly and as intended.
After waiting months for the Carnival, an Odyssey is on order for our family (V6 is #1 on must haves list)

 

[Medallione]

Reach out to your dealer, they should have this information.

Are you in the GTA (Ontario)? I;m in Ottawa, I visited ny local dealer and they have no informational material and do not expect the 1st delivery until July or August. KInda sucks living in a small town. If you can post here whatever pamphlet or brochure sheet showing the trims/features, that'll be appreciated.

 

[FunkyC]

Are you in the GTA (Ontario)? I;m in Ottawa, I visited ny local dealer and they have no informational material and do not expect the 1st delivery until July or August. KInda sucks living in a small town. If you can post here whatever pamphlet or brochure sheet showing the trims/features, that'll be appreciated.

I’d find another dealer. They got order guides in early February and they got more information after the Canadian launch video a few weeks ago. Have you watched Brantford Kia videos on YouTube? He goes through some of the Canadian Specs. He also states in his videos that they expect them end of March. I think you were looking at EX+ and SX. Here is what each adds from what I have.

EX+
dual LED headlights
LED fog lights
Aero blade wipers
Solar laminated front door glass

12.3tft instrument cluster
12.3 navigation display
Rear voice recognition
Navigation smart cruise control
Around view 360 monitor

SX adds
Parking collision avoidance assist - reverse
Bose premium audio
Passenger view camera
Blind view monitoring
19’ black alloy wheels
Chrome bumper moulding
Chrome door garnish
Chrome front and rear skid plates
Dual sunroof
7 passenger
2nd row vip
Heated and ventilated 2nd row
Ventilated front seats
Driver memory - 4 way lumbar
Ion plating trim
LED interior lighting

 

[Medallione]

I’d find another dealer. They got order guides in early February and they got more information after the Canadian launch video a few weeks ago. Have you watched Brantford Kia videos on YouTube? He goes through some of the Canadian Specs. He also states in his videos that they expect them end of March. I think you were looking at EX+ and SX. Here is what each adds from what I have.

EX+
dual LED headlights
LED fog lights
Aero blade wipers
Solar laminated front door glass

12.3tft instrument cluster
12.3 navigation display
Rear voice recognition
Navigation smart cruise control
Around view 360 monitor

SX adds
Parking collision avoidance assist - reverse
Bose premium audio
Passenger view camera
Blind view monitoring
19’ black alloy wheels
Chrome bumper moulding
Chrome door garnish
Chrome front and rear skid plates
Dual sunroof
7 passenger
2nd row vip
Heated and ventilated 2nd row
Ventilated front seats
Driver memory - 4 way lumbar
Ion plating trim
LED interior lighting

Thanks a bunch! I will try another dealer, this time a volume one.

 

[l3536]

Thanks so much for sharing!
After reading your review and reading opinions and reviews from others, here’s the painful verdict

The Carnival is an amazing idea poorly executed

Compare it to its Japanese rivals, while I might not love the idea of the Sienna or Odyssey and they’re not as trendy as the Carnival they are both executed perfectly and as intended.
After waiting months for the Carnival, an Odyssey is on order for our family (V6 is #1 on must haves list)

Screens are not "cleanly" removeable from the looks of it. IMO they should have been better integrated with the car, i.e. the two screens have independent wifi, independent bluetooth etc. I guess I'm expecting too much?

Re:CrystalSun

The blind spot radar has been working fine since last car wash. Maybe it's the salt from Tahoe affecting the ultrasonic sensors. I'll keep an eye out.
And one more thing I want to add... it came with front side windows tinted (as with aftermarket tint films). I can also see it in other dealer photos. I actually kind of like it, as it gives a blackout look from side combined with the dark wheels.

 

[Medallione]

Looks like the Canadian EX+ trim is missing some items (memory settings for ext mirrors/driver seats, Bose audio, cooled front seats, blind spot viewing on 12.3" instrument gauge, and parking collision avoidance assist - reverse) on my must-have list. I'll have to go for the SX trim (even with my much disliked VIP seats).