[Stuart Pidassle]

Hi,
I currently have a gen 2 Sienna that we use as our utility/adventure/messy duty vehicle that will need replacement in the next couple of years. I am thinking that the Carnival might be a great replacement due to its larger size and nice looking package. Given the intended the usage the only features I want to pay extra for are fake leather seats and a decent stereo. I have a couple of questions that I hope can be answered here.
1. is the base stereo on the sx adequate, or do i need to go to the ex?
2. is it possible to remove the second row on the lower trims?
3. are there any mountain bikers in this forum? More importantly does a mountain bike fit standing up without removing wheels?

Thanks for your input

 

[Phantasm22]

Welcome!

1. SX Prestige > SX > EX > LX. Most modern car stereo systems are adequate but if you are an audiophile then you'll want to step up.
2. Yes, all but the SX Prestige can be removed
3. Probably diagonally but not likely standing straight up

 

[dugg914]

I have a full suspension ebike (much like a mountain bike). It will not fit in my SXP, as the VIP seats are not removable. Also, there is no hitch available for the Carnival at this time, and I have searched extensively. I finally have a premium 12 speaker audio system in my car-but I am now more than half deaf at this point in my life.

 

[JohnU]

You need to google up the newly announced Sienna Woodlands edition.

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

LOL, the Woodlands edition is why I am here in this forum. My current Sienna is AWD with a 1" lift so I thinking that the Woodlands with a factory lift and hybrid AWD drivetrain was the perfect replacement. Second row seats that can't easily be removed is a deal killer. I need to be able to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood as a good reference point. The van is my equivalent of a pickup, including the wear and tear on the interior. Unless there are special seats on the special edition it just a big tease. The Carnival certainly looks better and seems to be larger, no AWD is a drawback. The other option is the VW ID Buzz. I don't think they have announced seating configuration and it is probably going to cost more than I want to spend on a utility vehicle.

 

[JohnU]

I hear you. I love the lounge chair concept but I need to remove the seats too. It’s looking like I’ll have to stay with Honda to keep my sunroof, homelink, heated & cooled seats w/removable 2nd row.

 

[Joehdds]

Hi,
I currently have a gen 2 Sienna that we use as our utility/adventure/messy duty vehicle that will need replacement in the next couple of years. I am thinking that the Carnival might be a great replacement due to its larger size and nice looking package. Given the intended the usage the only features I want to pay extra for are fake leather seats and a decent stereo. I have a couple of questions that I hope can be answered here.
1. is the base stereo on the sx adequate, or do i need to go to the ex?
2. is it possible to remove the second row on the lower trims?
3. are there any mountain bikers in this forum? More importantly does a mountain bike fit standing up without removing wheels?

Thanks for your input

Hi, new here too. Looking to move from 2015 Sedona to Carnival. I currently take out the center middle seat and fold down the 3rd row to place my mountain bikes. I put the front wheels of 1-2 bikes into that space and they stand up just fine. I can’t imagine why you couldn’t with the carnival but I will check that out.

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

Thanks Joehdds, that is basically what I do with my current van. The AWD Sienna's are all 7 passenger so I built a rack that that fits between the seats that holds the front tire in place. I works really well for $30 worth of PVC pipe, if nothing else it protects the seats.

 

[dareo]

The EX trim is what I suggest. You get the better tech/infotainment stuff and its not that much more than SX Seat Package models that have the synth leather

 

[JohnU]

For my two Townies, I remove the front tires and roll them in. I installed two hold down bicycle quick release clamps (on plywood) staggered with one bike behind for handlebar clearance.

 

[sdj]

On my 2008 Sienna- I flip up the second seats to easily fit two mtn bikes in. Maybe one with its front wheel off. I like the SX-P seats but it would be a little more difficult to get the bikes in.

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

Hello again, I am really struggling with making a decision on a new van with the deadline to replace our current van rapidly approaching. A few weeks ago I was ready to move forward with a Carnival EX and contacted dealers on line. I didn't pull the trigger due to dealer markups and lack of availability. Since that time I thinking that the Sienna may be a better choice after I learned about the another (door) recall and that H/K has had a lot of engine related recalls. My research also leaves me with some general concerns about the durability of the class leading interiors after normal use. Before I make a decision based on second hand information what is the consensus from actual Kia owners?

 

[UN-Limited]

This is my 3rd Kia purchase in the past 8 years. My experience will not be identical to yours, but my first Kia is 8 years old with 100k miles, and had numerous TSB and a couple of Recalls all performed under warranty. I've paid exactly $0 in repairs all this time and my powertrain warranty has been extended (at no additional cost) for the life of the vehicle.

My 2nd Kia was only 6 years old when we traded it in for the Carnival. 50k miles with only one TSB required under warranty. $0 paid in repairs (excluding wear/tear items).

Both interiors held up well and we didn't have any failures of the infotainment systems. I'm a happy customer and as long as they continue to offer and honor their industry leading warranty, I have no legitimate reason to look elsewhere. Seems like all other brands charge more and offer less.

 

[JMig]

Hello again, I am really struggling with making a decision on a new van with the deadline to replace our current van rapidly approaching. A few weeks ago I was ready to move forward with a Carnival EX and contacted dealers on line. I didn't pull the trigger due to dealer markups and lack of availability. Since that time I thinking that the Sienna may be a better choice after I learned about the another (door) recall and that H/K has had a lot of engine related recalls. My research also leaves me with some general concerns about the durability of the class leading interiors after normal use. Before I make a decision based on second hand information what is the consensus from actual Kia owners?

My hubby was in a bad accident in his Kia Optima in April. The car died so that he didn't have to. We wanted another Kia. We got a Carnival and I really love it. He now has my 2008 Honda Odyssey - and there is no comparison. My biggest complaint is the gas mileage isn't great, but the car is heavy and safe. We also transport bicycles, although we are using the Honda more for that now.

 

[John Carnival]

Hello again, I am really struggling with making a decision on a new van with the deadline to replace our current van rapidly approaching. A few weeks ago I was ready to move forward with a Carnival EX and contacted dealers on line. I didn't pull the trigger due to dealer markups and lack of availability. Since that time I thinking that the Sienna may be a better choice after I learned about the another (door) recall and that H/K has had a lot of engine related recalls. My research also leaves me with some general concerns about the durability of the class leading interiors after normal use. Before I make a decision based on second hand information what is the consensus from actual Kia owners?

Hello Stuart,
I have the same question about fitting mountain bikes into the Kia Carnival's back (after removing or folding down the rear seats).
Did you find an answer that you could share with me, please?
Cheers,
John

 

[UN-Limited]

Hello Stuart,
I have the same question about fitting mountain bikes into the Kia Carnival's back (after removing or folding down the rear seats).
Did you find an answer that you could share with me, please?
Cheers,
John

Probably depends on how big your bike is. I got a cheap Mongoose from Walmart with 26 inch tires that fits standing up even with the 2nd row pushed all the way back. I was even able to use the kick-stand to keep it propped up for a short drive.