DecodedCars2023 Kia Carnival
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- Minivan
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 290 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 202.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,495 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 14% below the 2023 minivan average of 25.7 MPG.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Kia Carnival is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,495 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 14% worse than the 2023 minivan average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Carnival — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Carnival →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 Carnival configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 202.8 in | 78.3 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 68.9 / 68.9 in | 4,495 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 408 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Kia Carnival.
Similar 2023 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Carnival (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota Sienna | 36 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2023 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2023 Chrysler Voyager | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2023 Chrysler Pacifica | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Apr 10, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V232000 · 141,032 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 18, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V025000 · 101,049 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
Structure › Body › Door · Mar 31, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V236000 · 51,568 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.
- Risk
- A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
Trailer Hitches · Mar 17, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V179000 · 3,555 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.
Not every 2023 Kia Carnival is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia Carnival buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Structure › Body — 10 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Carnival. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Carnival years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Carnival | 33 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Carnival | 32 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 54 |
| 2025 Carnival | 33 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 196 |
| 2024 Carnival | 22 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 75 |
| 2022 Carnival | 22 | 202.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 136 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →