Those looking for a spacious and versatile ride for the whole family have a close choice between the Kia Carnival vs. Kia Telluride. Whether the convenient space of the Carnival minivan or the tech-savvy features of the Telluride midsize SUV catch your eye, understanding the differences between these two family vehicles is worth your time. We at Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw want you to find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle, so let’s put these two side by side.
Once you’ve seen the on-paper differences between the Kia Carnival vs. Kia Telluride, visit our showroom in Kennesaw, GA, for a personal tour.
| Models: | LX, LX Seat Package, EX, SX, SX Prestige |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 290 horsepower |
| Drive Type: | FWD |
| Towing Capacity: | 3,500 lbs1 |
| Body Style: | Minivan / MPV |
| EPA-Estimated Range: | 418 mi2 |
| Max Cargo Capacity: | 145.1 cu ft |
| Models: | LX, S, EX, EX X-Line, SX, SX X-Line, SX X-Pro, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, SX Prestige X-Pro |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 291 horsepower |
| Drive Type: | FWD, AWD |
| Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs1 to 5,500 pounds (X-Pro Trims)1 |
| Body Style: | Midsize SUV |
| EPA-Estimated Range: | FWD 414 mi2 AWD 376 mi2 |
| Max Cargo Capacity: | 87 cu ft |
The 2024 Kia Carnival’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine is perfect for a family-sized minivan, keeping your ride on the move with 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The 2024 Kia Telluride’s 3.8-liter V-6 engine, powered by a standard eight-speed transmission, gets almost identical performance with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. However, the Telluride’s 5,000-pound towing capacity1 (with a boost to 5,500 pounds1 on X-Pro trims) is better for dedicated excursions than the Carnival minivan’s 3,500 pounds.1
Both the Kia Carnival and Kia Telluride share similar fuel economy ratings. The Kia Carnival has an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 (City/Highway/Combined),2 which is competitive for the minivan segment. The Telluride offers slightly better EPA-estimated city driving with 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 The difference between these options is quite minor, though you’ll get less mileage with the available AWD option for Telluride trims at 18/24/20 (City/Highway/Combined).2
The New Kia Carnival for sale has five different trims to tour. Start with the well-appointed LX or boost the seating capacity from seven to eight with the LX Seat Package trim. Moving up to the EX and SX trims provides additional comfort, from tri-zone auto climate control to a larger 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment display. The SX Prestige level for the Kia Carnival adds premium available features like a Bose® audio system and Off-Black or Tuscan Umber interior seat trim.
If you want customization galore, our Kia Telluride specials cover 10 trim levels to match your needs. The LX starts the menu off with a loaded feature list, while the X-Line models offer exceptional comfort options, including the highest number of exterior colors, standard AWD, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish. The SX trims offer additional Drive Assist options, such as Parking Collision Avoidance and Highway Driving Assist 2.
Both the Carnival and Telluride are capable vehicles that let you stretch out, but the Carnival’s spacious interior comes out on top – not unusual when comparing a minivan to an SUV. With 35.6 inches of legroom in the third row, 41.1 inches of front row legroom, and 38.6 inches of headroom at the rear, the Carnival can keep anyone comfortable wherever they sit.
The Telluride gives plenty of room to sit with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 37.8 to 38.1 inches of third-row headroom, depending on your sunroof choice. However, at 31.4 inches of rear legroom, the back row is best for the family’s youngest members.
The minivan also wins out on cargo space. The Carnival’s massive 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space – which expands to 145.1 cubic feet when the back rows are folded down – is great for family trips or move-in days. The Telluride’s cargo space of 21 cubic feet – 87 cubic feet with second- and third-row seats down – falls well short but is still ready for weekend adventures.
Both Kia vehicles emphasize comfort. The Carnival has available features like ventilated front seats, front power seats with driver memory, and leather seat trims to elevate the driving experience. Meanwhile, the Telluride’s available Nappa leather seat trim, automatic rear passenger climate control, and expansive power lumbar adjustment structures in each seat support you exquisitely during long drives.
Regarding infotainment, both vehicles have plenty to love. A standard 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system can be complemented with an upgraded 12.3-inch instrument display on Telluride SX models. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® come standard, and an available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System keeps the party moving.
The Carnival has standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® as well, but a smaller standard infotainment screen at 8 inches and Bose® Premium Audio System accessible at the SX Prestige trim. However, upper Carnival trims can add the optional dual-screen rear entertainment system to keep the kids occupied on road trips.
Regarding safety, both vehicles have state-of-the-art technology to help keep your family safe on the road, sharing many impactful Kia DriveWise available and standard features. The Carnival’s Cabin Camera and Intercom make checking on the back rows during energetic rides easy. Owners of the SX line of Telluride vehicles can experience the Smart Cruise Control with machine learning principles, letting the SUV adapt to your driving style in real-time.
Whether you want the Carnival’s extra space or the Telluride’s extra tech, you can schedule a test drive at Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw in Kennesaw, GA. Or dig further with other comparisons, like the Kia Carnival vs. Kia Sedona, to explore similar options in the lineup.
To see how the Telluride stacks up to the competition, check out our Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade comparison.
Regarding interior space, the Carnival edges out the Telluride. At 145.1 cubic feet with the second and third row down, the Carnival minivan offers plenty of room for whatever you need – though with 87 cubic feet, Telluride cargo space is nothing to scoff at. Both vehicles offer excellent comfort options, but the Telluride has a few edges, such as available Nappa leather seating.
The primary differences between the 2024 Kia and the 2024 Kia Telluride are size and strength. The 2024 Kia Carnival is a minivan with more maximum cargo space and available third-row legroom than the midsize SUV. However, the 2024 Telluride can tow more when properly equipped and, with available AWD, is steadier on rough terrain. Both vehicles have around the same fuel economy and seating capacity.
The 2024 Kia Carnival has around the same fuel efficiency as the Kia Telluride. When both vehicles are equipped with FWD, the Kia Carnival has an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 (City/Highway/Combined)2 while the Kia Telluride has an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 (City/Highway/Combined).2 AWD drivetrains of the Telluride lower this estimation to 18/24/20 (City/Highway/Combined).2
1Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity and additional information and warnings. For information on proper towing procedures, please speak to a Kia representative. The Owner’s Manual also features detailed towing instructions and is available for download at https://www.kiatechinfo.com; subscription required for site access.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition. Learn more about Kia fuel economy at kiampginfo.com.
