Finding Your Perfect Match in the 2026 Kia Carnival Lineup

Choosing between five different Kia Carnival Trim Levels can feel like picking a favorite kid. Each one brings something different to the table, from the practical LX that covers all the bases to the SX Prestige that turns heads at school pickup. If you’re wondering which trim fits your family’s needs without blowing your budget, you’re in the right spot.

• The 2026 Carnival comes in five trims ranging from $36,990 to $51,090, all powered by the same 290-hp V6 engine.
• Every trim seats seven or eight passengers and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
• Upper trims like the SX and SX Prestige add luxury features including VIP Lounge Seats, dual sunroofs, and premium audio systems.

Quick Reference: 2026 Kia Carnival Trim Comparison

Trim Level	Starting MSRP	Seating	Key Features
LX	$36,990	7-passenger	Wireless smartphone integration, 6-speaker audio, LED headlights, standard safety suite
LXS	$38,990	8-passenger	Heated front seats, SynTex seating, Slide-Flex second row, blind-spot monitoring
EX	$41,190	7 or 8-passenger	12.3″ touchscreen with navigation, power liftgate, wireless charging, surround-view camera
SX	$46,090	7 or 8-passenger	Leather seats, ventilated front seats, dual sunroofs, Highway Driving Assist, 8-speaker audio
SX Prestige	$51,090	7-passenger	VIP Lounge Seats with heating/cooling, Bose 12-speaker audio, 11″ head-up display, power side mirrors

What Every Carnival Gets You

Before diving into what sets each trim apart, it’s worth knowing what comes standard across the board. Every 2026 Carnival runs on a 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You’ll get 18 mpg city and 25 highway, no matter which trim you pick.

All models include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, too, along with three-zone climate control. That’s a solid package right out of the gate.

LX: The Smart Starting Point

At $36,990, the LX gives you everything you need without the extras you might not use. Seven-passenger seating comes standard with sliding and removable second-row captain’s chairs. The 60/40 split-folding third row drops flat when you need to haul more cargo than people.

You get an eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and LED multi-reflector headlights. The cloth seats are comfortable, and the tri-zone climate control means nobody fights over the temperature. It’s the kind of trim that works great for families who want a reliable minivan without paying for leather seats they’ll cover with beach towels anyway.

LXS: The Flexibility Upgrade

Spending an extra $2,000 gets you the LXS, which adds eight-passenger seating with the unique Slide-Flex middle seat. This removable center seat slides forward or back, making it easier to reach back-row passengers or fit three car seats across. Parents with multiple young kids will appreciate this feature more than heated seats.

SynTex synthetic leather replaces the cloth upholstery, and both front seats gain heating elements. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard, along with 17-inch alloy wheels. This trim sits in that sweet spot where you get meaningful upgrades without paying premium prices.

EX: Where Tech Gets Serious

At $41,190, the EX trim brings the tech-forward features that make daily driving easier. Your biggest upgrade here is the dual 12.3-inch displays: one for the instrument cluster and one for the touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation. Wireless phone charging appears, along with a hands-free power liftgate that opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper.

A 360-degree surround-view camera system makes parking in tight spots less stressful. Passenger View uses an in-cabin camera to check on back-seat passengers through the center display, while Passenger Talk acts as an intercom system so you don’t have to yell over road noise. Front and rear parking sensors round out the convenience package.

SX: Comfort Meets Style

Step up to the SX for $46,090, and you’ll notice the difference immediately. Leather seats replace SynTex, with heating and ventilation for both front seats. The driver gets a power lumbar adjustment, and the passenger seat gains power controls, too. Dual panoramic sunroofs bring natural light into both the front and rear sections of the cabin.

Highway Driving Assist 2 takes over steering and acceleration on the highway, making long road trips less tiring. The audio system jumps to eight speakers, and rain-sensing wipers appear on the windshield. Sound-absorbing glass on all windows cuts down road noise for a quieter ride. Dark trim accents give the interior a more upscale look.

SX Prestige: The Luxury Experience

At $51,090, the top-tier SX Prestige transforms the Carnival into something closer to a luxury SUV than a traditional minivan. Available VIP Lounge Seating is the star feature here, replacing standard second-row seats with power-reclining captain’s chairs that include heating, ventilation, leg extensions, and adjustable headrests. Think airplane business class, but in your driveway.

A Bose 12-speaker premium audio system fills the cabin with clear sound. An 11-inch head-up display projects key driving information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road. Power-folding side mirrors, ambient interior lighting, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink integration add to the premium feel. If you want every available feature, this is your trim.

Which Trim Makes Sense for Your Budget?

If you’re buying your first minivan and want to keep payments low while still getting three rows and modern safety tech, the LX works great. Families who need that extra seat or want heated front seats should look at the LXS for just $2,000 more.

Most buyers will find the EX hits the sweet spot. That $2,200 jump from the LXS brings the big dual displays, navigation, and the surround-view camera system that makes parking easier. You get the tech upgrades that matter without paying for luxury features.

If you want leather seats, dual sunroofs, and a quieter cabin, the SX makes sense. That $4,900 premium over the EX adds comfort features you’ll use every day. Save the SX Prestige for buyers who want the absolute best or families who spend serious time in the car and value those VIP lounge seats.

See the 2026 Carnival at Kia of Muncie

Comparing trim levels on paper only tells part of the story. At Kia of Muncie, we keep multiple Carnival trims in stock so you can see the differences for yourself. Sit in the VIP Lounge Seats, test the Slide-Flex seating, and check out how the dual 12.3-inch displays work in real time. Our team will walk you through the features that matter to your family without pushing you toward trims you don’t need. We’ve been helping Muncie families find the right vehicles for over a decade, and we make the process simple and straightforward. Stop by our showroom on West Hometown Boulevard to explore the full Carnival lineup and take a test drive.

Tags: 2026 Kia Carnival, Carnival features, Carnival LX vs EX, Carnival SX Prestige, Kia Carnival Trim Levels, Kia minivan comparison, VIP Lounge Seats
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