I've said this in other videos. If you get the entertainment package and you don't have the power seats in the second row, when you pull the lever to bring the seats forward they come with so much velocity that they will crash into the screen. Check it out for yourself. If you're not holding with both hands that seat whips forward.
As a KIA HEV & 21 years young 220,000 miles Toyota Sienna 8-seat LE owner, I have been holding off the HEV Sienna and waiting for the review of this van. The 33 MPG does not get me too excited as I am already getting 28 MPG on the V6 3.3L with RAW V6 power (especially going up 1,000 feet uphill) with Crossclimat 2 tires and the removable 2nd roll seat (missing on new Sienna) provides plenty of space whenever needed. I am sure it's not as nice & quiet or smooth as a new van and if I really miss the wireless CARPLAY I can always pay $300 for a full installation of a aftermarket media system with front & rear cameras that works with the current steering column bottom controls. Not blown away yet but will keep in mind as a good contender when needed.
@@naveenthemachine in 2004, CarPlay does not exist and in Toyota world, it did not exist until 2020 (whyI bought a 2019 KIA HEV) this is why I do use a Mini wireless CarPlay USB module on the KIA wired CarPlay HEV.
"33 MPG does not get me too excited as I am already getting 28 MPG on the V6 3.3L" I don't buy at all that you are averaging 28mpg... be honest. That isn't your actual tank average. Not sure which year you have, but my 2005 Sienna 3.3l v6 with only 107k miles has AVERAGED 15.4mpg over my 10yrs of ownership. Never mind, that the 2005 Sienna wasn't even rated to average 28mpg on the highway, only 24mpg... and that's freeway, not combined. Fuelly average is barely over 20mpg until you hit the 2021 Sienna Hybrids, where it jumps to 32mpg average. The comment about a $300 installation of "an aftermarket media system with front and rear cameras", tells me you aren't paying attention to reality.
No, it wouldn't be a problem with the right design. Pacifica has a mechanical AWD system and it still has not only a 3rd row that folds into the floor but a 2nd row as well.
This was almost as great as watching Captain America finally say “Avengers, assemble” in Endgame. This was so much fun to watch. Great job guys. Next time, Tommy + Alex in the trunk!
@@magnoliap5824 Laziness is not an excuse to compromise safety, especially when you're driving with children (which you'd assume most minivan buyers will be). Besides if you can get your oil changed a couple of times a year - which is of course non-optional for any vehicle owner - surely you can drag your ass out of bed twice a year to get your tires changed lol
Fun fact about Hyundai/Kia HEVs: if you change the drive mode to sport mode, the paddles on the wheel ACTUALLY shift gears. I am not sure Carnival hev has the sport mode tho
I like that Kia decided to keep its V6 engine for Carnival because there are definitely some buyers who like the smoothness of big engines. I currently own V6, and it accelerates smoother than any I4
The 9.3-second 0-60 time doesn't seem to align with the horsepower and torque specs that Kia announced. Toyota has similar horsepower but significantly lower torque, yet manages a much better 0-60 time-around 8 seconds, if I’m not mistaken.
For official times we have to get this home. There are many factors including that there were three of us in the car at elevation in 95 degree heat. All of that can impact 0-60.
We don't have final times since we were not testing on our usual test road. We were also at elevation with three people in the van in 95 degree heat. All of that can impact 0-60. However, I suspect it'll still be a hair slower than the Sienna due to the design of the hybrid system.
I I would said the middle seat on second row slide extra distance make it more useful if you have two big car seat. I have two big car seat and normally people can not fit in between, but being able to slide back gives it extra shoulder space.
Alex, that carve out in the far back on the left side of the trunk is most likely for the premium audio systems subwoofer that doesn’t come with the hybrid model so they just kinda made it into a small cubby. I’m not 100% sure if in America it comes with premium audio in the hybrid, but I know in Canada it won’t (they usually only put it on the top trim only)
Nice review, Alex! I wanted to share a couple of interesting details about the Carnival Hybrid. In the U.S. version, Kia has removed several premium features, such as the built-in dashcam and heated/cooled cup holders, which results in some blank buttons and unused ports-a bit of a pity, in my opinion. Another thing I’ve noticed is that Kia hasn’t been consistent with the interior color options on the higher trims in the U.S. market. While black is always available, you might get a navy/grey combo or sometimes a brown interior-it seems to depend on what’s coming off the production line in Korea.
Pacifica has a much better and intuitive center console layout with better storage options which makes for a much more comfortable experience. The Kia has a heads-up display which I think should be standard in 2024 for all cars. They also missed that most Pacificas come with leather, the Pennicle, with a beautiful peanut butter brown leather and a panoramic sunroof. I choose the Pacifica for the superior comfort and the power of a V6 plugin hybrid over the turbo 4 banger Kia. Still a great build by Kia. 😊
I'd honestly want to see a chrome package option that un blacks out all the trims and wheel. Edit: completely lost interest the moment I saw that touch bar in the infotainment, oh well it was nice while it lasted
I Think the Hybrid works for in the city.. For me outside the city the V6 is a better fit, i have a turbo 1.6 car and it has less engine braking compared to a 2.Litre model much less in a heavier van.. i own the older 3.3V6 and tow with it.. at highway speed i can squeeze 31 mph if I'm getting 23 mph means I'm flighting. V6 just smoother and hauls 7 seat with luggage climbing up hill for an hour at 87 mph easy
@@AAutoBuyersGuideI agree, very fugly. Looks like they should be on the base model. I think the Odyssey has always had some of the coolest wheels for a minivan
@@Alrounderrrr agreed. It’s worse in just about every way. The sienna ostensibly no longer exists due to how subpar it is The less said about it the better
LOVE 3 Combo!!! No CVT hybrid. I’d rather have less mpg with better power ratio when battery is not providing any power. Sienna is a detrimental at higher altitude with full load of passengers. Short freeway merge spells out disaster with 18 wheelers on the collision course. Carnival > Sienna
You don’t merge from 0-100kmh/hr almost ever. Usually you’re going 50km/hr already and then accelerate from there. I have an anemic 1.6 4 cylinder Hyundai accent, and I NEVER floor my gas pedal, ever.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide That’s a game changer for me. I have a 2017 Sedona and I might have 2-3 years left on it and if they ever run a nice lease special I might upgrade to the Hybrid Carnival sooner. 💪💪💪
@LoveStallion They don't want the Carnival to look too mini-vanish. It was purposely designed that way to give buyers an SUV feel without minivan stigma that comes behind it.
@LoveStallion According to Alex study, younger buyers don't mind it at all. It all goes down to preference. Do you want a traditional minivan with more storage than a granny tupperware drawer or a minivan that doesn't feel, ride, and look like a minivan?
I've said this in other videos. If you get the entertainment package and you don't have the power seats in the second row, when you pull the lever to bring the seats forward they come with so much velocity that they will crash into the screen. Check it out for yourself. If you're not holding with both hands that seat whips forward.
Love the crossover with Sofyan and Tommy
The opposite version of the top gear trio doing a minivan review 😂
1.6L turbo is probably a bit too small. 2.0L turbo or even 2.5L turbo would make more sense. Besides, for me it's the best looking minivan.
Just came here from redline to see how Alex would drive it vs speed racer Sofyan.
As a KIA HEV & 21 years young 220,000 miles Toyota Sienna 8-seat LE owner, I have been holding off the HEV Sienna and waiting for the review of this van. The 33 MPG does not get me too excited as I am already getting 28 MPG on the V6 3.3L with RAW V6 power (especially going up 1,000 feet uphill) with Crossclimat 2 tires and the removable 2nd roll seat (missing on new Sienna) provides plenty of space whenever needed. I am sure it's not as nice & quiet or smooth as a new van and if I really miss the wireless CARPLAY I can always pay $300 for a full installation of a aftermarket media system with front & rear cameras that works with the current steering column bottom controls. Not blown away yet but will keep in mind as a good contender when needed.
If you want wireless CarPlay just buy one of those USB wireless CarPlay adapters
@@naveenthemachine in 2004, CarPlay does not exist and in Toyota world, it did not exist until 2020 (whyI bought a 2019 KIA HEV) this is why I do use a Mini wireless CarPlay USB module on the KIA wired CarPlay HEV.
"33 MPG does not get me too excited as I am already getting 28 MPG on the V6 3.3L"
I don't buy at all that you are averaging 28mpg... be honest. That isn't your actual tank average.
Not sure which year you have, but my 2005 Sienna 3.3l v6 with only 107k miles has AVERAGED 15.4mpg over my 10yrs of ownership.
Never mind, that the 2005 Sienna wasn't even rated to average 28mpg on the highway, only 24mpg... and that's freeway, not combined.
Fuelly average is barely over 20mpg until you hit the 2021 Sienna Hybrids, where it jumps to 32mpg average.
The comment about a $300 installation of "an aftermarket media system with front and rear cameras", tells me you aren't paying attention to reality.
The Trifecta!! 👏🏾
Great review. Would AWD destroy the packaging for the cargo area and stowed seats?
Yes, if it's mechanical driven. Toyota just puts another electric motor for AWD + it's hybrid system.
No, it wouldn't be a problem with the right design. Pacifica has a mechanical AWD system and it still has not only a 3rd row that folds into the floor but a 2nd row as well.
Love the no transition feel and the regen paddles are awesome I have them on my Clarity I use them all the time to slow down
Perhaps the pinnacle of ABG videos! A fun collab with 2 other channels AND it’s about a minivan
This was almost as great as watching Captain America finally say “Avengers, assemble” in Endgame. This was so much fun to watch. Great job guys. Next time, Tommy + Alex in the trunk!
A pretty chaotic and fun episode, this one is 😂
I feel like AWD is such an overrated feature, and completely not worth the expense. Winter tires will make a bigger difference than AWD every time.
Not everyone wants to change out tires every year. Most people don’t drive on snow tires all year round.
@@magnoliap5824 Laziness is not an excuse to compromise safety, especially when you're driving with children (which you'd assume most minivan buyers will be). Besides if you can get your oil changed a couple of times a year - which is of course non-optional for any vehicle owner - surely you can drag your ass out of bed twice a year to get your tires changed lol
Best looking minivan inside out! That is why Hyundai Kia motor company became 3rd largest auto company in the world. Good job Kia.
Fun fact about Hyundai/Kia HEVs: if you change the drive mode to sport mode, the paddles on the wheel ACTUALLY shift gears. I am not sure Carnival hev has the sport mode tho
All H/K hybrids have Sport Mode. I personally never there vehicles without it.
I like that Kia decided to keep its V6 engine for Carnival because there are definitely some buyers who like the smoothness of big engines. I currently own V6, and it accelerates smoother than any I4
The 9.3-second 0-60 time doesn't seem to align with the horsepower and torque specs that Kia announced. Toyota has similar horsepower but significantly lower torque, yet manages a much better 0-60 time-around 8 seconds, if I’m not mistaken.
For official times we have to get this home. There are many factors including that there were three of us in the car at elevation in 95 degree heat. All of that can impact 0-60.
We don't have final times since we were not testing on our usual test road. We were also at elevation with three people in the van in 95 degree heat. All of that can impact 0-60. However, I suspect it'll still be a hair slower than the Sienna due to the design of the hybrid system.
I I would said the middle seat on second row slide extra distance make it more useful if you have two big car seat. I have two big car seat and normally people can not fit in between, but being able to slide back gives it extra shoulder space.
Alex, that carve out in the far back on the left side of the trunk is most likely for the premium audio systems subwoofer that doesn’t come with the hybrid model so they just kinda made it into a small cubby.
I’m not 100% sure if in America it comes with premium audio in the hybrid, but I know in Canada it won’t (they usually only put it on the top trim only)
love watching all three of you together! all the best unite!
Nice review, Alex! I wanted to share a couple of interesting details about the Carnival Hybrid. In the U.S. version, Kia has removed several premium features, such as the built-in dashcam and heated/cooled cup holders, which results in some blank buttons and unused ports-a bit of a pity, in my opinion. Another thing I’ve noticed is that Kia hasn’t been consistent with the interior color options on the higher trims in the U.S. market. While black is always available, you might get a navy/grey combo or sometimes a brown interior-it seems to depend on what’s coming off the production line in Korea.
26:25 - FYI, honda keeps the set regent level in Sport mode.
I agree. It looks great! Just needs higher mpg, awd and separation of stereo/hvac. Pushing 40 mpg would be sweet. 29 mpg ain’t cutting it!
What a lovely family 😅
On Hondas it'll stay at what regen level you set it to if you put the gear selector in B. Also defaults that way when in Sport mode.
this is a nice format review!
third row folding mechanism is a straight up copy from the sienna lol.
Any idea when is the plug in version coming?
Definitely good looking.
Pacifica has a much better and intuitive center console layout with better storage options which makes for a much more comfortable experience. The Kia has a heads-up display which I think should be standard in 2024 for all cars. They also missed that most Pacificas come with leather, the Pennicle, with a beautiful peanut butter brown leather and a panoramic sunroof. I choose the Pacifica for the superior comfort and the power of a V6 plugin hybrid over the turbo 4 banger Kia. Still a great build by Kia. 😊
I have to wait as early 2025 to get one (Carnival HEV) in Canada, but I will wait after tis video
I'd honestly want to see a chrome package option that un blacks out all the trims and wheel.
Edit: completely lost interest the moment I saw that touch bar in the infotainment, oh well it was nice while it lasted
I LOVE blacked out car trim!! Chrome sucks~
I get 29mpg on my 24 honda odyssey driving at 75mph. V6 10 speed smooth shifting
I Think the Hybrid works for in the city.. For me outside the city the V6 is a better fit, i have a turbo 1.6 car and it has less engine braking compared to a 2.Litre model much less in a heavier van.. i own the older 3.3V6 and tow with it.. at highway speed i can squeeze 31 mph if I'm getting 23 mph means I'm flighting. V6 just smoother and hauls 7 seat with luggage climbing up hill for an hour at 87 mph easy
The Goldilocks of minivans and hybrids
Alex - why dont you like the black wheel - I see no response you mentioned
IMHO, they are fugly.
@@AAutoBuyersGuideI agree, very fugly. Looks like they should be on the base model. I think the Odyssey has always had some of the coolest wheels for a minivan
Love it, but more power, more ground clearance and more drive wheels.
Nobody Needs AWD😮 That's why there's SNOW Tires ❄️ 😊 or ALL TERRAIN Tires.😊
Much better than stupid Sienna which have 2 years waiting
@@Alrounderrrr agreed. It’s worse in just about every way. The sienna ostensibly no longer exists due to how subpar it is
The less said about it the better
Could we fit a spare tire somewhere?
why no review on the self drive feature?
You forgot to mention Honda Odyssey
...And for 2026 Carnivale, AWD hybrid option.
Do you guys all stay in the same dormitory?
Turbo and hybrid? It’s way too complicate, costly if any of them go wrong
Sienna has a terrible 3-Star crash rating!!
Seems alright to me. 🤷
Feel like a 8 speed or a cvt woofd of given this way better mpg
lol. A light colored interior in a minivan. Good luck keeping it clean.
lol this is practically a SUV with a sliding door.
LOVE 3 Combo!!!
No CVT hybrid. I’d rather have less mpg with better power ratio when battery is not providing any power.
Sienna is a detrimental at higher altitude with full load of passengers. Short freeway merge spells out disaster with 18 wheelers on the collision course.
Carnival > Sienna
And the sienna is dreadful in just about every way possible. Carnival is a lot easier to live with.
@@naveenthemachine Sienna is so unattractive as well. 🤮
29:24 because 9.3 sec with no cargo, three skinny passengers. Add 3 more passengers and cargo, and the minivan can’t merge on the highway safely
Does that mean most commercial trucks and vans are inherently unsafe or that they’re the leading cause of accidents?
You don’t merge from 0-100kmh/hr almost ever. Usually you’re going 50km/hr already and then accelerate from there. I have an anemic 1.6 4 cylinder Hyundai accent, and I NEVER floor my gas pedal, ever.
If kia put thr track on top it might hide the track. Or get this van in a dark color.
Does it have smart cruise control?
Yep, it does.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide
That’s a game changer for me. I have a 2017 Sedona and I might have 2-3 years left on it and if they ever run a nice lease special I might upgrade to the Hybrid Carnival sooner. 💪💪💪
yes and it should have been tested, its basically self drive mode, similar to tesla
V6 waiting room
Yes! Hate the black wheels!
1.6 liter??? F*** NO!
Great review if you like the sound of 3 women gossiping.
Keep your hybrids. I want the V-6. Even better give me a V-8.
🙈🙉🙊
This is the best in class. The perfect minivan.
Kia nailed it to no one’s surprise as Kia always surpasses expectations
Having storage on the floor in the center console would make it perfect.
@LoveStallion They don't want the Carnival to look too mini-vanish. It was purposely designed that way to give buyers an SUV feel without minivan stigma that comes behind it.
I had no clue that Kia didn’t want to call it a minivan, til I watched Deadpool.
@@jraheemjefcoat429 I know that's why they designed it that way, but minivan buyers want practicality, and it was a dumb design choice.
@LoveStallion According to Alex study, younger buyers don't mind it at all. It all goes down to preference. Do you want a traditional minivan with more storage than a granny tupperware drawer or a minivan that doesn't feel, ride, and look like a minivan?
Another Kia review? Also, no more cameos from other reviewers.