2023 Kia Seltos And Carnival Bring Minor Updates And Mostly Higher Pricing

Kia has introduced the 2023 Carnival and Seltos, which benefit from an assortment of minor changes.

Starting with the minivan, the 2023 Carnival SX comes better equipped as it now features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster instead of the old analog gauges and 4.2-inch display. The SX also receives a newly standard Blind-Spot View Monitor, but the previously standard rear seat entertainment system is now optional.

The range-topping Carnival SX Prestige now comes standard with eight seats as the second-row VIP lounge seats are now optional. Like the SX, the SX Prestige also loses the previously standard rear seat entertainment system.

Driven: The 2022 Kia Carnival Isn’t Your Typical Minivan And That’s A Good Thing

In terms of pricing, the 2023 Carnival starts at $32,600 and this makes its $300 more expensive than its predecessor. It’s also worth noting the destination charge has climbed from $1,295 to $1,335.

The mid-level Carnival EX climbs $300 to $38,100 while the SX remains $41,300. Lastly, the Carnival SX Prestige sees a $600 price cut which helps to offset the elimination of previously standard equipment.

2023 Seltos Begins At $22,890

Moving onto the Seltos, there isn’t much to report as the 2023 model receives “minor feature enhancements in the areas of noise reduction and advanced driver assistance systems.” Kia didn’t say much about the former, but S variants now come equipped with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Rear and Rear-Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance.

Thankfully, pricing hasn’t climbed much as the 2023 model begins at $22,890 and that’s only $100 more than its predecessor. However, the destination fee has increased from $1,255 to $1,295.

Other trims see higher price increases as the 2023 Seltos LX AWD begins at $22,840 which is $250 more than its predecessor. The S AWD sees a $100 increase to $24,390, while the EX AWD and Nightfall Edition both cost an extra $250 to start at $26,140 and $27,040. Sitting at the top of the range is the $28,340 Seltos SX AWD, which sees a price increase of $260.

Since the crossover largely carries over, buyers will find a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 146 hp (109 kW / 148 PS) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque. Higher-end variants, on the other hand, have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 175 hp (131 kW / 177 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.