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.

In terms of pricing, the 2023 Carnival starts at US$ 32,600 and this makes its US$ 300 more expensive than its predecessor. It’s also worth noting the destination charge has climbed from US$ 1,295 to US$ 1,335. The mid-level Carnival EX climbs US$ 300 to US$ 38,100 while the SX remains US$ 41,300. Lastly, the Carnival SX Prestige sees a US$ 600 price cut which helps to offset the elimination of previously standard equipment.

 

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 US$ 22,890 and that’s only US$ 100 more than its predecessor. However, the destination fee has increased from US$ 1,255 to US$ 1,295.

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

Since the crossover largely carries over, buyers will find a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 146 hp and 179 Nm of torque. Higher-end variants, on the other hand, have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 175 hp and 264 Nm of torque.