Kia Telluride vs Kia Carnival MPV for sale in Robinson, PA

What Are The Differences in Size and Style?

Choosing the right Kia vehicle means choosing the perfect design to fit your needs. Both are built on a legacy of automotive excellence, but there are notable differences in style worth considering when choosing one.

The Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival MPV are designed to meet different needs, with their structure and functionality reflecting their roles as an SUV and a minivan, respectively. The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV built with a unibody construction, offering a rugged and stylish design featuring bold lines, a distinctive grille and a higher ride height, making it ideal for off-road capability and commanding road presence. It provides up to 87 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded, catering to families seeking versatility for both passengers and cargo, great for if you need to complete a grocery run in Carnegie. In contrast, the Kia Carnival MPV, also built on a unibody platform, adopts a sleeker, minivan-style design with sliding rear doors for easier access, particularly in tight spaces. It offers significantly more interior space, with up to 145.1 cu. ft. of cargo room when the rear seats are stowed, making it a better choice for those needing maximum storage or frequently transporting larger groups. While the Kia Telluride emphasizes adventurous utility and SUV styling, the Kia Carnival MPV focuses on practicality and space for everyday family needs.

There’s also the matter of different trims you choose to better customize your Kia driving experience. It’s here where the Kia Telluride holds the advantage, having quite a few more options available comparatively, with 10 available trims versus the Kia Carnival MPV with 5. Both tend to follow similar paths, there’s the EX for improved comfort and capability – including extra safety features. You could also choose the SX trim for cutting-edge technology and entertainment options. It’s a good idea for you to compare each trim to ensure you find the best option for your needs, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

What About Interiors and Features?

Step inside and you’ll see the cabins of the Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival MPV both offer advanced technology and upscale features you’d expect when choosing any Kia vehicle. That said, they cater to different priorities, let’s see how.

The Kia Telluride emphasizes luxury and rugged versatility, with a standard 12.3 in. touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity and available premium audio options with the Harman Kardon® sound system. It also features a digital instrument cluster, leather seating and a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims, making it feel more like a high-end SUV. The Kia Carnival MPV, designed for family convenience, includes a similar 12.3 in. touchscreen and connectivity options but adds unique features like an in-cabin intercom system and passenger-view camera to help monitor rear passengers. The Kia Carnival MPV also offers sliding rear doors for easier access, a significant advantage for families with young children. While both vehicles are tech-forward, the Kia Telluride leans towards adventure and luxury, whereas the Kia Carnival MPV prioritizes family-friendly practicality and convenience.

Technology doesn’t just extend to comfort and entertainment, the Kia Telluride and Carnival MPV are also both equipped with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic alert. They also feature safe exit assist, which prevents passengers from opening doors when vehicles are approaching from behind, particularly useful for families with children. The Kia Telluride, designed for adventurous driving, adds features like hill-start assist control and optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability. Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival MPV emphasizes passenger protection with additional features like a rear occupant alert system, ensuring no one is left behind.

How Do They Compare In Capability and Options?

An essential part of owning a Kia vehicle is knowing you can rely on it to get you where you need to be. That means providing the power and fuel economy necessary to handle any challenge, even if all you plan is to cruise through the Rennerdale streets. When it comes to overall performance how do the Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival MPV compare?

The Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival MPV are nearly identical in this regard, both are powered by V6 engines, each delivering robust performance tailored to their vehicle types. The Kia Telluride features a 3.8L V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and towing capabilities suitable for an SUV. The Kia Carnival MPV is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine generating 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While both models share similar torque outputs, the Kia Telluride has a slightly larger engine which provides a marginal increase in horsepower.

Both models offer comparable fuel efficiency, reflecting their design and functionality. The Kia Telluride, a midsize SUV with front-wheel drive, achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. Similarly, the Kia Carnival MPV delivers an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. The main takeaway is that performance for both vehicles is solid and relatively the same, meaning you don’t have to concede any performance depending on your choice.

Which Model Fits Your Budget?

Above everything else, your budget can dictate what model might work best for you. The good news is that both models have similarly competitive prices, great for all types of drivers. With the Kia Telluride, the LX trim starts at $36,390 MSRP. As for the Kia Carnival MPV, the LX trim starts at $36,800 MSRP. Both the Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival MPV come with Kia’s industry-leading warranty, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.

#1 Cochran Kia also frequently holds specials for new and used vehicles. There’s also our certified pre-owned program which offers vehicles that have undergone a 152-point inspection, receive 24/7 roadside assistance and a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. If you have any questions related to cost or warranties, please feel free to contact us.

Should I Choose the Kia Telluride or the Kia Carnival?

No matter the choice between the two, you’re looking at an industry-leading vehicle that you can rely on for years to come. The choice is largely based on size and expected goals.

The Kia Carnival MPV has notably more space, given the minivan design, which is great for large families and people in need of a vehicle that can assist in intensive tasks. On the other hand, the Kia Telluride provides a slicker, similarly family-friendly design with more customization options. You should consider what your main priorities are and determine which vehicle fulfills them better before making a choice.

Whether you choose one of them, or decide you want to see the rest of our lineup, feel free to visit us at #1 Cochran Kia. From Carnegie to Imperial and all across Western PA, drivers can always rely on the #1 Cochran family for all their automotive needs.