While those dimensions are very different in both vehicles, there are some similarities, especially considering these are both Kias. For example, they’ve both got fairly equally as complicated infotainment systems. Neither is super-intuitive, but it does get a bit easier with time. Even though the technology behind Kia’s infotainment is similar, the layout is different in each vehicle. The Telluride has more physical buttons, while the Carnival has far more touch options — I prefer the buttons.
The Carnival has the passenger view feature that allows the driver to see what the passengers are doing, but getting to that screen takes a couple taps, and once you’ve got the passenger in view, it’s actually more distracting than anything. Both vehicles also feature heated and ventilated front seats, but the Carnival’s captain’s chairs in the second row are also equipped with that function, while the Telluride’s bench seat is not.
The Telluride is still sporting the same normally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 that’s been powering it since its launch, while the Carnival uses a slightly smaller 3.5-litre V6. The power figures differ only slightly, however, with the Telluride producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque that peaks at 5,200 rpm. In the Carnival, you’ll get 290 hp and 262 lb-ft peaking at 5,000 rpm. In both cases, it’s pushed to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, this brings up two key points. One: there’s another brand selling minivans that we didn’t mention earlier when discussing engines, and that’s Toyota. The latest version of the Sienna not only doesn’t get a same-same powertrain, it’s sold exclusively as a hybrid. This gives it an average fuel consumption rating that’s nearly half that of the Carnival.