Lithia Auto Stores

Compare the2023 Kia CarnivalVS 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

2023 Kia Carnival
2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Carnival are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Kia Carnival has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Carnival has standard backup collision prevention system that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Carnival’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Transit Connect Wagon and is only available on Transit Connect Wagon XLT/Titanium.

The Carnival SX/Prestige has a standard Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Transit Connect Wagon only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Carnival has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Ford charges extra for Cross Traffic Alert on the Transit Connect Wagon and the Transit Connect Wagon’s Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the Carnival and the Transit Connect Wagon have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Carnival the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 175 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Transit Connect Wagon has not been tested, yet.

Warranty

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

The Carnival comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire van and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Transit Connect Wagon’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Carnival 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Ford covers the Transit Connect Wagon. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Transit Connect Wagon ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

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A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Carnival’s reliability 21 points higher than the Transit Connect Wagon.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 10th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 43 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 16th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 9 places higher in reliability than Ford.

Engine

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The Carnival’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 128 more horsepower (290 vs. 162) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 144) than the Transit Connect Wagon’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Kia Carnival is faster than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

Carnival

Transit Connect Wagon

Zero to 60 MPH

7.5 sec

10.5 sec

Quarter Mile

15.7 sec

17.8 sec

Speed in 1/4 Mile

90.7 MPH

77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

The Carnival has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Connect Wagon (19 vs. 15.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Carnival has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Transit Connect Wagon. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Brakes and Stopping

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

The Carnival stops shorter than the Transit Connect Wagon:

Carnival

Transit Connect Wagon

60 to 0 MPH

118 feet

127 feet

Motor Trend

60 to 0 MPH (Wet)

134 feet

141 feet

Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

For better traction, the Carnival has larger tires than the Transit Connect Wagon (235/65R17 vs. 215/55R16).

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Carnival LX has standard 17-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the Transit Connect Wagon. The Carnival EX/SX/Prestige has standard 19-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

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For superior ride and handling, the Kia Carnival has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Ford Transit Connect Wagon has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Carnival’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Transit Connect Wagon (121.7 inches vs. 120.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Carnival is 7.3 inches wider in the front and 7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Transit Connect Wagon.

For better maneuverability, the Carnival’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Transit Connect Wagon’s (38 feet vs. 40 feet).

Passenger Space

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/05

The Carnival offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Transit Connect Wagon can only carry up to 7.

The Carnival has 5.6 inches more front hip room, 6.6 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear legroom, 8.1 inches more rear hip room, 4.7 inches more rear shoulder room, .6 inches more third row legroom, 3.4 inches more third row hip room and 3.2 inches more third row shoulder room than the Transit Connect Wagon.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Carnival’s middle and third row seats recline. The Transit Connect Wagon’s middle row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

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The Carnival’s cargo area provides more volume than the Transit Connect Wagon.

Carnival

Transit Connect Wagon

Behind Third Seat

40.2 cubic feet

16.3 cubic feet

Third Seat Folded

86.9 cubic feet

n/a

Third Seat Removed

n/a

60.1 cubic feet

Max Cargo Volume

145.1 cubic feet

106 cubic feet

The Carnival has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Carnival EX/SX/Prestige’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

Towing

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The Carnival’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Connect Wagon’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

A Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on the Carnival, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Servicing Ease

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A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Carnival to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Ergonomics

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When two different drivers share the Carnival SX/Prestige, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Carnival SX/Prestige’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Carnival’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Transit Connect Wagon has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Carnival’s standard driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the window control, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Transit Connect Wagon’s standard driver’s power window switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully.

The Carnival’s power side sliding doors make it much easier to load and unload kids and cargo. One touch opens the door, before you even get to the van. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power rear door.

The Carnival’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Transit Connect Wagon’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen. The Carnival’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the Transit Connect Wagon’s optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Carnival has standard extendable sun visors. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Carnival to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Carnival has standard power remote mirrors. The Transit Connect Wagon only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Carnival’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Transit Connect Wagon.

When the Carnival SX/Prestige is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Transit Connect Wagon’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Carnival and the Transit Connect Wagon offer available heated front seats. The Carnival Prestige also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the Transit Connect Wagon.

The Carnival SX/Prestige has standard front air conditioned seats and the Carnival Prestige also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Carnival Prestige’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Carnival has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

Recommendations

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Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Carnival, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Ford Transit Connect Wagon isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Carnival first among minivans in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Transit Connect Wagon isn’t in the top three.

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