The 2027 Kia Carnival SX+ Turns the Second Row Into a First-Class Cabin for Road Trips

The 2027 Kia Carnival SX+ is built for Quebec families who want a minivan that handles long road trips without sacrificing comfort for the people sitting in row two. The SX+ sits at the top of the Carnival lineup as the seven-passenger flagship trim, and the upgrades over the base SX are focused entirely on turning the second row into a first-class experience.

If you have been comparing trim levels and trying to decide whether the SX+ premium is worth it, this guide walks through exactly what you gain, what stays the same, and how both top trims stack up side by side so you can make a confident choice.

The 2027 Kia Carnival SX: Eight-Passenger Practicality

The SX delivers a well-equipped, eight-passenger layout that gives families maximum seating flexibility. It includes the full dual 12.3-inch display setup, an 11-inch head-up display, 19-inch black alloy wheels with 235/55R19 tires, and Kia's suite of driver assistance technology. For families who prioritize carrying capacity over lounge-style comfort, the SX covers the essentials well.

• Eight-passenger seating for maximum capacity
• 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 11-inch head-up display
• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Advanced Smart Cruise Control and HDA 2 standard
• 72 L fuel tank for extended range between stops

The 2027 Kia Carnival SX+: The Seven-Passenger VIP Configuration

The SX+ builds directly on the SX and trades one seating position for a significantly upgraded second-row experience. The VIP lounge captain's chairs offer power reclining, a leg rest, and relaxation mode, plus heated and ventilated second-row seats. With 1,045 mm of legroom in the seven-passenger configuration, 1,606 mm of shoulder room, and 1,686 mm of hip room, the second row is built for adults on long drives.

For families making regular longer trips across Quebec, the SX+ gives second-row passengers genuine comfort rather than just a seat.

• Seven-passenger seating with VIP lounge captain's chairs
• Power reclining second-row seats with leg rest and relaxation mode
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• 1,045 mm second-row legroom, 1,606 mm shoulder room, 1,686 mm hip room
• Maximum cargo volume of 4,110 L with all rear rows folded
• All SX technology and safety features carried over

SX vs. SX+: Feature Comparison

Make the Call: The SX+ Is the Right Choice for Comfort-First Families

The step from SX to SX+ is a direct trade: one seat for a meaningfully better experience for everyone sitting behind the driver. If your family regularly fills all eight seats, the SX makes practical sense. If your typical road trip puts two or three adults in the second row for any stretch of highway, the SX+ VIP lounge seating with its power recline, leg rest, heated and ventilated cushions, and 1,045 mm of legroom changes how those passengers feel when they arrive.

The Carnival SX+ does not ask you to give anything up on the technology or safety side. Everything from the dual 12.3-inch displays to the advanced driver assistance suite carries over from the SX. You are simply adding genuine second-row comfort at one of the more reasonable price points in the full-size family vehicle segment.

Visit Spinelli Kia in Pierrefonds-Roxboro to see the 2027 Carnival SX+ in person and compare it directly against the SX. Book your test drive to experience the second-row VIP seating for yourself before making your final decision.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Carnival, visit Kia.ca