I’m planning to get this car for my family. We took it for a test drive and really liked it. But I’ve been seeing some stuff online about battery problems and it not going faster than 20-30 mph sometimes. Are these issues still a thing? Anything else I should watch out for?
I haven’t had any issues with mine so far, but I’ve only put about 6,000 miles on it. It’s still pretty new, so hard to say how it holds up long-term.
Mine came with a software update that fixed the battery problem, and I’ve never experienced it. I also haven’t had any issues with it being stuck at low speeds.
One thing to keep in mind is that the front cabin doesn’t have a lot of storage space compared to other minivans like the Sienna or Odyssey. Not a big deal for me, but worth considering. Overall, we went with the Carnival because it just felt more comfortable inside and had good tech, though the infotainment system can be a bit annoying at first.
@NiroNavigator
Good to know, thanks. I’m not too worried about storage since I don’t leave much in the car anyway.
Yeah, that battery drain issue was just with the early models and it got sorted out with an update a while back. Nothing to worry about now.
We had the problem where it wouldn’t go over 31 mph when the heater was on full blast, but they fixed it with an update. Hasn’t happened again.
Vince said:
We had the problem where it wouldn’t go over 31 mph when the heater was on full blast, but they fixed it with an update. Hasn’t happened again.
How many times did it happen before they fixed it?
Bought mine in November, and it’s been running great. No problems at all.
I’ve taken mine on cross-country trips and it handles highway speeds just fine, even over mountain passes.
My only regret is not getting it sooner. I did find out I can’t tow my trailer from Lowe’s with it, though. Guess I’ll need a truck for that.
OptimaPrime said:
My only regret is not getting it sooner. I did find out I can’t tow my trailer from Lowe’s with it, though. Guess I’ll need a truck for that.
Wait, why can’t you tow with it?
@bernardelliots
The towing capacity with trailer brakes is 2,500 pounds, and without brakes, it’s just 1,000 pounds. My trailer alone is almost 1,000 pounds and doesn’t have brakes, so it’s a no-go.
One thing I noticed is that running the heater while driving can mess with the hybrid engine a bit. I had issues with the heater and evaporator not working right. Might want to try maxing out the heat during a test drive just to see how it handles.
@EdwardGenesis
That’s a good tip. So you’re saying if the heat’s on high, it might affect how it drives?
I’m still deciding between the Carnival and the Odyssey. I tried both this weekend. The Carnival just feels bigger inside, which is nice. I’m pretty tall (6’4”), and the second row in the Odyssey feels cramped, especially with the armrests. The Carnival’s way more comfortable for my family.
One thing to watch out for is the sunroof in the SX version, though. It makes the ceiling a bit low. Also, my friend who bought one last November hasn’t had any issues, except for a check engine light popping up when he fills the tank.
Honestly, the new Sienna felt too cramped for me. I’ve got a 2012 Camry, and it actually feels roomier than the Sienna in the back. Not impressed at all.
@TurboSoulMate
That’s interesting. We test drove the Sienna and the Carnival too, and everyone liked the Carnival better. I’m just worried about how reliable it’ll be long-term.
Arthur said:
@TurboSoulMate
That’s interesting. We test drove the Sienna and the Carnival too, and everyone liked the Carnival better. I’m just worried about how reliable it’ll be long-term.
Yeah, I get that. It’s definitely better than the Pacifica, though. I feel like Kia’s been getting more reliable lately. If I had to pick a Sienna, I’d probably go for an older model before they switched to hybrids. The new design just doesn’t feel as comfortable.
As far as I know, both issues have been fixed. I’ve put about 4,000 miles on mine and haven’t had any problems.