The new 2022 Kia Carnival MPV is a makeover of the Kia Sedona minivan. This makeup is so dramatic that it poses a new name which is Carnival. It is a front wheel, front engine, 7 passengers and a 4-door van with a starting price of $33,275.
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What the exterior looks like
It is given the exterior of a boxy SUV design which is not a surprise since the manufacturer strives to capitalize on the achievement of it’s best selling and critically acclaimed Telluride SUV. The dimensions similar to a crossover, huge wheels, and signature daytime running lights which flow to the grille design allows the van to have an improved SUV personality which reminds of a Range Rover.
Engine, transmission, and drive
All of the Carnival trim levels are fueled with a 3.5 liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive which delivers 290 horses. This means that the all wheel drive is not on the menu unfortunately.
Although the new 2021 Sienna is available only as a hybrid and Pacifica comes with an optional plugin hybrid powertrain, there are no such expectations for the Carnival, at least not yet. The automaker claims that the ivan has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It’s ride quality is perfectly balanced with great handling.
A smooth drive is delivered during cruising and even while cornering, it is still composed. The redefined V6 engine offers fast acceleration which makes it pummel from 0-60 mph in only 7 seconds.
Carnival offers fuel efficiency of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Combined, it is 22 mpg which is a bit better than the fuel economy of the 2021 Kia Sedona.
Interior, convenience, and boot area
As opposed to the outgoing Sedona, the front seat space and dashboard of Carnival are more contemporary and comfy. Some of the big tweaks made to the design are an optional Mercedes style dual screen infotainment system and a big center console.
The high-end SX-Prestige trim level arrives with reclining second row seats having pop-up footrests and leather upholstery. A panoramic sunroof is given as an option so that children sitting in the second row can get a huge opening.
The manufacturer claims that the cabin accommodation space has been increased. Moreover, both the general length and wheelbase have been improved to allow more space for occupants and boot area. A total of 14 carry-on suitcases can fit behind the third row and when the seats are folded, it increases to a big 48.
The infotainment system receives an update along with a dual display setup having navigation equipped touchscreen and digital gauges as options. The cabin tech and infotainment goes a big step forward with the 2022 Kia Carnival. Android Auto, 9 USB ports, and Apple CarPlay are standard.
A standard 8 inches of touchscreen is provided whereas dual 12.3 screens which spread over two thirds of the vehicle’s dashboard are given as an option. One of them is responsible for infotainment tasks and the other is a digital gauge display. Rear seat entertainment is also standard. However, a 12-speaker Bose sound system is restricted to the high spec SX-Prestige trim.
A big host of driver assistance functions are provided as standard which is unusual for Kia. These include automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, high beam headlights, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Wrapping it up
Brand new Kia Carnival MPV comes with an upgraded style, technology and features so that it can professionally compete with its rivals. Carnival will be available in 4 trims ranging from the value focused LX to the luxurious SX-Prestige.
However, the sweet spot belongs to the EX trim. The EX is equipped with numerous comfort features such as an interior intercom, a power operated rear liftgate, and a voice control system through which occupants in the back can give commands to the infotainment system.
Kia wins in the warranty category as well with the powertrain policy for 10 years.
