The fourth-generation Kia van, formerly known as the Sedona was a potential revival of its category.
Kia has been on a mission to rebrand itself as a supplier of stylish, modern vehicles. This is done via a new logo and a cohesive global naming strategy. The Optima-replacing K5 and the larger K8 sedan were both introduced last year. The 2022 Kia Carnival minivan will be the first to get the new badge. It arrives this year to replace Sedona.
The 2022 Carnival uses the same name Kia used for its minivans in global markets. It is more focused on crossover shoppers than its predecessor. With bolder styling, it might be able to steal some customers who might otherwise be driving a two-wheel-drive Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. The van has a long list of safety features and spacious seating. There are also available bucket seats in the second row that look like they were taken from a luxury coach.
Steppin’ Out
The unique styling elements that make the 2022 Kia Carnival stand out from the rest – the Chrysler Pacifica, Voyager, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna- set it apart from other competitors. According to the company, these elements make the van appear taller, wider and more versatile. The brand’s iconic tiger-nose grille has been slightly redesigned with body-color inserts serving the upper and lower positions. The front end is given a cyber-chic look by LED headlights that feature zig-zag DRL accents, reminiscent of the Seltos small crossover.
Although the hood slopes down in a distinctive vanlike fashion, its leading edge meets the grille to remove a fussy bodyline. A horizontal accent line runs between the thin taillights and head-lights to visually flatten the hood. It also hides the sliding door channels. (Other minivans place the door mechanisms at the lower end of the rear quarter windows. This looks better).
The roof has a floating look thanks to the black A-, D-, and B-pillars. However, this outdated trend is given a makeover with textured brightwork on Carnival’s C-pillar. This gives Carnival its distinctive, premium style. It doesn’t cover the entire beltline with the aluminum-look material. Instead, it covers the rear quarter and hatch. The van’s rear styling is enhanced by the baubles and downturned LED taillights.
It’s a classic Kia interior, with a large dashboard and many horizontal elements. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen are both useful upgrades over the Sedona. Conventional gauges and an 8.0 inch screen are also standard. The large center console eliminates the need for front pass-through in vans but adds storage and crossover style. The distinctive two-tone colorway of this photo model brings lots visual flash to the second- and third rows.
Fast-Lane Family
The Carnival comes with only one powertrain option, a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 262 pounds-feet (355 kilowatts) and an eight-speed auto gearbox that delivers power to the front wheels. This is despite Kia’s desire for SUV buyers to buy into the minivan fold. We might have expected the same from Carnival given Kia’s preference for crossover-minivans like the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica.
It’s still the same engine and transmission as the Telluride and there is little to be unhappy about. The Carnival has more power and torque that the Sedona it replaced, which had a 3.3-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 248 lbft (206kW and 336Nm), respectively. The van can tow up to 3500 pounds. This is enough to transport a couple of Jet-Skis, a tent caravan, or some dirt bikes. However, families with Airstreams or speedboats might want to consider other options.
N3, a lighter, stiffer architecture that helps the Carnival make the most out of its muscle, is helping. This platform is made up of hot-stamped and high-strength, lightweight steel. A quieter cabin is possible with more sound insulation. Additionally, the engine can push the van through wind better thanks to aerodynamic bumpers, mirrors and wheels.
Carpool Credentials
The cabin is not only quieter but also more spacious than it was before. Although Kia did not provide specific measurements, the interior of the 2022 Carnival has 168.2 cubic yards of passenger space, compared to the Sedona’s 165.1 cubes. The Carnival can carry a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet in LX, EX and SX forms. This is a 3.1 increase over the Sedona.
The cabin looks great, especially the SX Prestige in these photos. The Prestige now has a pair non-removable, power-operated “VIP Lounge” bucket chairs with deployable leg rests. These seats are mounted slightly inboard to increase seat width and comfort. The Prestige’s leather and soft-touch materials are plentiful, which is a good thing for a segment that’s more known for durable goods than luxury.
Other Carnival variations have their own tricks. Models with second-row benches can slide into the center position. The center seat can be moved forward so that the front-seat passenger has easy access to the child or baby riding in it. The seat can be converted into a table for rear-seat passengers. The standard features are family-friendly, including hands-free power sliding doors that can be opened and closed without a handle. There is also an option to open the liftgate with a hand-free power lock. EX, SX and SX Prestige models come with a night vision rear-seat camera that allows parents to monitor their children, an intercom that pipes conversation into the third row, as well as infotainment that can be used to take backseat voice commands.
The SX and SX Prestige have dual-screen rear entertainment. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for rear-seat passengers. Carnival’s infotainment system is capable of connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices and charging them using a maximum number of nine USB ports as well as two 110-volt power Inverters. This can be done across all three rows.
Safety First
Every 2022 Kia Carnival includes automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Carnival offers advanced features such as a blind spot camera and forward collision monitoring with cyclist detection. Hyundai/Kia’s Highway Driving Assist, navigation linked adaptive cruise control, and surround-view cameras. Highway Driving Assist will be the most advanced such system in the minivan segment.
The pricing and fuel economy of the 2022 Carnival have not been announced by Kia. However, we expect it will be a bit more expensive and consume a lot less than the Sedona which starts at $30,000. It also rises to $41,500, and gets 21 MPG combined. The modernized Carnival will be able to match the 22-mpg Honda Odyssey and the non-hybrid Chrysler Pacifica. However, it won’t be able to match the 36-mpg hybrid Toyota Sienna. The Kia van is a great value with a starting price of $31,000 and the 10-year powertrain warranty. This spring, the Kia Carnival 2022 arrives at dealers.