2022 Kia Carnival SX: New Name, New Minivan-ish Design

Highlight: Airplane-like second-row seats with footrests are standard on the higher level SX Prestige trim.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $42,770 (Base LX Model: $33,555)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features (S model): airbags; ABS; stability control system; a hill start assist control system a forward collision-avoidance assistance; a blind spot avoidance assistance; a rear cross traffic collision avoidance assistance; parking distance warning; a lane keep assist; lane forward assist; automatic high beam; a driver assist warning; a rearview camera and a compact spare tire

Standard Equipment (EX): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; tinted glass fixed; privacy glass; a rear spoiler; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; second-row seats with armrest; coat hooks; shopping hook behind first row passenger seat; cargo net hook; luggage power outlet; door scuff plates; cloth seats; a manual operated seats; a height adjust driver’s seat; second-row sliding and removable seats; third row split seats with double recline; third row seat back hooks; 7-passenger seating; front and rear ventilation system; smart power sliding rear doors; power door locks with driver and passenger control; a push button ignition starter system; first and second row power window switches; an 8-inch infotainment screen; and a rear spoiler

Standard Equipment (SX): 19-inch wheels; power operated exterior mirrors; roof rails; an illuminated glove box; 115 volt inverter; black high gloss door garnish; 8-way power operated driver and passenger seating; leather-like seats; power operated front seats; multi-function free mode seat with long sliding rail; heated and ventilated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel with gear shifter knob; a tri-zone automatic climate control system; a 12-inch infotainment system with a navigation system; an 8-speaker audio system; a rear seat voice recognition system; a wireless phone charging system; auto up/down power operated windows; a power operated tailgate with handsfree open/close; a parking collision avoidance reverse system; 360-degree camera; a parking distance warning system; a forward collision avoidance system; a highway driver assist system; a cabin camera – for second and third-row seat viewing; a cabin intercom system’ a quiet mode system, which plays audio only through front speakers; a navigation based radar activated cruise control system with a stop-and-go system

Options: Optional exterior paint color

Other Trim Levels:

LX seat package 4-door van automatic

EX

SX Prestige

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6 speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/290-hp

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy

What’s New: The all-new Carnival replaces the brand dated looking Sedona minivan.

Pros:

New style, new design

Up to 8 passenger seating, depending upon trim

Roomy

Flexibility of seating

Well-equipped test vehicle

Standard 6-cylinder engine

A host of standard driver safety aids

Standard hands-free power sliding door

Best in class warranty

Wireless smartphone charging on higher level trims

Seems lighter than most minivans, making it easier to navigate

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Hooks for coats and grocery

A 12-inch infotainment screen on higher level trims

A cabin camera and intercom system on higher level trims to stay engaged with kids when they are seated in the second and third rows

A handsfree power operated tailgate system on higher level trims

Airplane-like lounge seating with leg extension available only on SX Prestige trim

Second and third-row heated and ventilated seats on SX Prestige trim

Rear seat entertainment system on SX Prestige trim

12-speaker Bose audio system on SX Prestige trim

19-inch wheels available

Seats can be stowed into floor

But: 

No electrified model

Still looks like a minivan, despite Kia attempts to rebrand this as a SUV

Difficult to access third-row even with sliding seat flexibility

SX Prestige only offer real leather seating area

Power sunroof only available on SX Prestige trim

Verdict:  Kia’s renamed and redesigned minivan, or as the Korean’s prefer to refer to it as, a multi-utility vehicle, is all-new for the 2022 model year. It appears Kia wanted to combine the best elements of a crossover and a minivan with this all-new design. While the subjective exterior styling is reminiscent of the previous generation front-wheel-drive Ford Explorer, the interior space reminds us of a contemporary mobile family room, providing everything short of a lavatory.

The seven or eight passenger utility vehicle, with its standard 6-cylinder engine, is available in four trims: LX, EX, SX and SX Prestige. With a starting price under $34,000, the base model Carnival LX trim is still priced less than most of its competitors. Unfortunately, the Chrysler Voyager bests the Carnival with a base price under $30,000.

However, with the Kia and depending on the trim, the vehicle can be outfitted with everything from an entertainment system to leather seats to lounge-like second-row seats with a footrest. Also the vehicle contains a high-level of standard safety driver aids too. While there isn’t much competition in this segment, this has led mobile family vehicles to become a hot commodity. In fact, minivans are a perfect alternative for buyers who need more room, sliding side doors and the flexibility that escapes many of the large crossovers and SUVs.

Competition: Chrysler Pacifica; Chrysler Voyager; Honda Odyssey; and Toyota Sienna