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Kia has unveiled its new minivan, although the company prefers not to call it that. Officially named the 2022 Carnival, this vehicle replaces the Sedona without ever using the term “minivan” in its promotional materials. Instead, Kia refers to it as a “multi-purpose vehicle” or MPV. This choice of terminology may seem odd, but it’s understandable since the Carnival bears a more crossover-like appearance compared to the older Sedona and other minivans available today, resembling a three-row crossover with a lower profile and sliding doors.
Built on the same N3 platform that supports the Sorento and K5, the Carnival boasts a frame that is lighter, stronger, and quieter than that of its predecessor. It comes equipped with a single powertrain option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds, placing it on par with the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, although it falls 100 pounds short of the AWD Chrysler Pacifica.
The 2022 Kia Carnival offers seating for either seven or eight passengers, with the distinction depending on the configuration of the second row. In the eight-seat version, the “Slide-Flex” second row includes a middle seat that can slide closer to the front for easier access to a child, or it can be folded down to serve as a table. For those prioritizing comfort over seating capacity, the seven-seat version features two VIP Lounge Seats in the middle row, equipped with heating, ventilation, “wing-out” headrests, power adjustments, and extendable leg supports.
Despite its stylish and less traditional minivan exterior, Kia claims best-in-class interior space, offering 168.2 cubic feet of total passenger room and 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. Additionally, the Carnival boasts a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), featuring Hyundai/Kia’s notable Blind-Spot View Monitor that provides a live video feed of the lane being entered when signaling. While the interior space is generous, the quality is equally impressive, reflecting Kia’s recent trend of delivering a more premium feel than its badge might suggest.
In a notable update, the 2022 Carnival will be the first Kia model sold in the U.S. featuring the company’s new logo, which, while appearing somewhat crooked to some observers, complements the vehicle’s horizontal taillight design.
This latest family-friendly vehicle incorporates several customary features, such as standard hands-free sliding doors, an optional hands-free liftgate, a Rear Occupancy Alert that activates if it detects a locked child or pet inside, a Passenger Talk PA system, and two rear-seat entertainment screens with wireless Apple and Android device mirroring available on SX trims and above. Families can load up on offline Netflix movies, as the Carnival includes up to nine USB ports for keeping devices charged. For the front-row passengers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, along with a fully digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches diagonally.
Dealerships are expected to receive the 2022 Kia Carnival in the second quarter of 2021.
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