In actuality, Kia’s 2022 Kia Carnival is a cutting-edge minivan dressed as an SUV, despite the company’s claims that it is a multipurpose vehicle. The spacious third-row seating, which so many SUVs lack, and the traditional sliding side door are what identify it as a minivan. Additionally, the Carnival only has front-wheel drive while the majority of SUVs have all-wheel drive.
Nevertheless, the Kia Carnival is a fantastic people mover that can accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. Additionally, each model is loaded with cutting-edge driver aid safety features and technology. When parents pull up to drop off a group of kids and their equipment at the sports field, its sleeker-than-most-minivan design might even help them avoid the outdated soccer mom and dad reputation.
The second row of the top-of-the-line Kia Carnival Prestige SX boasts seats that resemble those in business class; they are the most comfortable way to travel in any car under $50,000. The fit and finish of the cockpit is also on par with the level of luxury found inside high-end automobiles from manufacturers like Audi, BMW, and Lexus. More importantly, even the cheapest Carnival has a comprehensive selection of safety technology. It satisfies every requirement that the recently retired Kia Sedona minivan could not quite meet.
The Chrysler Pacifica, the minivan segment’s current best-selling vehicle with sales accounting for 40% of the segment through April 2021, will be closely followed by the 2022 Kia Carnival. The Toyota Sienna (32%) and Honda Odyssey follow in its wake (24 percent ). Since buyers abandoned the market in favor of SUVs five years ago, every top-selling minivan has undergone a redesign to stay competitive. But together, their sales have decreased from 1.1 million in 2005 to slightly over 270,000 in 2020.
In This Article...
What name does Kia’s minivan go by?
Since 1998, Kia has been producing a minivan called the Carnival (Korean). It is heavily promoted throughout the world as the Kia Sedona, a moniker that is no longer in use in favor of the Carnival.
A single, short wheelbase version of the first-generation Carnival was marketed when it was unveiled in September 1998[1]. Models of the second generation were sold in short and long wheelbase versions (20062014). In North America, a rebadged version of the second generation was sold under the name Hyundai Entourage (20072009). [2] Peter Schreyer, Kia’s then-new design leader, debuted the company’s Tiger Nose grille in 2010 as part of the second generation model’s improved equipment. In 2014, Kia debuted their third-generation minivan in only a long wheelbase configuration. In 2020, the fourth generation was released, and Kia also started utilizing the Carnival brand internationally.
The Kia Sedona: a reliable minivan.
The Kia Sedona: A Reliable Minivan The Kia Sedona is an excellent minivan, yes. Due to its excellent balance of quality and value, we actually selected the Sedona a finalist for our 2021 Best Minivan for the Money award. It has no significant flaws outside its underwhelming mpg ratings.
The new Kia Carnival is it an SUV or a van?
The outgoing Sedona is replaced by the new Kia Carnival as the Korean manufacturer’s new minivan option. It’s a competitive and cost-conscious minivan option that has appealing features at a reasonable price. The starting price is $32,300, and the top trim raises the price to around $47,000.
Which vans are available from Kia?
A seven- or eight-passenger minivan, the 2019 Kia Sedona is available in four model levels: L, LX, EX, and SX. A brand-new for 2019 eight-speed automatic transmission couples the 3.3-liter V6 engine, which produces 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, with the front wheels to power all Sedona models.
When should you stay away from Sedona?
Since its introduction in 1998, the Kia Sedona has served as the brand’s iconic minivan model for more than 20 years. It served as the forerunner to Kia’s rebranded and redesigned minivan, the Carnival, which made its debut in 2022. Until the more SUV-like Carnival took its place, the Sedona served as Kia’s main offering in the minivan market.
Although not very sophisticated, most Sedonas were said to have few problems and could travel up to 250,000 miles with regular maintenance and proper upkeep. Despite being somewhat successful, it still had shortcomings. These Kia Sedona years should be avoided.
Short Answer: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2016
The Sedona had been a fixture in the minivan market for 20 years prior to the Carnival. The Sedona is generally thought of as a nice minivan for a reasonable price. However, some particular years have a number of issues, including recalls and owner-reported customer complaints. The first and third versions of the Kia Sedona are mostly the ones to steer clear of.
Common problems and grievances
- An abundance of recalls
- low engine output
- Fire risks
- Ratings of average safety
- Costly repair work
The Sedona has seen a series of significant recalls since its launch shortly after 2000 for each model year. The only vehicles with just one significant recall were those from 2014 and the most recent model year in 2020. Recalls are a factor to take into account, although they do not always make or break a car.
- 4 in 2002
- 5 in 2003
- 3 in 2004
- 2 in 2005
- 8 in 2006
- 9 in 2007
- 6 in 2008
- 6 in 2009
- 6 in 2010
- 6 in 2011
- 5 in 2012
- 2013 not applicable
- 1 in 2014
- 3 in 2015
- 3 in 2016
- 3 in 2017
- 3 in 2018
- 1 in 2020
In addition to recalls, Kia has replied to over 200 recorded bulletins with common troubleshooting concerns reported by drivers and consumers. Due to the fact that the 20062012 models were recalled numerous times for the same issues, they have a comparable number of recalls. Due to the Kia Sedona’s absence in 2013 the 2013 model is also lacking.
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Kia Sedona Years to Avoid: 2002, 2003, and 2005
A used 2002 Kia Sedona would probably cost less than $3,000 if you were looking for one today. There have been concerns about the difficult handling and weak engine in this model year. In addition, the 2002 Sedona was the target of numerous safety recalls right away after the model’s introduction. It encountered comparable difficulties in 2003 and 2005 as a result of inadequate front seat assembly and seat belt concerns.
The seatbelts’ shoddy construction prevented them from providing reliable restraint in the event of a collision. Wires that touched the metal underneath the front seats were the subject of the most recent recall, which was issued in 2005. This was one of the most hazardous risks since it occasionally sparked flames.
Common problems
- inadequate engine power
- defective seatbelts
- numerous recalls
- Under the chairs, there are fire risks
- inadequate handling skills
There are several cars available that allow you to tower above obstacles without sacrificing the comfort of a compact automobile. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of our top new sedans with high ground clearance.
Kia Sedona Years to Avoid: 2012
The 2012 Sedona gained notoriety for a relatively unusual cause. It had a weak roof rating and presented potential safety risks in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the car cage’s design and safety rating only obtained a “satisfactory grade. The best cars on the market right now, even older Sedona models, frequently have great overall IIHS ratings.
For the 2012 model year, there have been a total of 5 significant recalls, raising more concerns about its safety. Even the 2012 model year was the target of a lawsuit because of the soy wire coating that had drawn animals to the undercarriage and harmed the electrical system. Consumer Reports only gave the 2012 model a 1 out of 5 owner satisfaction rating, which is a significant indicator of consumer unhappiness.
Most frequent problems:
- safety issues
- problems with soy-based electrical wiring
- a low score for customer satisfaction
Kia Sedona Years to Avoid: 2016
The most expensive and current model to appear on the list of years to stay away from is the 2016 Kia Sedona, but its issues show that it is not worth the money. According to Kia Complaints, the only Sedona model year from the third generation to stay away from is the 2016.
The 2016 Sedona has received the most NHTSA complaints involving electrical issues. The incorrect rear light would be produced by blinkers, posing a clear driving hazard. Headlights suddenly cut off and turn signals don’t work properly, greatly increasing the chance of a collision at night.
- Turn signal and electrical failure
- sudden failure of the headlights
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What Kia Sedona Models are Good?
In the US, the Kia Sedona has been available for sale for about 20 years. In this regard, we were able to gather testimonials from long-term owners from a variety of Sedona forums. The Kia Sedona has received favorable reviews from numerous reputable sources, especially the most current model produced prior to 2016. These typically receive ratings from U.S. News of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating that they are reasonable choices for customers. Most of the newest generation cars have only a few recalls and minor complaints, with the exception of the 2016 model.
J.D. Power ranked the most recent Sedona second among the top four minivans with an 81 out of 100 quality and reliability rating. Most experts would advise extra rustproofing after the Sedona’s 5-year anti-perforation warranty has passed. Although the Sedona has since been replaced by the more contemporary Carnival, it still offers most families a reasonably reliable car at a reasonable cost.
To get a better sense of the ride, it’s usually a good idea to test out a few different model years. Even though each generation is generally similar, each year does have a distinctive mood and its own eccentricities. Most people looking for a minivan should consider the Sedona; you just need to look around a bit to get the one that’s right for you.
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How much does a new Kia minivan cost?
This week, Kia revealed that the price of the 2022 Kia Carnival minivan, which will be available at dealers in the second quarter, will be $33,275, including destination. The 2022 Kia Sedona’s replacement will cost $1,700 more, but it has a tony Prestige trim, a host of new standard safety and convenience features, and a fresh design.
The 2022 Carnival employs a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which it shares a platform with the Kia Sorento three-row crossover SUV. There is no all-wheel drive option or hybrid powertrain, unlike the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and 2021 Toyota Sienna, which both have an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives only the front wheels.
The Sienna, a hybrid vehicle with front-wheel drive and an EPA-rated 36 mpg, is nearly $2,000 more expensive than the Carnival. The Carnival achieves a combined 22 mpg. Additionally, it costs only $10 more than the 2022 Honda Odyssey, which offers only front-wheel drive.
The Carnival, according to Kia, has the best cargo and passenger volume in its class and is lighter, stronger, and quieter than the Sedona. The 2022 Carnival is available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige variants and can accommodate up to eight passengers.
Every Carnival is well-equipped with a variety of standard driver-assist functions, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, parking sensors, automatic high lights, and a driver attentiveness warning. A 7-seat layout and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are among the standard convenience features. Other features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, cloth seats, USB ports in all three rows, and second-row seats that can be removed.
Customers must spend an additional $2,000, or $35,275, to purchase the LX with Seating Package, which also includes heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an eighth seat.
Alternately, you might spend more money and obtain the $38,775 EX trim, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen (but smartphones must be tethered), satellite radio, GPS, one-touch power windows, bicycle recognition, parking sensors, and limited hands-free highway driving.
For $42,275, the SX model adds more exterior chrome, skid plates, roof rails, 19-inch black alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, an entertainment system for the backseat, a surround-view camera system, and more. There are eight seats in the EX and SX versions.
The SX Prestige, which costs $47,275, is the huge top of the Carnival tent. It comes with dual sunroofs, 12-speaker Bose sound, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and other enhancements. The second row is replaced with captain’s chairs with footrests.
Is Kia or Toyota better?
- The Kia Optima is more affordable than the Toyota competitor while also offering a superior basic warranty and roadside support program.
- When it comes to efficiency, the Kia Optima outperforms the Toyota Camry thanks to its availability as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
- Inside, the Kia Optima provides more room for the five passengers as well as more trunk capacity than the Toyota Camry.
- Thanks to the UVO Infotainment System, the Kia Optima surpasses the Toyota Camry in terms of technology.
- Both the Kia Optima and Toyota Camry receive five-star overall crash test safety ratings in terms of safety.