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The new 2022 Carnival is not what Kia wants you to call a minivan. In fact, the word “minivan” is completely absent from any of Carnival’s marketing materials, including the seven-page press statement Kia sent to announce its launch.
Instead, Kia refers to the Carnival as a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) and emphasizes how it has broken free from the minivan stereotype and moved inexorably toward the SUV category with its square jaw and tough appearance. Last year, when the Carnival’s first photographs surfaced, Kia was using the term “Grand Utility Vehicle” (GUV).
Despite attempts to disassociate it even from the “minivan name,” the 2022 Carnival still has the distinctive dual sliding rear doors that give minivans their versatility. In the manufacturer’s portfolio, it also directly replaces the Sedona minivan.
Since the Sedona has been its international label for more than 20 years, the Carnival name isn’t wholly new. However, the 2022 Kia Carnival signifies much more than just a rebranded global brand and a sporty new exterior for an outdated minivan.
To begin with, it was totally created at Kia’s California studio, the same location where the well-liked Telluride and handsome new 2021 Sorento SUVs were created. A striking rendition of Kia’s “tiger nose grille” and a body with sharp, dramatic lines running from the hood to the taillamps are two examples of this. The first vehicle to bear the new Kia emblem that is headed for the United States is the 2022 Kia Carnival MPV.
The Carnival is built on Kia’s third-generation K3 platform, which also supports the company’s new Sorento and K5 sedan and was created to fit in with the company’s most recent initiatives. Kia claims the new architecture is stronger, quieter, lighter, and more aerodynamically efficient than the previous one.
The only available powerplant is a 3.5-liter V6 with an eight-speed automated transmission and front-wheel drive, producing 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. In compared to the 3.3-liter V6 found in the outgoing 2021 Sedona, those figures show gains of 14 horsepower and 14 pound-feet of torque. The Carnival only has front-wheel drive at the moment. The maximum towing weight is still 3500 pounds.
The interior is the newest iteration of Kia’s quickly changing design language. The dashboard, console, and cabin are all covered in glossy black and chrome accents. Slim air vents almost completely blend into the dash’s design line. Kia is offering three different interior color schemes, but they are only the black and burnt orange/tan combination featured in the images.
The seating arrangements for seven or eight passengers are where the true innovation lies. The eight-seater variant has a movable second-row center seat, which, when moved all the way forward, makes it simple for the front passenger to reach objects or care for a child. Additionally, the seat can be used as a table.
When you upgrade to the seven-passenger seating arrangement, two captain’s chairs are used in place of the second-row bench. Moving upmarket, the seating choice with the suitable moniker VIP Lounge offers heated and ventilated reclining seats with wing-out headrests and leg extensionsof course, they are powered.
The second-row seats, with the exception of the VIP Lounge seating, are removable to add even more space, while the third-row folds into the floor for maximum load capacity. Speaking of room, Kia boasts a 145.1 cubic feet best-in-class load capacity behind the front seats. The Carnival has 3.1 feet more cargo capacity than the Sedona’s 142, despite the fact that we are unable to substantiate the claim that it is the class leader.
LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige will be the four trim levels available when the Carnival makes its debut. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and hands-free power sliding doors are included as standard features.
Up to nine USB connections for all three rows, two 110-volt power inverters, a power liftgate, one-touch key fob capabilities for the side doors and rear tailgate, Bose premium audio, and other goodies are all available.
Children in the back seat can be monitored using a passenger-view camera with zoom and night vision, and front and rear passengers can easily communicate using the intercom system. The EX, SX, and SX-Prestige trims all come standard with Passenger Voice Recognition, which enables passengers in the second row to operate a number of vehicle systems using voice commands after initially pressing a button.
A complete array of security and assistance features is offered by Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). All of the following come as standard: lane departure warning with lane-keeping aid, automatic high beams, blind-spot detection with avoidance assistance, rear cross-traffic warning with brake active parking assistance, and front collision warning with automated emergency braking.
There are many more safety and assistance features available as options, such as Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C), which enables the navigation system to reduce the vehicle’s speed proactively before approaching curves in the road. In order to prevent or lessen an impact, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Cyclist assists in spotting cyclists and applies automated braking. Using data from the navigation system, Highway Driving Assist modifies the speed and distance between the leading car on federal highways.
It is also possible to purchase Kia’s complex UVO link telematics system, which integrates the functionality of several car functions. Utilizing connected weather and real-time maps, a new cloud-based route computation system leverages the UVO cloud to determine the best path.
The vehicle’s climate, seat and steering wheel heating, audio system, and other features may all be controlled using the speech thanks to an improved UVO voice assistance technology. Additionally, it enables users to remotely control some tasks via a smart speaker or device equipped with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Minivans have long been unfairly maligned as suburban shuttles, yet the species endures because few other cars, SUVs included, can offer a comparable amount of room and affordability.
The new Carnival is Kia’s attempt to dispel the myth that family vehicles are essentially androgenous pods where enthusiast interest in cars withers. Simply avoid referring to the Carnival as a minivan.
The second quarter of 2021 is when the 2022 Kia Carnival is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms. Pricing information will be released nearer the time of sale.
In This Article...
What is a Kia sliding smart door?
A smart liftgate that will open or close as you walk up to it or away while your hands are full will help you keep your kids safe. Smart sliding doors that won’t open if an oncoming car is passing by will do the same.
Do the doors on the Kia Carnival LX have power?
The LX trim is the base model for the 2022 Kia Carnival, despite what the specifications might lead you to believe. The LX includes a number of fashionable and practical features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, power sliding rear doors, sliding and detachable second-row seats, proximity entry with a push-button start, and an excellent six-speaker radio. The 8-inch touch-screen interface gives you access to a wealth of entertainment features. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and the seven available USB portstwo for the center and back seats and three for the front seatsall make it simple to connect smartphones.
Since the Carnival is frequently used by families, Kia has of course added the usual safety features. The following are some of the most useful attributes:
- Collision-Avoidance Assist Going Forward. This technology alerts you when a frontal accident is about to happen and, in some circumstances, uses the brakes to lessen the impact.
- Systems for Lane Following Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. When it notices the Carnival leaving its lane without using its turn signal, the former may sound an audible and visual alert. If it still doesn’t sense any input from the driver, the latter applies corrective maneuvers to steer the car back into its original lane.
- Warning for Driver Attention. This technology evaluates your energy levels and sends you a warning if it thinks you might be too tired to drive safely.
- assist with avoiding blind spots. When you are changing lanes, this feature alerts you if another car is in your Carnival’s blind area.
- Assist in preventing rear-cross-traffic collisions. While you’re moving in reverse, this technology can detect approaching traffic and apply the breaks as necessary.
- Assisted Safe Exit. If the system detects other vehicles approaching from behind, it will prohibit back passengers from opening your Carnival’s door.
The LX Seat package is another optional addition to the LX level. Elegant imitation leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a second-row bench seat that makes the maximum seating capacity eight people are all features of this model.
What issues is the Kia Carnival experiencing?
A recall by Kia for about 3000 Carnival vehicles with defective sliding door systems was announced in November 2021. The doors frequently did not latch firmly and would open suddenly while moving. There have been no reports of accidents or fatalities as a result of this flaw.
The issue started with a specific batch of Kia Carnivals built between July 21 and October 6, 2021, which included right-side power doors with incorrectly produced release actuators.
When a door doesn’t close completely, the Carnival has a warning bell that plays four times. Whether the automobile is in drive or park, it will turn on.
A distinct, persistent warning chime will sound if the vehicle accelerates past six miles per hour while any doors are open.
Owners of Kia vehicles who are affected by this recall can contact their nearby Kia service center or dealership to have the defective part changed. Kia distributed recall notices to owners of carnival vehicles in December 2021.
If your car is subject to a recall, it’s essential to schedule a free replacement part replacement appointment as soon as you can with a licensed dealer.
Here are two recall-related facts that every car owner should be aware of:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that automakers either reimburse owners for the cost of defective items they have purchased or fix or replace them for free.
- If a vehicle fault that caused an accident that injured you also caused a recall, you may still be able to sue for damages even after the recall if you weren’t formally told of it.
- Normal wear and tear damage to a vehicle is not covered by a recall or receives no reimbursement.
Which vans are available with sliding doors?
Vans with the Best Remote Doors
- Chrysler Pacifica 2020. If you’re looking for the best vans with remote doors, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is a great option.
- Chrysler Voyager 2020.
- Honda Odyssey 2020.
- Toyota Sienna 2020.
- Kia Sedona 2020.
- Sprinter 2020 by Mercedes-Benz.
- Mercedes-Benz Metris from 2019.
- Ford Transit Connect 2020.
Do the Kia Carnival’s folding mirrors have power?
Starting at $41,100 is a 2022 Kia Carnival SX equipped with black 19-inch alloy wheels, electric-folding exterior mirrors, a matte-chrome grille, a satin-chrome C-pillar garnish, and a surround-view monitor.
Is the Kia Carnival a trustworthy vehicle?
Consumer Reports scored the 2022 Kia Carnival high marks after examining the normal measurements for a decent vehicle. It ranked first among minivans with a score of 79 out of 100 overall and 89 out of 100 on the road test. Despite the Carnival’s opposition, the vehicle qualifies as a minivan. It took the place of the mediocre Kia Sedona minivan. The Kia Carnival leaves a lasting impression.
The reliability score was three out of five, but the anticipated owner satisfaction score was four out of five. Customer Reports described it as “The spacious, luxurious, and Kia Carnival. The Carnival MPV, which replaced the previous Kia minivan in the range, is attractively designed and excellent for families. The smooth powertrain, the brakes, the interior space, and the controls are some of the positives mentioned. It won the coveted award “suggested label, likewise.
What distinguishes the Carnival LX from the Carnival LXs?
By creating cars with a wealth of amenities, appealing aesthetics, and affordable prices, Kia established its reputation in the US. With five trim model options, starting with the Carnival LX at the bottom and ending with the SX Prestige, the 2022 Carnival is well-positioned to carry on this tradition. Do you want to know which model of the newest family hauler from Kia is best for you? View the complete trim guide right here.
Kia Carnival LX Trim Pros And Cons
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine in every Kia Carnival model generates 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates to 60 mph more quickly from a standstill than the Honda Odyssey, but not as quickly as the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica. All-wheel drive is not offered at any trim level and front-wheel drive is the default across the board. In a same vein, the Carnival’s sole available gearbox is an eight-speed automatic.
The standard 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights are features of the lowest LX grade. There are two captain’s seats in the center row, providing seating for seven people. For further versatility, these seats can slide and be taken out. Additionally standard are LED headlights. The Carnival offers push-button and remote start in addition to normal keyless entry. Importantly, power sliding back doors come standard on all models, but a power tailgate is only offered on higher trim levels.
The LX level comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the instrument cluster has a 4.2-inch display. With seven common USB connections, occupants can keep their gadgets charged and connected.
There are numerous basic safety measures on the Carnival. Every version of Kia’s minivan comes standard with the following driver assistance features: rear cross-traffic collision avoidance; rear parking distance warning; forward collision avoidance-assist with pedestrian detection; driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert; lane departure warning; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; high beam assist. It has an impressive array of technology for a base model. For entry-level family transportation, the Carnival LX costs roughly $33,500, which is a really good deal.
Kia Carnival LX Seat Package Trim Pros And Cons
The next trim in its minivan series from Kia is the 2022 Carnival LX Seat Package. In comparison to the standard LX model, this minivan variation has additional seating for a total of eight people and other improvements.
The second row’s center seat can be adjusted forward and backward, collapsed, and removed from the car altogether. On versions with the LX Seat Package, heated front seats and Kia’s SynTex imitation leather are included as standard features. As part of this zhuzhed up base model, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support is also included. The LX Seat Package costs $2,000 more than the LX does, according to Kia.
Kia Carnival EX Trim Pros And Cons
The Carnival EX offers additional opulence, luxury, and convenience. The 17-inch alloy wheels have been replaced with larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard features include eight-passenger seating, three-zone climate control, and interior trim made of imitation wood. The Carnival EX has a power tailgate that opens automatically, which is a significant improvement over the LX models.
There is additional in-cabin electronics in this trim level. Kia replaces the 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch screen that is larger. Still included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Kia has added a wireless phone charger. At this level, there are also some new safety features. The Carnival EX incorporates front and rear parking distance warnings as well as forward collision avoidance with bike recognition and junction turning. Are you considering the Carnival EX? Prepare to pay about $39,000.
Kia Carnival SX Trim Pros And Cons
The Carnival SX trim adds even more upscale features to what is provided by the EX variation. Kia covers the Carnival’s body in satin and matte silver trim and paints its 19-inch alloy wheels black. Additionally, SX models get roof rails.
Nowadays, a rear seat entertainment system with two screens is standard. This feature is an additional $1,500 option available on all models below the SX level. Importantly, this model includes a 360-degree video system, which is an extremely useful tool when parking a large minivan. Additionally, Kia has two USB charging ports in the second row. The Carnival SX also receives two 115V power inverters. Although it is significantly more expensive than the EX model, many people will choose to purchase this minivan due to its price tag of approximately $42,500.
Kia Carnival SX Prestige Trim Pros And Cons
The top trim of the Carnival is as much a sumptuous living room as it is a minivan, as the term Prestige suggests. With a few minor adjustments, it contains all of the SX content and more. The second row’s missing third seat will be a deal breaker for several people. However, not everyone requires seating for eight, and those people will find the Kia Carnival SX Prestige to be extremely appealing.
Real leather is only found inside this particular model of Kia’s minivan. For the VIP second row seating, parents who want to spoil their kids appropriately or people who just want to impress their friends would prefer this version of the Carnival. These recliners can recline all the way, and they are heated and ventilated. The SX Prestige comes with two power, tilt, and slide sunroofs as standard, which further increases the feeling of space inside. Additionally, this opulent vehicle receives an updated 12-speaker Bose audio system. An additional piece of technology for drivers is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The retail price for the 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige is roughly $47,500.
So Which 2022 Kia Carnival Is Best?
The 2022 Kia Carnival EX is the greatest trim in the lineup from the perspectives of value, usefulness, and daily satisfaction. It provides a thorough fusion of technology, comfort, and style without going over the $40,000 threshold. In fact, customers who require second-row screens can spend an additional $1,500 for two of them and still leave the showroom having paid just over $40,000 for the vehicle. But have a look at the SX if you’d truly prefer a 360-degree camera system. Although the SX and SX Prestige levels have some opulent features, the Carnival EX will be a good choice for most minivan owners.