Replacing the Sedona minivan (although Kia prefers the less mommy-mobile name MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle), the 2022 Kia Carnival is brand-new this year. It may not be called a minivan, and it has a bit of an extended SUV look to it, but the Carnival offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers and all the goodies expected in family transportation.
There is one engine choice, a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, but it is actually the most powerful engine in its class and is sufficient to move the Carnival even with a full load of passengers and cargo. The Carnival can also tow up to 3,500 pounds. It’s worth noting, however, that the Carnival is front-wheel drive only; there is no all-wheel-drive option, nor an available hybrid. Drive modes include a Sport setting, but the Carnival is tuned for smoothness rather than performance.
There are a few different trims for the Carnival, with different seating configurations and levels of comfort. Every 2022 Carnival comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
As a minivan, the 2022 Kia Carnival has plenty of space for passengers, with room for 6-footers in every row and easy access to the third row. The base LX trim is a 7-seater, with an option for an eighth seat. Other trims have the option of seating for eight with a second-row bench seat, although the top SX-Prestige is a 7-seater only, and its second row can’t be removed. The configuration of the lounge seats in the SX-Prestige also impedes third-row access.
The levels of comfort change with the trims, with acoustic glass to drown out outside noise on the SX level. The top SX-Prestige has heated and ventilated second-row seats with power adjustment and extendable leg rests. The top trims also have a dual-screen rear entertainment system to keep passengers occupied and entertained. In the front, the Carnival offers twin 12.3-inch screens, with one providing driver entertainment and one controlling infotainment.
The base trim has cloth seats, but the EX has simulated leather upholstery and the top SX-Prestige has the real stuff.
Every 2022 Kia Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
There are four trim levels, starting with the LX. It comes with keyless entry/ignition, cloth upholstery, sliding and removable second-row seats, front and rear A/C, and powered sliding side doors. Infotainment comes via an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, six USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Safety features include forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist.
Next up is the EX, with a rear passenger camera, a cabin intercom system, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a quiet mode for the audio system. This is the first trim that comes with 8-passenger seating. The SX trim adds heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, a dual-screen entertainment system, two 115-volt outlets, and a 360-degree camera system.
At the top, the SX-Prestige adds the 12.3-inch LCD driver information cluster, leather throughout, second-row lounge seats, and a Bose 12-speaker audio system.
While the Carnival may be a family van, Kia has styled it to look much more like an SUV. It bears some semblance to the Telluride SUV, although from the rear it has more of a minivan look. Several style elements, such as the sculpted doors and highlighted wheel arches, give it a more rugged look than most minivans. The base trim has 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims have 19-inch rims. Several premium paint colors are also available.
Inside, the Carnival makes very good use of space, and upholstery choices range from cloth to full leather. The cockpit sports a clean, functional design.
Three rows of seating offer several different configurations. The base LX trim has seven seats, with an option for an eighth. The second row can slide to enable third-row access, and is removable to increase cargo space.
The next EX and SX trims have seating for eight, and there are a couple of different configurations, including a sliding center second-row seat that can also turn into a table. The second row is removable, while the third row stows beneath the floor.
At the top, the SX-Prestige replaces the second-row arrangement with what it calls Lounge seats. These reclining captain’s chairs slide all the way back, recline, have heat and ventilation, power adjustment, and extendable leg support. However, with this trim, third-row access is more of a challenge and these seats can not be removed.
Kia has made the most of cargo space, with an impressive 40.2 cubic feet of space with all seats in use. With both the second and third rows removed, cargo space expands to 145.1 cubic feet.
Build and price your own 2022 Kia Carnival to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Kia Carnival models for sale near you.
