So long, Sedona. The minivan named for Arizona’s beautiful red-rock country exits stage left at the end of the 2021 model year, replaced by the 2022 Kia Carnival.
Like the outgoing Sedona, the new 2022 Carnival is a minivan, and its name more accurately describes the lives of families who tend to buy these eminently practical people-movers.
Kia has long used the Carnival name on its minivan in other areas of the world, preferring Sedona for American consumers in the hope they would associate the model with the rugged image of an SUV.
Apparently, that hasn’t worked out so well.
Ironically, at the same time it loses the Sedona name, Kia’s redesigned minivan adopts more SUV styling cues than ever. Bolder front and rear lower bumper trim, prominent wheel arches, a longer and flatter hood, and a floating roof treatment with roof rails all give the Carnival a ready-for-adventure appearance.
Thanks to its new platform and stretched wheelbase, the Carnival is longer and wider than the vehicle it replaces, and Kia offers aluminum wheels sized up to 19 inches in diameter.
Kia promises the 2022 Carnival will have a futuristic interior complete with an available widescreen display housing dual 12.3-inch screens. One contains the digital instrumentation, while the other handles infotainment features and functions.
Similar to an SUV, a large center console containing plenty of storage divides the front seats. The second row offers 3-passenger seating with a removable center section or fully reclining Premium Relaxation Seats with Ottoman-style leg rests. In some markets, the second-row seats swivel to face the passengers in the third-row seat. An available power sunroof opens over the rear seating area.
To make entry and loading easier, hands-free sliding side doors and a rear liftgate automatically open after a few seconds, as long as the remote key fob is present. Owners can also open both sliding doors and the liftgate with the touch of a button.
According to Kia, the Carnival will offer class-leading cargo space.
In the U.S. market, the 2022 Carnival will have a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission will power the front wheels. Kia says it has taken steps to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness while substantially upgrading the Carnival’s steering and suspension. The result should be improved ride and handling qualities.
Expect the 2022 Carnival to offer Kia Drive Wise, the automaker’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), along with a Multi-collision Braking System designed to bring the Carnival to a stop as soon as is possible following a collision.
Additionally, the Carnival features adaptive cruise control with the option of pairing it to navigation data, intelligent speed limit assistance, a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, a surround-view camera system, and automatic rear braking. When the Carnival is parallel parked on the street, Safe Exit Assist warns occupants if traffic is approaching from the rear.
Highway Driving Assist is also available for the new Carnival. It’s a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance to make long-distance driving easier.
Kia will offer its latest infotainment technology in the new Carnival. In addition to an available 12.3-inch touchscreen display, expect the ability to pair two smartphones to the Bluetooth simultaneously, wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, connected services, and a premium sound system.
A View & Talk feature allows front-seat occupants to see and talk with rear passengers, and Kia says that rear passengers will be able to issue voice commands to the infotainment system.
When does the fun start? Kia hasn’t announced an official release date for the new 2022 Carnival, but when it goes on sale, it will compete with the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. Kia also hopes that some people who need more space than a typical SUV will also choose the Carnival.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 13, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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