Kia Motors Reveals the 2022 Kia Carnival MPV

Just the other week, Kia Motors announced the virtual reveal of its Kia Carnival MPV , or Multi-Purpose Vehicle, spurned from its earlier motivation to produce purpose-built vehicles (PBV) after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We didn’t know much, aside from a V6 engine and possibly three-rows, but now that the official reveal has taken place, Kia Motors has released all of the details on the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival MPV. Set to replace the outgoing Sedona, the Carnival MPV will be the first vehicle to be sold in the U.S. with Kia’s new logo, we can expect to see it in dealerships by the second quarter of this year.

Powertrain

Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige trim levels, a single source makes up the powertrain for this new vehicle. A simple 3.5-liter V6 engine optimized with gasoline direct injection (GDI), and able to produce a best-in-class 290 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. torque is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Already showing some of its multiple purposes, the Carnival MPV has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. Built on the same all-new 3rd generation “N3” platform as the capable Sorento and sporty K5, this new MPV is lighter, stronger and quieter than the outgoing Sedona. Plus, better driving dynamics equals better fuel economy.

New Face

Along with Kia Motors new logo, the 2022 Kia Carnival MPV will also be wearing Kia’s modernized “tiger nose” grille. This one has been sneaking around for the past few years, and we actually thought Kia abandoned this new front fascia design, but the substantial width of the face with high-tech LED headlamps definitely shows off the new look. The mention of the K5 was no accident.

This may be a three-row vehicle, but a dramatic hood and brawny wheel arches adds an aggressive look to the MPV. Robust, with bold lines running the length of the vehicle, large two-tone mirrors and black/chrome rocker panel moldings offer an upscale look. In the rear, a skid plate garnish and reflectors reminds us of the usual look of an SUV, but with the option of 17- and 19-inch wheels, available with a gloss-black wheel design, lend an athletic stance to the Carnival MPV.

Premium Cabin

An upscale exterior needs a sophisticated interior. Able to operate as a 7- or 8-passenger vehicle, the 2022 Kia Carnival MPV has a best-in-class 168.2 cubic-feet of passenger room, best-in-class 145.1 cubic-feet of cargo room (behind the first row) in the LX, EX, and SX trims, the latter of which can be attributed to the removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats*. If going for seven passengers, the second row has the ability to become a heated and ventilated paradise with VIP Lounge Seating, power controls, wing-out headrests, and leg extensions. For the eight-passenger setting, “Slide-Flex” seating allows for multiple configurations with a sliding second row center seat that gives easy access to children when placed in the forward most position. If not in use, this eighth seat can also be converted into a functional table for games on long road trips.

With premium materials and colors splashing across the dashboard, technology begins to pop up everywhere. An 8-inch touchscreen display is the standard, with UVO link available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, and consumers can upgrade to a Bose Premium sound system, available with 12 high-performance speakers, on select trims. UVO links telematics offers new cloud-based routing for navigation in real-time, connected weather forecasts, user profiles with individual UVO accounts and settings, Google and iCloud calendar integration, Last Mile Navigation that navigates until you’re at the door of your destination, a mobile app, and Smart Speaker Integration with Amazon-Alexa and/or Google-Assistant functionality for remote functions (such as remote start).

It’s a lot, and of course Kia Motors is always looking for ways to make their vehicles more convenient and safer. Hands-free opening power sliding doors with Smart Key now comes standard, with an available hands-free Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close (EX and above), and an available Smart Key with one-button open/close functionality for rear sliding doors and liftgate (EX and above). With a high focus on rear passenger safety, the Carnival MPV comes with a Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA). Standard on the EX, SX, and SX-Prestige trims is Rear Passenger View Camera for keeping an eye on rear passengers, Passenger Talk with a new cabin intercom system, Passenger Voice Recognition for numerous in-vehicle functions through voice command. Standard on the SX and SX-Prestige are Dual Rear Screen Entertainment Monitors with Wireless Apple and Android device screen mirroring.

This isn’t a sedan, or a crossover, or an SUV. The 2022 Carnival MPV lives up to its name as a multi-purpose vehicle. Contact us at Miami Lakes Automall to find out when you can order a Kia Carnival MPV. MSRP to be announced.

* second row seats not removable in SX-Prestige

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media

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