The Best On-Road Minivan – Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival, which is also referred to as the Kia Sedona is a five-door minivan that can accommodate eight passengers. The Carnival was first produced in 1998 by South Korean automaker Kia and is still produced to date with four generations.

First Generation

The Kia Carnival/Sedona minivan was first released in 1998 which featured a long hood that houses the grille with a hood scoop, large rounded headlights, and a large bumper with an air intake vent at the center and fog lights on the sides. The interior is spacious with nice wood trimming on door panels and steering wheel as well as a center console with an audio system and gear shift.

The Carnival is fitted with a 2.5-liter V6 engine or a turbocharged 2.9-liter diesel and a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine, paired with a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic, or five-speed manual transmission.

Second Generation

The second generation of Carnival was revealed in 2005 and was available in short and long-wheelbase layouts. The exterior is stylish and classy with horizontal openings, two chrome strips, and a Kia badge at the center. Also, equipped with two large wedge-shaped headlights, fog lights, 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, and nicely shaped taillights.

The interior is equipped with standard equipment that includes an audio system with eight-speaker AM/FM stereo, a tilt steering wheel, power locks, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and three 12-volt power outlets. Also, include power mirrors, six airbags, heating and cooling system, Brake Assist System, Anti-lock braking system, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System, Isofix anchor points, backup sensors, and in-dash navigation.

The Carnival is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 petrol engine mated with a 5-speed manumatic (automatic with manual gear selection) transmission and a turbocharged 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Third Generation

The third-generation Kia Carnival was introduced in 2014 which features a 3D ‘tiger nose’ grille, LED lights, headlights with angular looks, fog lights, and two power-sliding doors to easily access the middle and rear seats. The cabin features a stylish and attractive ambiance with an 8-inch multimedia screen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and 17-inch alloys. The medium trim offers 18-inch alloys, three-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio, front parking sensors, rear privacy glass, proximity keys, 360-degree cameras, power sliding doors, and a tailgate. 

The Kia comes in a six or seven-seat configuration, with a pair of captain seats on the mid-row which can be moved back and forth to create 1139-liters cargo space, while the third-row seat has a 60/40 split-folding function. The Carnival is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 petrol engine and a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 197 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Fourth Generation

The fourth-generation Carnival was released in 2020 with SUV looks, lower ground clearance, and very long rear sliding doors. It can accommodate up to eight passengers with a slide and tilt mechanism for extra comfort. The dash has wood, metallic, and leather trimming, and wide front seats. 

The center console is fitted with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, it includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, and 17-inch wheels. While the Premium trim adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, cooled seats, and premium audio. The 2021 Carnival comes fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine or a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel, paired with 8-speed automatic transmission.

Generally,

The Kia Carnival is an ideal car for a family or friends that prefer to go on road trips. The Carnival has kept on improving with each generation and can compete well in the automotive market with its affordable price and luxurious features. So, if you are looking for a reliable, efficient, and comfortable family car, then check the Kia Carnival stocklist for more affordable and available models for you.