When you have a family, you need a vehicle to carry everyone. This makes the 2022 Kia Carnival an excellent option. Kia does not call this vehicle a minivan, so we won’t either. Instead, it’s called an MPV for Multi-Purpose Vehicle, which fits the Carnival nicely. No matter how you view this Kia, it’s made to transport your family of six or seven, and it recently won an important award.

What award did the 2022 Kia Carnival recently win?

The Carnival was recently named the Family Vehicle of the Year by AutoGuide.com. This MPV is impressive and brings the style that we didn’t find in the replaced Sedona minivan. The body shape is that of an SUV while giving you the access and functionality you want in a minivan, but this is not a minivan at all.

Kia proudly boasts about this MPV

In a recent press release by Kia Media, Steven Center, COO, and EVP, Kia America boasted that “the Kia Carnival MPV is truly a multi-purpose vehicle and breaks the mold of what many perceive a vehicle like this should be.” The Kia brand celebrates the design, safety, and qualities that brought this vehicle to the top of the family vehicle list.

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival real?

Yes, the Carnival is real, and it’s a vehicle that can take your family wherever you need to go. This vehicle brings a spacious cabin and the family-driving qualities you admire from a minivan while offering SUV styling.

What are the pros and cons of this MPV?

According to Kelley Blue Book, the pros and cons of the Kia Carnival are:

Pros

• Spacious with seating for eight
• Class-leading power
• Advanced safety systems
• Versatile interior area

Cons

• No AWD
• No hybrid powertrain

Does the 2022 Kia Carnival have 11 seats?

A Grand Carnival model hints at the possibility of more seating. This new 11-seat version may not make it to the United States, but it’s also a real vehicle made by Kia. Will we see the larger version of this MPV in our market? That question remains unanswered for now.

What are the trims and features of this Kia MPV?

The Kia Carnival comes in four trim levels to give you various packing options. Here’s what you find with each trim:

LX – $32,300

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Seven-passenger seating
• Power sliding side doors
• 8-inch infotainment screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Keyless entry/starting
• Cloth upholstery
• Sliding second-row seats
• Forward-collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Automatic high beams
• Driver attention monitoring
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear occupant alert
• Safe exit feature
• 6-speaker audio system
• 6 USB ports

EX – $37,800

• Eight-passenger seating
• Tri-zone automatic climate controls
• Passenger Talk intercom system
• Rear passenger-view camera
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Rear shades for second and third rows
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power tailgate

SX – $41,300

• LED fog lights
•  Roof rails
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Heated/ventilated/power-adjustable front seats
• Dual-screen rear entertainment system
• Two 115-volt outlets
•  Rear passenger voice recognition
• Reverse emergency braking
• 360-degree camera system

SX Prestige – $46,300

• Seven-passenger seating
• Full LED exterior lighting
• Powered dual-pane sunroof
• 12.3-inch LCD driver information cluster with blind-spot view monitor
• Self-dimming mirror w/garage door opener
• LED interior lighting
• Leather upholstery
• VIP Lounge second-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Bose 12-speaker audio system

What powertrain does the Carnival use?

All models of the Kia Carnival use a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for 290 horsepower,262 lb.-ft. of torque, and 3,500 pounds of towing. You’ll enjoy 19 city/26 hwy mpg in this MPV.

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival available in the US?

Yes, the Carnival debuted during the second half of 2021 and is available right now. This MPV does compete in the minivan class. You’ll want to answer whether or not you should buy the Carnival or one of the competitors. The Chrysler Pacifica offers a hybrid option, and the Toyota Sienna is hybrid and has standard AWD. Neither is the Autoguide.com Family Vehicle of the Year, but the Kia Carnival is.