The fourth-generation Kia Carnival has debuted showcasing design inspiration from Kia’s SUV. lineup. The Carnival name doesn’t sound familiar? You probably know the Carnival by its other name – the Sedona.
The 2022 Kia Sedona is based on the company’s new midsize platform. The same platform underpins the redesigned Kia Sorento. The architecture allows the Sedona to be more spacious and capable than before thanks to a longer and wider body.
“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle. The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
The 2021 Kia Sedona has been completely redesigned.
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Kia’s minivan has a shorter front overhang compared the outgoing model and the A-pillar has been moved backwards providing better forward visibility for the driver. Designers created an “island roof” design with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof. The van features Kia’s new signature C-pillar signature design.
At the front is the company’s new tiger nose grille with integrated LED daytime running lights and headlights. Below the sculpted bumper and lower air intake are metallic trim and a black lower bumper.
The rear of the model has a full-width light bar and metallic lower skid plate.
Kia will offer the model in eight paint colors and a range of 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheel designs.
For a minivan, it sure has SUV-like looks.Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
The Sedona will be sold with a variety of engines options. The most powerful engine in the line-up is a 3.5-liter V6, producing up to 289 horsepower and and 261 pound-feet of torque. Another 3.5-liter V6 is tuned to deliver 268 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. A diesel engine is available in some markets. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the Sedona, a panoramic design line flows from one side to the other across the dashboard enhancing the spacious properties of the van’s design. The 12.3-inch driver’s information screen and 12.3-inch infotainment screen are found under one housing, as it is in the 2021 Sorento. A rotary shifter sits on one side of the center console.
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice recognition technology are all available. Two smartphone can be connected to the infotainment system at one time via Bluetooth.
The spacious proportions of the minivan are emphasized by the horizontal line across the dashboard.Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Depending on local market conditions, Kia Live services provides live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability). It also enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey, and check the location of their vehicle at any time.
The Sedona will continue to come with three rows of seating – four rows in some global markets. In its seven-seat configuration the second-row sests boast a reclining “Premium Relaxation Seat”. This seat offers a one-touch “relaxation mode”, which automatically relines and adjusts the seat for maximum comfort.
Like Honda and Toyota minivans, Kia will offer Rear Passenger View & Talk technology. This allows front seat occupants to use the camera linked to the infotainment screen to view rear seat passengers instead of turning around. Also, front seat passengers can use the car’s speaker system to talk to rear seat occupants instead of having to raise their voice.
The Sedona will have three or four rows of seating depending on market.Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
The power tailgate lifts higher than before. One-button power-sliding rear doors are available. All three doors can open and close via buttons on the key fob.
A wide variety of Kia’s newest safety features are available on the Sedona. Available technologies include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist; Intelligent Speed Limit Assist; Driver Attention Warning; Blind-Spot View Monitor; High Beam Assist; Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC; Lane Following Assist; Highway Driving Assist; and Surround View Monitor. In addition, it features a Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and forward and reverse Parking Distance Warning.
The Kia Sedona has unique seats that offer business class-like refinement.Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Kia’s Highway Driving Assist technology controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the vehicles in front and street style.
The 2022 Kia Sedona will go on sale in the U.S. in 2021, following its sales debut in Korea this week. All features and technology is market-dependent.
