2022 Kia Carnival Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you are searching for the flexibility a minivan offers with a modern twist, look no further than the 2022 Kia Carnival. Appearing much like a standard SUV, the newest Kia Carnival has an appealing look and refined versatility that competitors do not offer. Adding to Kia's impressive lineup of vehicle selections, the 2022 Carnival is a completely new vehicle offering that is forging its way into the minivan segment of the automotive marketplace. Sporty, yet luxurious, this unique minivan hits all the right notes for buyers who want something different for family travel.

What's New for 2022?

As a new member of the Kia lineup, the 2022 Kia Carnival is brand new and fresh. Virtually every element in this minivan is new for 2022, because this is its first year in production. Actively competing with other minivans that have occupied this part of the market for years, the 2022 Kia Carnival is gaining attention with its modern tech, intuitive safety features, and appealing looks.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Kia Carnival – The Pros

Many buyers are opting for the 2022 Kia Carnival over other models and for good reason. The charismatic look of this minivan that similarly resembles an SUV is something we are not used to seeing. Add in all the bold features and futuristic detailing this vehicle has to offer, and you have a vehicle that is like nothing you have ever seen or experienced before.

1. Highway Driving Assistance That Keeps Up with Surrounding Traffic.

This feature is one we do not see often in other vehicles and is specific to the 2022 Kia Carnival. It relies on the sensors and cameras of the Smart Cruise Control system along with traffic data and navigation resources to provide driving assistance. Assisting with braking, acceleration and deceleration, and steering, the 2022 Kia Carnival helps you flow with traffic.

2. Safe Exit Assist Promotes Passenger Safety.

Oftentimes, the safety features present in a minivan or SUV revolve around navigation efforts and backing situations. Yet, this is a safe enhancement that watches out for your passengers. Safe Exit Assist scans roads for potential hazards that can be unsafe for passengers departing from your vehicle. It then sounds an alert and can help stop doors from opening to prevent contact with detected hazards.

3. Be Alerted to Forgotten Rear Occupants with an Intuitive Alert System.

Nobody would ever want to unintentionally forget a child in a vehicle, but sadly it happens. The 2022 Kia Carnival wants to put a stop to this tragedy by implementing a feature known as Rear Occupant Alert that uses Ultrasonic Sensors to sense if the rear seat is occupied when the vehicle is turned off and left. This minivan can even detect movement within a vacant vehicle and alert drivers to this event.

4. Entertain Passengers with a Dual-Screen Rear-Seat Entertainment Setup with Screen Mirroring Capabilities.

There is nothing more frustrating than hearing your backseat passengers ask if you are there yet just a few minutes into an hours long journey. A dual-screen entertainment system in the rear creates entertainment brought right in front of rear seat passengers. Screen mirroring also allows passengers in the front to control what is playing, as well as integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

5. Open Communication with Driver & Passenger Talk Functionality.

When you are driving a second-row or third-row vehicle, it can be difficult to hear passengers in the rear over other passengers and road noise. Driver & Passenger Talk uses a two-way intercom system to help passengers in the front communicate with those in the second or third row without yelling. Voice volume is increased through the speakers to make it easier to hear, as well.

6. Passenger View for Rear Seats with Night Vision to Keep an Eye on Those in the Back.

It can be difficult to see into the back rows of a minivan, especially at nighttime. To ensure the safety and well-being of your little ones, the 2022 Kia Carnival implements Passenger View with Night Vision, which allows you to check in on passengers in the rear unobtrusively.

7. Experience a Lighter Vehicle Comprised of High-Strength Steel.

Just because a vehicle is comprised of materials that are lighter in weight does not mean the structural integrity has to be compromised. In fact, the 2022 Kia Carnival relies on a lightweight, high-strength steel frame to protect passengers in the event of a collision and resist twisting of the frame.

8. UVO Link Ultimate Complimentary for the First Year.

When you buy a new 2022 Kia Carnival you gain access to several perks. Complimentary UVO Link Ultimate access for the first year is one of them. Connecting you to your vehicle, this technology helps drivers keep an eye on their vehicle stats, maintain navigation efforts, and provides maintenance alerts.

9. A Signature Slide-Flex Seating Enhances Flexibility in the Cabin.

Making it easier to access the second and third rows, Slide-Flex seating allows passengers to smoothly move seats out of the way. Completely folding down into tables, this amenity is beneficial for those who travel frequently or often need configurable options.

10. Better Styling Than Most Other Minivan Options.

Sharp styling creates a unique look for the 2022 Kia Carnival you cannot ignore. Many cannot tell if this vehicle is a minivan or SUV thanks to thoughtful styling by the Kia brand. Providing a new and exciting way to transport your family, the 2022 Kia Carnival is breaking the stigma of what family travel should look like.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Kia Carnival – The Cons

As amazing as the new 2022 Kia Carnival is, there is always room for every vehicle model to improve in some way. Although the downfalls of this minivan are few and far between, if we had to choose something to make better in this model the below concerns would be addressed.

1. Lack of a Hybrid Option.

Many modern vehicles at least offer an upgrade to a hybrid configuration, but the 2022 Kia Carnival skips out on this offering. As something we would love to see in a vehicle made for families on-the-go, a hybrid option could provide a cost-savings benefit to buyers and uncover a level of convenience.

2. No All-Wheel Drive Option for the Drivetrain Setup.

Several competitors offer up an available all-wheel drive setup or include it is a standard amenity. All-wheel drive is nowhere to be found in any Kia Carnival trim, despite its ability to potentially improve this minivan's control on varying road surface. For the sake of safety, we would love to see this option added.

3. Bland Storage Solutions.

The 2022 Kia Carnival lacks storage space for small, personal items, as well as ingenuity in its storage solution designs. To actively compete with rivals, Kia will have to upgrade its interior storage in the front row area. With all the storage in the back of this minivan, customers expect the same all throughout this futuristic model.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Although the SUV is taking over much of market for family transportation solutions, the minivan layout is still holding strong for several brands. Alongside the Kia Carnival stands the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey as intense competition. Buyers often evaluate all these models at once when shopping for a new minivan for purchase.

2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

Due to the 2022 Kia Carnival's new arrival on the auto market, the 2022 Toyota Sienna is undeniably dated in comparison. Although it has continued to elevate its design and safety, the Toyota Sienna still falls short of the Kia Carnival in several aspects. The 2022 Kia Carnival has a bigger engine in its V6 compared to the Sienna's four-cylinder, as well as a better transmission. The Toyota Sienna does excel in fuel efficiency, but most other aspects are the same between these two. Yet, the design and modern features of the 2022 Kia Carnival help it stand out against the 2022 Toyota Sienna.

2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

As minivan models produced by reliable brands like Kia and Honda, the Carnival and the Odyssey find themselves in intense competition. The 2022 Kia Carnival is much better looking than the 2022 Honda Odyssey, so we do not find them competing much in their appearance. The tiny touchscreen and slow handling of the Honda Odyssey are downfalls for this model, both of which are areas in which the Kia Carnival thrives. Additionally, the 2022 Kia Carnival is also much more powerful and bold in its performance than the 2022 Honda Odyssey making it a top choice.

Conclusion

As a brand new addition to the Kia family, the 2022 Kia Carnival is making waves with its intimidating stance and SUV-like appearance. This minivan is like nothing you have ever seen before, which is exactly what Kia intended. Making a statement with this futuristic model, Kia sets the pace for competitors with its new 2022 Kia Carnival minivan.