If we were to gripe about anything where the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival is concerned, it’s the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD).
Here’s why: Kia went out of its way to make Carnival, which is the replacement for the Sedona minivan, look like an SUV. Kia even calls it an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) rather than a minivan.
Well, okay, but then where’s the AWD? That’s all we’re saying.
When viewed through the minivan lens, however, we have nothing but good to say about it.
We like it from the new Kia logo on the hood to the well-sculpted tail.
During our time with Carnival, we were impressed with its strong V6 engine, standard driver aids, upscale cabin, flexible seating, and user-friendliness.
Kia separates Carnival into five grades: LX, LX Seat Package, EX, SX, and SX Prestige.
Seven-passenger seating is standard for the LX and SX Prestige. Eight-passenger seating is standard in the other trim levels.
A 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 provides the thrust via an 8-speed automatic transmission. As we mentioned at the top, the Carnival is front-wheel drive (FWD).
At least where combined driving is concerned, Carnival runs even with Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. According to government estimates, Carnival delivers 19 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in combined driving.
If we were shopping Carnival, we’d probably pick the EX trim. It’s a solid balance of standard content and price. You get the big 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist.
2022 Kia Carnival LX (starting at $32,100)
The 2022 Kia Carnival LX starts at $32,100.
LX comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with auto on-off, LED daytime running lights, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Also included are removable-and-reversible second-row seating, a fold-flat third-row seat, cloth seating, and a 4.2-inch driver-information display.
Other standard features are a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, dual power-sliding side doors, air conditioning, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia also includes keyless entry with push-button start, high-beam assist, and six USB ports.
Within the infotainment system are an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Standard driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included are lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-park assist.
Kick in another $350 for a package with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink universal garage remote.
For $1,500, you can score a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the LX base price brings the total to $33,275. If you put no money down and financed for 60 months, it works out to $598 per month. See 2022 Kia Carnival LX models for sale
2022 Kia Carnival LX includes:
- Auto on-off LED headlights – Photosensors detect a reduction in daylight, which automatically engages the headlights and taillights. The system extinguishes the lights when an appropriate amount of daylight returns. LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
- Dual power side doors – These sliding doors open and close with the push of a button on the key fob.
- Driver aids – This is a bundle of safety features. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
2022 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package (starting at $34,100)
The 2022 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package starts at $34,100.
This is really just an LX option package. Because EX includes it in its standard content, Kia apparently chose to break the seat package out as a trim level.
To LX it adds an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-passenger seating, faux-leather seating, and heated front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also part of the package.
Also available are the LX option packages.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the LX Seat Package base price totals $35,275. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $634 per month. See 2022 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package models for sale
2022 Kia Carnival EX (starting at $37,600)
The 2022 Kia Carnival EX starts at $37,600.
EX builds on the LX Seat Package. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power tailgate, and satellite radio
Also included are a wireless phone charger, an 8-speaker audio system, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.
Kia adds pedestrian and cyclist recognition to the forward-collision warning, as well as adding Highway Driving Assist.
You may add the same option packages listed for the lower trims.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the EX base price equals $38,775. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $697 per month. See 2022 Kia Carnival EX models for sale
2022 Kia Carnival EX includes:
- Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, simply stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), it allows setting the temperatures in each. It then automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
- Highway Driving Assist – This is a semi-autonomous driving assist that accelerates, brakes, and steers the vehicle under certain conditions.
2022 Kia Carnival SX (starting at $41,100)
The 2022 Kia Carnival SX starts at $41,100.
SX adds 19-inch black wheels, LED projection fog lights, a roof rack, power-folding outboard mirrors, and ventilated front seats.
Also included are an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, more USB ports, and the rear-seat entertainment system.
Two 115-volt power outlets, a surround-view camera, and reverse automatic emergency braking are also standard.
The package with the auto-dimming rearview mirror is still an option.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the SX base price brings the total to $42,275. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $760 per month. See 2022 Kia Carnival SX models for sale
2022 Kia Carnival SX includes:
- Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather.
- Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle.
- Automatic reverse braking – Kia adds automatic emergency braking to the rear-park assist.
2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige (starting at $46,100)
The 2022 Kia Carnival SX-Prestige starts at $46,100.
SX-Prestige adds a power sunroof, LED taillights, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, leather seating, and a heated steering wheel.
Also included are heated/ventilated second-row VIP seats with leg extension, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a blind-spot-view monitor.
The auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink transceiver option package becomes standard for SX-Prestige.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the SX-Prestige base price equals $47,275. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% works out to $849 per month. See 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige models for sale
2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige includes:
- Leather seating – For an added touch of luxury.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights. It’s bundled with the HomeLink transceiver that offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like your home’s interior light operation.
- Second-row VIP seats – These are reclining seats with a kick-out leg extension. They function like a recliner, plus are heated and ventilated for additional comfort.
