The much-awaited Carnival, replacing the Sedona, is a vast improvement when it comes to the interiors. With the prices beginning at $32,300, the 2022 Carnival is one of the most practical offerings in the segment that fits within your budget. Moreover, if you are looking for a larger alternative to the Kia Telluride, the newly launched Carnival makes a lot of sense. It looks good inside out, comes packed with a powerful V6 engine, and has best-in-class safety features.
2022 Kia Carnival Minivan Driving View
The 2022 Carnival is available in four different trims. It is also one of the first vehicles in the brand’s lineup to sport the new ‘KIA’ logo. Moreover, for 2022 MY apart from the more enticing looks, sports a larger 3.5L GDI V6 engine with improved performance and better fuel efficiency. Speaking of rivals, this new Kia competes with the likes of Chrysler Pacifica,Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.
The 2022 Kia Carnival is now propelled by a larger 3.5L GDI V6 engine making 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque; that’s 14 hp more than the smaller unit on the Sedona. And it is the sole offering in all trims, unlike Pacifica and Sienna which come with hybrid powertrains. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels.
2022 Kia Carnival Minivan Engine Bay
Yes, unfortunately, the 2022 Kia Carnival sends all 262 lb-ft of torque to front wheels only, the AWD system is unavailable on the menu. On the other hand, the Chrysler Pacifica and the Toyota Sienna are available with both FWD and AWD drivetrain options. The engine feels smooth, the power delivery is linear, and it compliments the Carnival’s driving dynamics quite well. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is responsive as well. Moreover, the 2022 Carnival can tow up to 3500 pounds matching the likes of the Toyota minivan.
Models
2022 Kia Carnival
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Toyota Sienna
MSRP
$32,300
$37,095
$33,040
$34,710
Engine
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
2.5L Gas/Electric Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-speed automatic
9-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
CVT
Power
290 hp @ 6,400 rpm
287 hp @ 6,400 rpm
280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
262 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
176 lb-ft @ 4,400
The Kia's 3.5L GDI V6 engine inside is not only smooth but also the most powerful in the segment. It matches the performance levels of the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey all while staying under the budget. On the other hand, the Toyota Sienna is the only van to feature a 2.5L I4 hybrid powertrain mated with a CVT gearbox as standard. While it does help with the fuel economy, performance is given a miss.
2022 Kia Carnival Acceleration
The 3.5L GDI V6 unit onboard the 2022 Carnival does an excellent job when it comes to acceleration. With a significant boost in terms of power and torque, the new Carnival is capable of hitting the 60 mph mark in 7 seconds. Moreover, it can cover a quarter-mile mark in 15.3 seconds.
2022 Kia Carnival Minivan In Acceleration Mode
This is impressive for a minivan. The top speed is clocked at 118 mph. The only caveat is that AWD config is missing; had it been available, Carnival would have better launch control, traction and thus naturally better acceleration times.
Models
2022 Kia Carnival
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Toyota Sienna
0-60 MPH
7 secs
7.3 secs
6.7 secs
7.6 secs
Quarter mile
15.3 secs @ 93 mph
15.6 secs @ 89.9 mph
15.1 secs @ 94.4 mph
15.8 secs @ 88.0 mph
Engine
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
2.5L Gas/Electric Inline-4
Honda Odyssey makes 10 hp less than that of the Carnival. But it achieves peak power and torque at considerably lower revs and also lower curb weight helps it accelerate better. Moreover, its 10-speed automatic gearbox also helps with better acceleration. On the other hand, the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica are considerably heavier and the low power on tap led to slower acceleration timings.
2022 Kia Carnival Brake Performance
2022 Carnival being a large minivan with a high centre of gravity needed excellent braking hardware to bring it to a stop without any fuss. And Kia understood the assignment. It comes equipped with 12.8-inch ventilated disc brakes at the front while the rear gets a pair of solid 12.8-inch disc brakes.
2022 Kia Carnival Minivan Wheel
The brakes feel too responsive at first, but they feel balanced after some usage. When the brakes are slammed at 60mph, it comes to a halt within 118 feet. For better safety, the braking system is complemented with ABS, traction control, brake assist, ESE, and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Models
2022 Kia Carnival
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Toyota Sienna
Brake Front (in)
12.8 (ventilated)
13
12.6
12.9
Brake Rear (in)
12.8
13
13
12.5
Curb Weight (lbs)
4,376
4,521
4,398
4,610
60-0 MPH (ft.)
118
119
119
125
2022 Kia Carnival offers excellent braking performance. Its rivals are considerably heavier but still, there is no huge difference in terms of braking performance. Toyota Sienna however takes some time to stop.
2022 Kia Carnival Handling
With the Sedona discontinued, Kia wanted to provide a "minivan" that offers similar driving dynamics as an SUV. And it was able to achieve such lofty goals with the new 2022 Carnival. It not only looks like a large SUV but also provides SUV-like driving dynamics. The steering however lacks adequate feedback; it feels smooth and light though. As you might expect from a minivan, body rolls are prominent while taking sharp turns owing to its high COG.
2022 Kia Carnival Minivan Side Driving View
However, there are no complaints in terms of ride quality. The suspension system is tuned to provide a softer ride. Moreover, weight is distributed 60% in the front and 40% in the back to reduce oversteer. And it has a short turning radius of 37.7 feet, making it easier to drive and park in city conditions. Also, all trims come standard with Drive Mode Select with six driving modes.
2022 Kia Carnival MPG Figures
2022 Carnival provides a decent fuel economy for its class. The 3.5L GDI V6 engine not only offers better power, but it also returns an EPA estimated gas mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. With a 19-gallon fuel tank, the Carnival provides a combined driving range of 418 miles and 494 miles on the highway.
Models
2022 Kia Carnival
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Toyota Sienna
MPG (City)
19
19
19
36
MPG (Highway)
26
28
28
36
MPG (Combined)
22
22
22
36
Fuel Capacity
19 gallons
19 gallons
19.5 gallons
18 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
361/494/418 miles
361/532/418 miles
370.5/546/429 miles
648/648/648 miles
V6 engines are known for their power and poor fuel economy, while hybrid powertrains provide better mileage. All the V6 powered vans in the competition return 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG combined. The Pacifica and Odyssey offer slightly better fuel economy on the highway though. However, the Toyota Sienna offers excellent fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain.
Verdict
The new 2022 Kia Carnival is an excellent choice in the minivan segment. It has the most powerful engine in its class and it produces enough power to meet daily needs quite easily. However, it misses out on the AWD drivetrain config and hybrid variant. That being said, Kia has braking, handling and safety sections. So, if you’re looking for a minivan with SUV-like handling characteristics, a powerful engine, sleek design and a premium cabin within budget, the 2022 Carnival is the best choice in the segment. Overall, it is a capable passenger hauler.
