The 2021 Kia Carnival has been officially
presented in Korea before it lands in North America likely early next year as
the 2022 Sedona. Underpinned by Kia’s new mid-size platform, the new Carnival
has been dubbed a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ and has a much sleeker and more
appealing design than the previous-generation model.
Things start out at the front where Kia’s
designers have implemented the automaker’s ‘tiger nose’ grille as well as a set
of sharp headlights and LED daytime running lights. Also found up front is a
sculpted bumper and lower air intake with metallic trim, further adding to the
more stylish looks. Design changes continue at the rear with a full-width light
bar and an SUV-inspired metallic skid plate.
South Korean buyers will be offered eight
exterior color options as well as a host of aluminum wheel designs in 17-, 18-,
and 19-inch forms. Thanks to the new platform, the fourth-generation Carnival’s
length grows by 40 mm and the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm, offering improved interior space. Depending on the market, the
Kia will be available in three- or four-row seating configurations with space
for seven, eight, or 11 occupants.
In seven-seat configuration, the new Kia
Carnival includes reclining ‘Premium Relaxation Seats’ for second-row occupants
with adjustable back, arm and leg rests. With just the front row of seats in
use, the Carnival offers up 2,905 liters of cargo space.
Taking pride of place in the re-designed
dashboard is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen
infotainment system, all located under a single piece of glass. Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto come standard and depending on the market, Kia Live services
is included, offering live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of
interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking.
Kia has also implemented an intriguing
‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature that allows front passengers to check
on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system.
Another key feature of the new Carnival is one-button smart open-and-close for
the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate. Kia says the new Carnival “maintains
the same driving character as its predecessors, prioritizing comfort and
surefootedness above all.” It features fully independent suspension and a host
of noise, vibration and harshness measures to improve comfort.
In Korea, the new Carnival will be sold
with a handful of engines. These include a 2.2-liter Smartsteam diesel with 199
hp and 440 Nm of torque, a 3.5-liter MPi petrol engine with 268 hp
and 332 Nm, and a 3.5-liter GDi V6 rated at 290 hp and 355 Nm. All engines are paired as standard with eight-speed automatic
transmissions. Kia has yet to state what engines will be offered in North
America. Korean sales of the new Carnival will kick off in the third-quarter of
this year, with other global markets to
follow later in the year. As mentioned before, it will most probably arrive in
U.S. dealerships early next year as the 2022 Kia Sedona.
