The biggest surprise is it actually took this long for someone to see a gaping hole in the automotive product universe.
Everyone has seen how sedans have morphed into crossovers. People want to marry the easy-to-drive characteristics of cars with the go-anywhere, bring-anything versatility of an SUV.
But how about us soccer moms and dads? We want the macho swagger of an SUV but can’t afford to give up the spacefor the child seat, the stroller, the playpen, the nanny, and all the other baby/toddler paraphernalia.
Kia has just the vehicle for you. It’s the 2022 Kia Carnival and it’ll make your Cadillac Escalade-owning neighbor do a double take when he sees it in your garage.
That’s because the all-new Carnival has absolutely abandoned the minivan template and crafted a completely different people-mover that does everything a minivan can do while looking like a macho SUV.
Kia calls it a GUV—Grand Utility Vehicle.
I can’t fault them for creating a completely new category. The all-new, fourth-generation Carnival is one genre-bending, game-changing machine.
Gone is the stereotypical slant nose and slab sides of a minivan. What you’ll see is a classic SUV silhouette—blunt nose, long hood, and wide stance. Even the wheels and tires look bold and off-road-ready.
A particularly inspired touch is the distinctively shaped C-pillar that’s finished in a contrasting silver. It serves as an artsy flourish to the side profile (which also happens to be the exact C-pillar treatment used in the Cadillac Escalade).
The only giveaways to the new Carnival’s minivan roots are the sliding doors (which is nonetheless very artfully disguised) and the low ground clearance (and the small tire-fender gap it creates). Lift the Carnival two to three inches, slap on some bad-ass SUV rims and tires, and it’ll rock that Escalade stance.
As if this visual transformation isn’t impressive enough, Kia managed to accomplish this without making drastic changes in its proportions. In fact its dimensions are just slightly bigger than its predecessor’s—an inch or less in width, height, and wheelbase and two inches in length.
“As the guiding principle in designing the Kia Carnival as a top-of-the-line vehicle for executives and family leisure, the all-new Carnival offers ample headroom, spacious and welcoming seats—all constructed with elegant materials to indulge you. Most importantly, it accommodates every individual occupant comfortably,” said Simon Kang, the Coordinating Director of Product Planning at Kia Asia Pacific.
The SX variant’s dual LED headlamps add an extra edge to its looks. Large 19” alloy wheels for the SX variant (18” for the EX) make it even more imposing. This awe-inspiring vehicle is available in 3 colors: Snow White Pearl for those who prefer timeless classics, Aurora Black Pearl for the bold, and Astra Blue for that cutting-edge style.
State-of-the-art technology allows the new Carnival to provide an optimum driving and riding experience for the modern executive. The new SmartStream 2.2 VGT CRDi turbo-diesel engine and 8-speed automatic provide sufficient power, superior handling and efficient fuel savings. An 8” touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allows hands-free accessibility with Voice Control. Strategically placed USB ports and a wireless mobile phone charger (for the SX) is provided in the latest model along with a Drive Mode Select and Electronic Parking Brake for a smoother drive.
Premium amenities that provide a luxurious riding experience are plentiful. The new Carnival gives easy access with a Smart Entry and Remote Start that welcomes passengers to its spacious interiors. Driver and front passenger power seats (power driver seat only for the EX) come with a memory function (for the driver seat) to customize presets for seating adjustments. Also included in the SX are second-row leather business class relaxation seats that offer cooling and heating functions, whereas sunshade blinds, and a 3-zone automatic climate control function are standard across the line.
The new Carnival boasts top-notch technology that provides executives and their families maximum security on the road by integrating technologies introduced by Kia’s DRIVE WISE, a new sub-brand that innovates intelligent safety features with the use of autonomous driving and assistive capabilities.
The SX variant boasts the full suite of DRIVE WISE features. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist adds an extra layer of protection against frontal impacts. Rear Cross Traffic Alert makes backing up safe and secure. Lane Keep & Following Assist keeps the Carnival in lane by automatically adjusting steering with the help of lane marker sensors.
The Carnival SX also features a Collision-Avoidance System where standard safety features are reinforced with LED head-, tail-, and foglights, LED daytime running lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, Blind Spot Warning, cruise control, and 7 airbags.
“The all-new Carnival delivers first-class treatment worthy of a VIP,” said Manny Aligada, Kia Philippines President. “Each key feature of the latest model supports his daily drive towards his avenues of inspiration. Moments of style that express his exclusive taste. Moments of innovation that empower his drive to seek more. Moments of comfort and convenience that fulfill his luxurious standard of living. And, moments of safety to represent his reliable nature.”
Just like the rest of the Kia range, the all-new Carnival offers a 5-year/160,000-km warranty as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
The Carnival SX variant is now available while the EX variant will be available in March. Retail prices are P2,540,000 for the EX in Astra Blue and P2,550,000 for the EX in pearl colors and P2,988,000 for the SX in Astra Blue and P2,998,000 for the SX pearl colors.