Many years in the past, minivans had been as American as apple pie. They dotted the panorama and numerous house owners liked them for his or her house and practicality.

Nonetheless, minivans have fallen out of favor with customers who’ve embraced crossovers in rising numbers. Because of this, Ford and GM exited the section and so did rivals equivalent to Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. Even Dodge, whose best-selling product was the Grand Caravan, waved goodbye last year.

Regardless of this, the minivan section has hardly ever been as fascinating as it’s proper now. The Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey had been lately given a facelift, whereas the Toyota Sienna was redesigned for 2021. To not be outdone, Kia has retired the Sedona and changed it with the all-new Carnival.

The Cool Minivan?

Since minivans are seen as uncool, the Carnival includes a crossover-inspired design and is billed as a multi-purpose car that “confidently stakes the declare between correct SUV and household hauler.” Or at the least that’s what Kia says.

We’ll let that slide since hatchbacks and wagons are additionally pretending to be crossovers. In any case, it’s arduous to argue with the Carnival’s seems. That is undoubtedly among the best trying minivans because it has a trendy face, modern traces and upscale bodywork. On prime of that, there are blacked out A-pillars, a sloping roof and a particular silver accent on the C-pillar.

It additionally options plenty of crossover-inspired styling cues together with plastic physique cladding and satin chrome skid plates. These touches aren’t very convincing, however they’re properly integrated into the general design.

The Maybach Of Minivans

Kia’s inside design staff is a power to be reckoned with and so they’ve impressed us as soon as once more with the Carnival. Whereas the cabin is paying homage to the K5, it’s extra luxurious because it options increased high quality supplies and slick local weather controls. Drivers may even discover acres of gloss black plastic in addition to painted, woodgrain or 3D satin chrome trim. The gloss black is a bit overdone, however the cabin feels extra premium than its sticker value would counsel.

Most variations of the Carnival have analog gauges, that are separated by a small however informative 4.2-inch show. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can also be obtainable, nevertheless it’s restricted to the range-topping SX Status.

Talking of shows, the minivan comes customary with an 8-inch infotainment system that includes wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Nonetheless, most trims have a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, voice recognition expertise and GPS navigation.

The bigger show works effectively and there are devoted ‘buttons’ to entry generally used screens equivalent to maps, radio and navigation. The infotainment system ought to be acquainted to Kia house owners, nevertheless it has a handful of cool options together with a cabin digital camera and an intercom.

The previous reveals a dwell video feed of the second and third row, whereas the latter tasks your voice via the rear audio system. This implies when your children are preventing, you’ll be able to see the responsible celebration and yell at them extra successfully. When the little heathens lastly go to sleep, you should use Quiet Mode to show off the rear audio system.

Whereas these are fascinating options, the Carnival is extra notable for the VIP lounge seats that come customary within the SX Status. They’re Maybach-style second-row seats, that are energy adjustable and have leg extensions. Additionally they boast heating and air flow, so passengers can sit again and calm down whereas watching movies on the twin display screen leisure system.

Minivans are recognized for his or her spaciousness and the Carnival doesn’t disappoint as there’s loads of room up entrance. The second row is spectacular in addition to there may be 40.5 inches (1,029 mm) of legroom. Whereas the non-obligatory center seat is a bit tight for adults, it’s extremely versatile because it slides and includes a backrest with a tray in addition to cup holders.

On the draw back, the center seat comes slamming down whenever you yank on the pull tab. For those who by chance pull it from the fallacious facet and get your arm caught like this reviewer, little Jimmy and Johnny may be taught some new 4 letter phrases.

Whereas I don’t envy anybody who has to take away the second-row seats regularly, the third-row ones simply rise from the load flooring. You merely pull up on a deal with, pull again on a strap and push the seat ahead.

With the rear seats in place, there are roomy lodging for 2 adults or three babies. They’ll discover 35.6 inches (904 mm) of legroom and sufficient headroom to maintain this 6’ 2” author joyful.

No matter which row you’re in, you’ll discover a USB charging port because the Carnival may be outfitted with as much as 9 of them. The mannequin will also be outfitted with two 110-volt shops to energy every little thing from refrigerated coolers to laptops.

If cargo hauling is extra essential than shifting folks, you gained’t be disillusioned as there’s 40.2 cubic ft (1,138 liters) of house behind the third row. Folding it down reveals 86.9 cubic ft (2,461 liters) of room and that may be expanded to a best-in-class 145.1 cubic ft (4,109 liters) by eradicating the second row. That’s a ridiculous quantity of house and it even dwarfs the Chevy Suburban’s cargo capability of 144.7 cubic ft (4,098 liters).

Finest-In-Class V6 Energy

Whereas the Carnival’s efficiency gained’t blow you away, it includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque. This narrowly edges out the Chrysler Pacifica, which has a 3.6-liter V6 growing 287 hp (214 kW / 291 PS) and the identical quantity of torque. The Honda Odyssey isn’t far behind as its 3.5-liter V6 has 280 hp (209 kW / 284 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque, identical to the others.

The engine is related to a clean eight-speed computerized transmission, which sends energy to the entrance wheels. Whereas a handful of minivans supply all-wheel drive, Kia believes prospects on the lookout for all-weather traction will merely purchase a crossover. Nonetheless, they left the door open for an all-wheel drive variant as the corporate is “at all times finding out {the marketplace}” and “might reply accordingly” if there may be sufficient demand.

Whereas the Carnival isn’t a crossover, it definitely drinks like one because the van has an EPA-estimated gasoline financial system ranking of 19 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed. That’s barely worse than the Pacifica and Odyssey, that are each rated at 19 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed. All three are bested by the Toyota Sienna, which makes use of a hybrid powertrain to return 36 mpg throughout the board.

The Carnival has a towing capability of three,500 lbs (1,588 kg), however that’s nothing to brag about because it’s matched by the Odyssey and Sienna. The Pacifica has a slight edge right here as it may well tow as much as 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg).

A Minivan With A Sport Mode

Minivans aren’t recognized for his or her driving dynamics, however the Carnival isn’t a torture for lovers. This may be chalked as much as a wide range of issues together with the N3 platform, which additionally underpins the Sorento and K5. The structure makes use of hot-stamped elements and ultra-high-strength metal for elevated torsional stiffness, and the top outcome feels fairly strong. That being mentioned, there was a rattle coming from the rear passenger facet each time I drove via my pothole-lined neighborhood.

The suspension options MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear and is unsurprisingly geared in the direction of consolation. On clean roads, the experience is nice however issues are extra combined on lower than good pavement. A number of impacts appeared a bit harsh, however the experience in all fairness comfy with out feeling floaty.

The identical may be mentioned in regards to the steering, which is mild and isn’t significantly participating. Sport mode livens issues up a bit, however you must maintain your expectations in verify.

When it comes time to bounce, the Carnival takes corners effectively however the expertise isn’t very rewarding. On the brilliant facet, physique roll is basically stored in verify and a little bit of character shines via. The 12.8 inch (325 mm) discs in any respect 4 corners convey the van to a halt with ease. They’re stronger than they let on and the pedal has a pure really feel.

Final however not least, the cabin is pretty quiet as all Carnivals are outfitted with an acoustic glass windshield. The SX and SX Status go even additional as they add acoustic glass to the entrance doorways. That being mentioned, wind noise makes itself recognized at speeds in extra of 55 mph (89 km/h).

Pricing Begins At $32,100

Regardless of providing extra cargo room than a Chevy Suburban, the Carnival LX begins at $32,100 earlier than a $1,175 vacation spot cost. It comes properly outfitted with LED headlights, energy sliding doorways and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Shifting into the cabin, drivers will discover a 4.2-inch LCD show within the instrument cluster in addition to an 8-inch infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Different highlights embody a six-speaker audio system, entrance and rear air-con, and seating for seven. Talking of seats, there are sliding and detachable second-row captain chairs in addition to a split-folding third-row.

Regardless of its entry-level standing, the Carnival LX comes outfitted with an assortment of driver help techniques together with Ahead Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance and Rear Cross-Site visitors Collision Avoidance. It additionally has Lane Preserving Help, Lane Following Help, Rear Parking Distance Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and a rearview digital camera with dynamic tips.

Shifting up the trim ladder is the Carnival EX, which begins at $37,600. It includes a evenly revised exterior with 19-inch alloy wheels and an influence liftgate with a hands-free operate.

The eight-seat inside is trimmed in synthetic leather-based and options an eight-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar assist. It additionally has heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tri-zone computerized local weather management system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation. Drivers may even discover woodgrain trim, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and an upgraded eight-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are rear sunshades in addition to the aforementioned cabin digital camera and intercom system.

On the security entrance, there are entrance and rear parking sensors in addition to a extra superior Ahead Collision Avoidance system with bike owner detection. The mannequin additionally has Freeway Driving Help and navigation-based Sensible Cruise Management with a Cease & Go operate.

The $41,100 Carnival SX has a extra distinctive look because it wears a matte chrome grille, satin chrome accents, fake skid plates and roof rails. Different highlights embody LED fog lights, energy folding facet mirrors and 19-inch alloy wheels with a black end.

Inside, there are heated and ventilated entrance seats, an eight-way energy passenger seat and 115V shops. Different niceties embody a rear seat leisure system, a encompass view monitor and rear parking collision avoidance.

Sitting on the prime quality is the $46,100 SX Status. It boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a sunroof and real leather-based upholstery. This mannequin additionally has a heated leather-based steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a blind-spot view monitor, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer.

In fact, the stand out characteristic is the aforementioned VIP lounge seats. Whereas they’re definitely cool, they’re not detachable and this limits the van’s usefulness.

A Minivan That Stands Out From The Crowd

The Carnival is likely to be a minivan in denial, however that doesn’t imply it’s a nasty minivan. Fairly the alternative because it’s spacious and comfy, whereas providing plenty of distinctive options. On prime of that, it seems nice and has an upscale inside with high-end facilities. Pricing can also be aggressive because it prices 1000’s lower than the Pacifica and Sienna, and is barely $10 greater than the Odyssey.

On the finish of the day, the Carnival is an fascinating possibility and an enormous enchancment over the Sedona.  Whereas it may not win over crossover followers, the competitors has been placed on discover.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops