KIA CARNIVAL

Perhapsyou'll recall when we first began to experience the popularity of minivans a number of decades ago? Of course, back then, Chrysler essentially invented the minivan, showcasing the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. The rest of the auto industry took notice, and began coming onboard with similar size vans, suited for consumers and families of all sizes.

To fast-forward, with the 2023 Kia Carnival, (of which appears to be a minivan) it's now reclassified as a "Multi Purpose Vehicle" or MPV, essentially replacing the minivan as we once knew it.

The '23 Carnival is fundamentally a carryover model, with the exception of some minor interior improvements to the seating and its on-board technology features. Competing in the Midsize MPV segment, you'd likely consider cross shopping similar models such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. General Motors and Ford no longer play in this segment; therefore, your choices are somewhat limited.

Of course, Kia Motors uses the typical minivan type blueprint. But honestly, I'm still scratching my head when it comes to fully defining a minivan, versus an MPV. As a thought, perhaps referring to the family cruiser as a minivan isn't "cool" any longer, therefore framing as a MPV is the new/accepted catchphrase going forward! Evidently both are incredibly similar.

Clearly in the plus column is the fact this Kia has exceptional passenger and cargo volume capabilities, and lots of convenience features. First made available at Kia dealerships nationwide in 2022, this model replaced the Sedona. Manufactured in four trim levels, their entry level Carnival is classified as their LX model.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

From there, they offer their EX rendition, and then the SX and the SX Prestige top end adaptation.

The pricing is structured to range from $33,100-$46,000, excluding shipping charges. That comes out to be $1,365 added to the MSRP. Every build combination comes with the same all aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine. The factory indicates that it's rated at 290 horsepower, and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s engineered to operate on regular grade unleaded fuel, and the EPA numbers show 19-mpg city/26-highway.

Carnival comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive setup. Acceleration is more than sufficient, the drive overall is quiet, and handling and breaking is assuredly on par with other models in this classification.

The surround windows translate to an open, uncluttered greenhouse. Depending on the trim and options, it seats seven or eight occupants. With only minor changes for this model year, some of the amenities and creature comforts were further updated and revised a slight bit. For instance, on the SX trim model, it now comes standard with a clear view blind-spot camera enhancement and a 12.3-inch digital gauge dash display assembly. The flagship SX Prestige MPV includes a standard sliding bench-style second-row seat. Worth noting, the entry level base LX comes standard with: 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, bright LED headlamps, seven passenger seating, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports located at all three rows of seats plus six speakers. front and rear A/C, power-sliding second row side doors, plus height adjustable driver's seat and reclining third-row seats. Looking over the list, I wanted to note that also included is their driver attention fatigue warning system, rear seat occupant reminder alerts, pedestrian detection feature, forward collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and their lane departure mitigation system. Rear parking sensors are also included with the LX version. Manufactured in Korea, the 2023 Carnival SX Prestige I drove had a sticker price of $48,690 after destination charges and two factory installed additional options.