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 (1.5-inches) and the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm (1.1-inches), 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.
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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 (102.5 cubic-feet) of cargo space.
Dual 12.3 inch displays and plenty of tech on-board
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.
A four-pot diesel and two gasoline V6s for Korea
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 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque, a 3.5-liter MPi petrol engine with 268 hp and 245 lb-ft (332 Nm), and a 3.5-liter GDi V6 rated at 290 hp and 262 lb-ft (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.
