Kia Motors has this uncanny ability for showing up late to the party as the negligible wallflower in the corner, and then somehow, magically, it keeps introducing these cars that really make reviewers like me take notice.

This year’s brand-new Carnival, a family-minivan for all your duties as a newly-minted or tried-and-true LGTBQIA++ head of household, is sparkling in so many ways, namely because there is plenty of room inside.

It’s easy to operate ….. and it’s a very nice-looking vehicle.

(Not sure they will go for my advertising pitch: Your life is already a Circus. How about adding a Carnival to make it complete? No?)

A few years back, Kia introduce the really big (IMHO) SUV, the Kia Telluride, to an already-very-overcrowded market of impressive SUVs that could do everything, including personally entertain you.  And yet, right off the bat, the Telluride made a splash and has proven to be a hit for Kia.  How do they keep doing it?

I see big things for Kia when it comes to the Carnival’s future.  Why? Because a quick look around the World Wide Web shows a lot of praise for the Carnival (which technically replaces the Kia Sedona) and not a whole lotta downsides.

I also see a lot of bright things because literally the Carnival has nice big windows that really are impressive.  With so many minivans, a clear view from all angles is always a challenge.  I was impressed by how big and how clear the views are.  (Of course, there were no screaming children or boxes interfering with the easy-going lounge music I was also enjoying.)

Starting at $32,100 US, the 2022 Kia Carnival is a relatively affordable minivan if you are shopping for a new one. Mileage comes in at 19 city / 26 highway, which is decent for the class.

There are five different trims for the Carnival and you can really go all fancy-pants to the tune of $46,100K for the top-tier SX Prestige, but, yeah, if you have kids and pets and if you’re the one who has to clean it…..

This is a powerful vehicle: a 3.5-liter V6-engine which offers 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s bigger than the Kia Telluride but, believe it or not, it’s built on the same platform as K5 sedan – and not a truck platform.  Wow, I say.

Standard equipment includes seven USB ports (three in front, two middle, two rear – always a necessity), seven-passenger seating, proximity entry and push-button start, power-sliding rear doors, 17-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto… and a few other necessities.

It really is cavernous inside.  There is plenty of room to maneuver however you need to, which is why you consider a minivan in the first place.

And it was easier to park than I thought it would be.  Still, be careful on those turns.  It can still drive like a city bus and feel like you are operating something much bigger than you and your extended family combined.

Kia says this replaces the Sedona but I feel this is a completely different vehicle. It really is something new.  Just for 2022.

And for those of you who truly are brand-new parents…..

Welcome to the Family!