If you’ve got a lot of people to transport, this MPV may be the MVP you’re looking for.
So What is an MPV, Anyway?
According to Kia, the Carnival is a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). That means outside of the showroom is perfect for families (or groups) who need the spaciousness and versatility of a minivan but could do without the “soccer mom” jokes.
The 11-seat Carnival (it comes standard as an 8-seater) offers a wide variety of ways to accommodate people and things. For households that need a good all-around vehicle, the Carnival should be on the shopping list.
Okay, Let’s Get Real: Does the Back Row Fit Grown-Ups?
It’s a fair question. Like most multi-row vans, the rear row gets a bit snug, so it’s best for the tweens, teens, and smaller adults in your family. That said, the minivan-style interior and sliding side doors make accessing every row easy-peasy.
When folded, the second and third-row jumper seats slide out of the way, making it easy to get from the front row to the third and fourth rows and vice-versa. Those middle seats also fold into a handy table (complete with cup holders) for passengers in the second and third rows to use.
You’ll Want to Sit Down for This
Now let’s talk about comfort because that is a HUGE feature in the Kia Carnival. The SX Prestige trim not only includes heated and ventilated second-row passenger seats, but Grandma and Grandpa can access Relaxation Mode with the touch of a button. Kia calls it VIP Lounge Seating, and it puts the second-row seats in full recline, complete with cushy footrests.
Clear Lines of Communication
Whether your big crowd includes kids, or you just want to have a conversation with people in the back rows without shouting or taking your eyes off the road, Kia’s got you covered.
Among the Carnival’s huge list of available tech features is a Driver/Passenger Talk system. The intercom lets you communicate with all of your passengers using your “inside” voice. Another useful available feature is Passenger View with Night Vision. Onboard cameras display a clear view of the rear seats through the touchscreen display, so when the kids start fighting, you’ll know who started it.
The Storage Situation
You can configure the passenger cabin to accommodate loads of cargo, from stepladders to instruments and amps for your club gig. But when you’re transporting the whole team, the reality is you won’t have any cargo space at your disposal. However, the Carnival can pull a trailer weighing up to 3,500 pounds, so you won’t have to leave anyone or anything behind.
Scoring Big Style Points
The Kia Carnival MPV was created to replace the old Kia Sedona minivan. We think it’s going to give rivals like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and the Chrysler Pacifica a run for the money. The Carnival’s ruggedly refined SUV style will win over a lot of drivers who need versatility but have resisted making the leap to a minivan. So don’t wait and head down to your local Kia Dealer to see for yourself!