By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Remember the Sedona? It was Kia’s minivan flagship sedan from 2002 to 2021 in the United States and also around the same time when the Korean automaker began altering model names to align with global markets. It was apparent then that it would be replaced by the nameplate Carnival, which has been used worldwide.

Ever since its debut in 2022, this SUV-inspired “Multi-Purpose Vehicle,” as Kia likes to use the term, has left a lasting impression on minivan buyers. Offered in seven- or eight-passenger trims, the Carnival is equipped with a hybrid powertrain. A 1.6-liter gasoline-direct injection turbocharged engine cranks out a healthy 242 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 270 pounds-feet of torque while coupled with a sprightly 6-speed auto gear box. Further assistance is received from an electric motor and a 270-volt lithium-ion battery. Absorbing road nose and imperfections with ease is a MacPherson strut front and a multilink rear suspension. The motor-driver power steering talks to you in self-assuring tones, never asking for a mid-turn wheel adjustment. At the driver’s fingertips are normal, smart, sport and eco modes and a tow capacity of 2,500 pounds.

Our SX Prestige model came with the Dark Edition trim or blacked-out accents on the radiator grille, side sill garnish, skid plates, roof rails and alloy wheels to show off a sporty look. Mind you, on a minivan. And it worked! Step into the roomy and practical cabin to find two huge 12.3-inch screens spanning across the dashboard, driver digital gauge and infotainment system. Second-row passengers can travel as though on a luxury liner with slide, recline and leg extenders while the third-row seat folds flat into the floor. Fold down both the rear seats and you are looking at a remarkable 145.1 cubic feet of space to haul into the cargo hold. Other treats for occupants are heated/cooled front and second-row seat, power sliding rear doors, tri-zone auto a/c, power lift gate, ambient lights, 12-speaker Bose stereo, dual tilt/slide sun roofs, eight-way power front leather seats, tilt/telescopic steering column, manual second- and third-row sunshades, door scuff plates. And if the little ones needs to be kept occupied on family trips up north this summer, select the $2,500 dual-screen rear seat entertainment package.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all three rows, driver knee airbag, electronic stability, traction and hill-start assist controls, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, lane keep/follow assists, blind spot/parking and rear-cross traffic/forward collision avoidance, surround view monitor, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.

As prices at the pump hover around $4.25 a gallon, the Carnival with city/hwy/comb figures of 34/31/32 is proving to be an attractive proposition. You are essentially looking at traveling nearly 600 miles on a tank before the need to fill gas. Add the minivan’s solid chassis, thought-out interior and affordable price to the mix and it is a win-win all the way. 

CARNIVAL HYBRID (SX PRESTIGE)

Tires: 235/55R19

Wheelbase: 121.7 inches

Length: 203 inches

Width: 89.2 inches

Height: 69.9 inches

Weight: 4,967 pounds

Fuel capacity: 19 gallons

Base price: $53,090

Price as tested: $57,490

Web site: www.kiausa.com