All-new Kia Carnival: The 'Cirque du So-wow' is finally in town

For decades, and over two million units sold since its introduction in 1998, the Kia Carnival has defined the modern family van. It can be as practical or as luxurious as you want it to be, and has become known in the Philippine car market as the go-to ride for premium luxury family trips.

While some brands have attempted to recapture the same essence of Kia’s formula, no one was able to catch the same lightning in a bottle the Korean car company has unleashed on the collective local car culture. The model has created such an impact in our local car market that Kia is confident enough to give the 2022 Kia Carnival its very own appellation: the “Grand Utility Vehicle.”

From large families looking for a reliable and comfortable option other than the usual vans that are essentially just trucks with seats, to young executives attracted by its style, power and space to stretch their legs, the Kia Carnival offers a lot more than the regular people hauler can provide.

Now on its fourth generation, the Kia Carnival is back larger, with more power, luxury amenities and safety features that further solidifies its stranglehold on the luxury van segment. So what makes the Kia Carnival so popular?

Don’t call it a soccer-mom mobile

The term "minivan" has fallen into disrepute over the past few years that it has pretty much earned its own unfortunate moniker, the "soccer-mom car." I don’t know about you, but I myself have been trying to get soccer into the mainstream for the longest time, but the Philippine market’s aversion to the sport has diluted whatever power that foreign term has on our market. What’s left is exactly what the 2022 Kia Carnival is all about, luxury transportation for the family and the squad.

Over the years, the Kia Carnival has always stayed ahead of the market demands and its designers understand that it only becomes a mom-mobile if the design doesn’t look strong and confident. The exterior of the 2022 Kia Carnival makes for quite an imposing hauler indeed, with design cues that rival those of even the most rugged of SUVs. 

With chiseled, boxy proportions, SUV like design language and sharp character lines, you wouldn’t dare call this a suburban grocery-getter. The front end in particular features an imposing grille flanked by stunning LED headlamps and DRLs, but the biggest design feature that grabs eyeballs has got to be the C-pillar design. 

The 2022 Kia Carnival evokes the new “island-roof” design that gives the illusion that the roof is floating right up top from the bodywork. Nineteen-inch wheels on the top variant complete the overall look, making the Kia Carnival one of the most low-key badass vans in the market today.

Five-star accommodations on the road

Filipinos love to travel in groups. We are the living embodiment of the phrase: “The more the merrier.” The Great Filipino Roadtrip, as I call it, involves the whole gang going out on the road and having the time of their lives. Just like every trip, accommodations must be made and customers have the choice to go for something pedestrian or something premium.

The 2022 Kia Carnival ticks all the boxes for a luxurious road trip. The driver and front passenger are treated to power ventilated seats with memory function for the driver seat on the top-of-the-line SX model, perfect for those fun out of town trips. While the front row gets to pilot the Carnival, the second row is where the real captain sits, with premium relaxation seats. This SX trim exclusively features two large, ventilated and heated captain seats that can make Pottery Barn blush.

Third-row passengers might not have the same levels of decadence in the rear but they can still enjoy the leather seats on the SX trim. They also get their own automatic climate control system thanks to the 2022 Kia Carnival and its three-zone setup. 

Technological advancements have also elevated the level of luxury for every 2022 Kia Carnival. From wireless charging, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pumping tunes through six premium speakers, as well power sliding doors, all these features work in concert together to make driving and riding the Carnival more convenient than ever.

Power on the road

Car companies know that the Filipino car buyer is very discriminating. Our love for cars and value for every purchase goes beyond the regular customer. We look at spec sheets, and compare power figures. The ultimate test of any car here is if it can head up to  Baguio and back without so much of a huff and the 2022 Kia Carnival will certainly have its work cut out for itself.

Our family owned a first-generation Kia Carnival in the late '90s and every month we’d pack ourselves inside knowing that the Carnival can take us anywhere because of, well, diesel power. Filipinos love diesel because of the potential to provide any vehicle with gobs of pulling power. If history is any indication, the Baguio test will surely be a cinch for the 2022 Kia Carnival. 

Under the hood lies a new 2.2-liter CRDi diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo that makes 199hp and 440Nm of torque, which is an increase over the previous model. Power to the front wheels is reined in by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the power figures and that huge amount of torque it should be able to ferry families, young executives and anyone looking for a premium van in absolute comfort and confidence.

Selectable drive modes allow drivers to adapt the driving characteristics of the 2022 Kia Carnival according to the travel conditions as well from Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart. 

Peace of mind

Before anyone gets too excited about all the design, amenities, and power offered by the 2022 Kia Carnival, Kia adds even more value by putting safety in the forefront. After all, no self-respecting executive van or premium family hauler can call themselves as such if they can’t keep them safe during an accident.

With Lane Keep and Following Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist for the  sliding doors a Rear camera with dynamic guidelines, six airbags, Cruise Control, Front and rear parking sensors, Auto-dimming interior mirror and a full LED setup for the 2022 Kia Carnival’s illumination, buyers can be assured of a safe drive toward their next adventure.

After-sales

Another key reason for the success of the Kia Carnival has been Kia Philippines’ dedication to after-sales support and maintenance. With the 2022 Kia Carnival, the brand promises further improvements in keeping the customer happy.

Kia Philippines admits that more effort needs to be placed in actually getting to reach fans and have pledged that by 2023, there should be up to 50 dealerships and service centers located nationwide. Apart from establishing a stronger and more significant presence in the country, the immediate availability of parts, quality of their trained personnel as well as elevating the customer experience through online and in-store improvements will make owning the 2022 Kia Carnival even more compelling.

Matched with Kia’s excellent five-year/160,000-km warranty as well as 24/7 roadside assistance, the all-new Kia Carnival not only provides a luxurious experience on the road but provides peace of mind during ownership as well.

Attainable luxury

Pricing for the 2022 Kia Carnival starts at P2.54 million for the EX model and P2.988 million for the top-of-the-line SX in Astra Blue. Forking out an extra P10,000 will allow you access to the Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl colorways. 

Considering all the looks, premium amenities, convenience features, and power under the hood, the price should attract buyers who are in the market for a family vehicle as well as young executives who enjoy being driven to work on a weekday but choose to drive on fun weekend getaways.

The Kia Carnival holds the distinction as being the most dominant model in its class. This all-new version not only harnesses the history, heritage and advancements from models of years past; it gives forth a solid product proposition for any car buyer who cares about traveling first class no matter where they are going. 

Photos from Kia