I have the SX in Flare Red. I don't have kids at home anymore but I just like having the room for our older friends to comfortably fit without crunching their bones. We recently drove it from Maryland to Pensacola, roundtrip. It was extremely comfortable. We averaged 27.4 mpg, and that included driving in the Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains. A couple of things that Nathan didn't mention was its "almost" self-driving capability. Honda is no longer selling the vacuum for the Odyssey. The Sienna is woefully underpowered for its size. The Pacifica is very expensive for what you get, AND it is a Chrysler. That is enough reason not to buy one. This vehicle excites me more than just about any I have had...and I have owned MANY vehicles. Overall, an excellent review.
I am not an owner of a Kia, even though i was very close a few times to sign on a few Telluride, but you get 10 YEAR WARRANTY. For me, that was really nice. I have Toyota, and to get 7 years warranty, i had to pay extra 2500, i think. Yes, toyota's are reliable and such, but for 10 years, i don't have to worry about engine and transmission. Plus 6 years for other stuffs. It's insane.
Chrysler takes the cake with its stow-and-go seats. They’re a lifesaver for wheelchair users like myself who need to add lifts to their vehicle. I can do so with my Pacifica and still have floor/cargo space as well as all the creature comforts I desire. The Carnival was second on my list, though.
Or a Christmas tree, or a dining room table, etc. And do so without having to get nuts with strapping things down. Drive down the highway and not worry about things flying out. It's a total cheat mode for hauling. And the rare time a person needs to haul a truly large/heavy/just don't want to mess up the interior thing you pay a big box hardware store like $30 to rent a truck for an hour. Done.
Or go biking with uncollapsed 2 bikes without putting on a carrier, or place in your mower without folding the handle, or carrying a weeks worth of groceries without lowering the 3rd row. Genius!
I bought a SUV people, and I regret it. I WISH I would have gotta a mini van since I have 2 kids. This MPV looks really good. Take my advice, go for what you need, not what looks the best and what it makes you look like. That middle seat is sweet!
Sharing your comment with my wife. We have two kids (11 & 9) She wants to replace our 2012:Mazda5 with a Volvo SUV. I much prefer a minivan. Hopefully she'll take your word for it.
@@MichaelNJohnson we have a newer Volvo XC90 and are both tall and have two kids in rear facing car seats and are waiting for our carnival to get in so we can finally have more space. Loved the Volvo, but desperate for more space and convenience.
@@isaialeuila9327 it's not so much the two kids. It's having to haul all the things that come along with them including sports equipment and teammates.
@@isaialeuila9327 it’s the fact that both my wife and I are over 6 feet and rear seats take up a ton of room in that Volvo. Also we have a 95lb dog that loves to tag along. Oh and all the stuff that kids come with doesn’t help. I truly believe if one of us was like 5’7 or something we would’ve waited to switch.
Wow, your review was actually a review. So many other videos just restate the same features that I could read on the Kia website. Great work! Though, I must say anyone can put a portable vacuum in the back cubby for $30 these days, so it really doesn't make sense for the manufacturer to provide one for $200 that takes up valuable storage space.
We bought the LX with the seating package, also known as the LXS. It has the 8 passenger seating with the Syntec seats, not leather but feels just as good. We decided to go this route to get the comfort of the SX for a much lower price. The touch screen is only 8.5" in the LX and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but we don't need a camera for the back rows and 8.5 is plenty big for GPS, radio, media player and back up camera. They all have the same safety features and the exact same power train, so we didn't get shortchanged in safety or performance. We absolutely love it, and yes, we get asked all the time "what is that thing?"
Don't tell the wife. But that 8 speed while in sport mode does 0-100mph waaay quicker than anyone would ever expect. I have one in white. 3 teenagers and a 2yr old. Took it on a vacation to the Outer Banks from PA first week owned. Loooove it.
I really appreciate that you also focused on some odd/negative aspects of the vehicle that us future owners will most likely learn soon after buying the vehicle. Most reviewers just state the obvious and positive things. Thank you for the great review!
Bought one a couple months ago. Same trim as this. We have had several people ask what suv it is so Kia did a good job there. Replaced a 2016 Sedona. The Sedona was very good. This is a huge improvement. Unbelievably quiet, incredibly easy to drive and extremely kid friendly. To anyone who can’t bear the thought of a van i say this: embrace your dadness and become one with the van. It’s just better. Can’t believe there still isn’t anywhere to put my sunglasses though
We owned a 2016 Sedona. I'm a sports car enthusiasts. After driving the Sedona for well over a year, I was sold. KIA is on to something here. The car was owned by my sister and she traded it for a Cadillac XT5. I loved driving the KIA more than the Caddy. I don't have kids or anything of that nature. If I did, the Carnival would be the absolute perfect solution to any scenario you could throw at it. Great job KIA!!!!
325,000 miles on my 2009 Kia Sedona (still going strong), and love the space, even after the kids are all gone. Would have bought this as the replacement if it AWD.
I believe the middle seat that slides back behind the second row may be of use for mother’s of small kids still in car seats. Having the ability to sit in the back comfortably while your kids are securely fastened in their car seats is a pretty cool feature, giving you the ability to address crying, or upset kids while you travel.
That's an excellent point! I don't know how many times I've had to climb into a very uncomfortable back seat to soothe crying kids in our pick up truck. This feature would be perfect for that!
We went to look at one of these at our local dealer after watching this video since we needed something bigger for our family. Super nice car. You were spot on about the folding seats by the way - when we were packing it up to head home the seat whacked me in the head and knocked my glasses off. I think you jinxed me!
I’m on my second Honda Odyssey and absolutely love it!! There’s no other vehicle that matches the practicality of a minivan. I don’t care about being a cool mom. I’m already cool because I don’t care about being cool!!
Funny i saw in person and i found it to be smaller
3 года назад+12
I literally just bought the seat package, didn't want all the flare because I have young kids. When they are older we can upgrade but for the value it's wonderful. We removed the center seat so my oldest can walk right into the back. Installed clips to hold Nintendo Switches on the back of the seats and each seat has a USB jack for charging. We are set.
The middle 2nd row seat slides back to fold it into a table and in other markets the main middle seats can be flipped around to face the rear so 4 people can talk to each other and play road trip games. The US market has cheap plastic tabs to prevent this but they’re easily removed.
What markets offer those flip around seats? Maybe I should buy one in another country. We used to have Chevy and Ford vans that could do that in the 1980's
@@k3iler05 this review is a perfect example. He kept saying “Mini Van” “MPV” throughout this entire production. He acts like a 6 year old kid while reviewing.
I will never understand the hate people have for minivans. As a kid I loved when my parents got a Ford Windstar and later Toyota Sienna and as an adult if I had kids I'd have no issue buying a minivan. They give you more space than SUVs, get better gas millage and cost less.
My wife hated them didn't want one, I brought her to a Ford dealer that had a 2 year old Sienna. I told her to get our 3 kids in and out of an explorer, expedition, and the Sienna. Long story short, we went home with the Sienna...
It’s the same as wagons, people grew up in them and perceive them as uncool. You’d think CUVs would have this issue as well, but they have the advantage of feeling “rugged” and have the ride height people want
We have this exact same color in sx(prestige) trim.3 months now and still lovin it. It drives and feels like your in a SUV. Good job Kia! Great review as always Nathan. I want to see you comparing this vs others
You could easily put a thick pin stripe down the side to "camouflage" the door slider. It would trick the eye. as is the dark contrast of the slider opening sticks out.
This new carnival is everything that the new scienna isn't.They got right and they nailed it. I wish toyota gives this minivan a good look and learn what customers want instead of telling their customers what they should have. Excellent review and fun to watch even if you don't like minivans.
Let's face it, anyone driving a 3 row crossover (like a chevy traverse) is really someone that needs a minivan but whose ego/self image led them to buy a vehicle with less space and less convenience to avoid the sliding doors. At least Kia is making an effort to improve styling, as there is no reason (drive train wise) for 3 row cuvs and vans to look different in the front/side style (also, park a 14 grand caravan next to a 14 traverse, they look almost identical). I too was once a van hater, until around 2004 when my car got wrecked and a buddy loaned me his family's 2nd vehicle, a 90s Pontiac Montana. This was in the middle of winter in the upper peninsula of Michigan. After 2 weeks of driving it, my mind was blown. I have since owned a 98 Plymouth voyager, a 14 grand caravan, and a 17 chrysler pacifica, and I didn't even have kids when I got those first two.
Minivans make a lot more sense as people and cargo haulers than comparable size CUVs. I've ridden in many minivans over the years and loved the comfort and space. I can only see buying a proper SUV - not CUV - if you need to tow, but that accounts for a very tiny percentage of SUV buyers. They simply don't function as well for hauling people and cargo.
@@palebeachbum one of my favorite memories with my 14 grand caravan: loaded 14 sheets of plywood in the back (hooray stow n go seats) at the home improvement store, while the guy next to me struggled to load a handful into his Tacoma, because the bed is too narrow for 4x8 material! Minivan > midsized truck!
Probably the best review I ever watched on automobiles. Thank you so much for that real review which helps buyers and manufacturers alike. Respect from Mahesh. 🙂
Actually, they could disguise the sliding door rail. In fact, all the competitors, Sienna, Odyssey, and Pacifica, hide the sliding door rail right below the edge of the darkened back windows. It is almost like there was no rail cuz it blended in with the windows. The Carnival's back windows have the most squarish lines, they could have easily done the same to hide the rail.
Love TFL! So glad you did a video on this! The Carnival is such an interesting vehicle imho. It does so much for the price! It has an outstanding look both inside and out! I don’t have a family and would consider this vehicle for its uniqueness alone. Only let down, not covered in the video, is the max towing for a V6. Oh well. Still seriously considering this vehicle! Thank you so much! Love you guys and your thorough videos!
I own the LX and had U-haul install a tow hitch for under $500. I towed a moving trailer from Orlando, FL to New Hampshire very easily. The Carnival was a true champion. I have owned minivans and this one is definitely my favorite and I love it. I love it so much that I bought another Kia. Ironically, I went on to sell Kia vehicles, and from both sides of the equation, i will say, they are NOT the same that Kia's used to be. Kia is definitely worth your consideration.
I have the 2014 Sedona, still drives great but when it goes i want this carnival. Love Kia. Bought 4 already. I no longer have small kids but maybe i will have grandkids later and for friends who come and visit so van is a must.
Mini vans were the rage for young families with the room they offered. Then suddenly, the smaller SUV became popular as children grew larger in size. Now they cram their growing children into a smaller space because the SUV looks "cool". Cartop luggage carrier sales took off because they offer the room lost when downsizing to an SUV. It's amazing what the vehicle manufacturers have to deal with in relation to customers' real needs, their vanity, and their fantasies. Tough job for the designers. Now, the trend is to design a mini van that doesn't look like a mini van. KIA has achieved that goal.
I've said this on multiple occasions but I think suv's (at least the larger ones) should come with rear sliding doors. I honestly think Kia has something going on here. Give it some time and this may start a SUV (*cough mpv cough) with sliding rear door vehicle segment. Imagine an awd version with a bit more ground clearance than the fwd one. I'll be interested in that
I agree although I’ve always heard the reason that SUV’s don’t have sliding doors was that they compromise the rigidity of the body, because of the way they have to be designed. Basically you’re missing that pillar in the middle that helps with rigidity when off roading. So unless someone can figure out a way around that, I doubt you’ll see many true SUVs with sliding doors
Lol alot of people laughed when I said my intentions of buying a mini-van, life's easier lived accepting who you are, and if you got kids it's time for a mini van
90% of buyers don’t know anything about what they are buying, they are just buying because of what others say good things about it . The AWD is the XSE model and it comes with a CVT which is not a good combo
@@reyperez3424 I'd like to correct you there. It's an e-CVT, it uses planetary gear sets instead of the conventional belts or chains you'd find in something like the corolla. And Toyota has been doing this since about 1997 with the Prius. Saying that this e-CVT with AWD isn't a good combination doesn't exactly make sense, as Toyota has been doing this since the first highlander hybrid in 2005. I was referring to the last generation 2011-2020 Sienna, not the 2021 though.
I thought it was a 3 row SUV when I saw the thumbnail to the video…..tricky tricky but it will probably be a good look for some Moms that have to have a people mover.
"I fell in love with this minivan", because it doesn't have cubbies, the seats sucker punches people, it doesn't have awd, it has inlaw annoyance buttons, the back looks like a minivan, and a bunch of other things I point out to be lacking... that's why I fell in love with it... ha ha
The slide back middle is perfect to not hear the "He's still touching me!" part of road trips without having a child captured in the back, and they can walk through.
I couldn't help but notice the anti-Chrysler comments here. Yet, Jeep is owned and built by Chrysler (Fiat). Jeep's rugged vehicles are by far the most common vehicles on the road today and they continue to sell at a record pace. The V6 engine in the Pacifica is also used in some Jeeps. I'm on my second Chrysler mini van (Town & Country and Pacifica) and each one has been highly reliable and flawless. The most recent Consumer Reports rates the Dodge Ram pickup truck as number one in quality. The Ford F 150 is rated much lower and yet the Ford is still the number one seller. Dodge vehicles in general were highly rated by CR. These, of course, are Chrysler products. I plan soon to purchase the KIA Carnival Prestige SX. It has the comfort (and entertainment) level I want. One drawback is the EXTREMELY LIMITED choices available for colors and wheels. Black is the only wheel available in that trim level. Crazy!
Agree. I don’t understand why some clever manufacturer hasn’t figured out how to have a rail under the car like now, another rail on the roof and just skip the rail on the side.
@@narebman I agree. I had an odyssey for 10 years when my kids were little but the only thing that irritated me was things falling in the slider rail and having to grease it up frequently.
Another thing they could do is move the handles on the sliding doors to the back end of the doors so they look more like a standard swinging door. I'm sure it could be mechanically possible to change the position of the handles.
@@kaburgess69 no need. I have so many customers who head for the rear of the door expecting the handle there. So it obviously already looks like that 😄
The only thing I hate about my sienna, is the lack of ground clearance. Road debris, angled parking lots and small critters justify having a little extra height.
Space wise, looks wise, interior wise, technology wise, the way it drives... Its wins big time !! I would say its a smart and beautiful design... Those mini doors are great in tight spots!! Its a blend of mini van and Suv... If you want something to eat up stress free miles in long road trips, some thing with tons of space and room, to notch interior and very space for the family... Then this is a winner!!
got an 8 seat sx prestige, love it so far. Driving experience is good. Tons of cameras, huge screen, heated seats and steering, dual moonroof, lots of room for cargo or kids, flexible seating, auto sliding doors.... Once I get a minivan, it's hard to go back to an SUV.
12:18 is the killer feature of the carnival. Imagine you two have car seats on either side of you, and you need cargo space in the back. That's great flexibility right there
I wish they would make the Dodge Grand Caravan in Toyota/Honda like quality. I really appreciate the stow and go feature of the second row chairs and more manufacturers should make them.
So funny how most people think a minivan looks dumb (had to buy one for my wife without asking and now she loves it), yet most people like the looks of an old school vw bus.
So the middle seat trick where it goes very far back is also really handy if you have two younger kids and an older teenager. The teen can sit in the middle and have more leg room and all three kids are separated from hitting each other LOL.
That middle seat is made to be folded and used as a table those center row can actually face backwards. Gives you a train like travel comfort with friends and mini table for beers 🍻
Like others I never saw myself in a mini van..not until I bought the Carnival. It just looks different. My reason for purchasing the Carnival Lx was to be able to put mom's wheelchair in with ease! Love it- perfect for us!
Personally I consider the minivan the hands down best cargo/passenger vehicle, I also never understood people disliking the minivan look. As a single person who doesn't transport things or people very often my preference is a small SUV or hatchback car, but for every other use (other than obvious truck uses) minivan takes the cake and is the best family car.
Why ANY manufacturer would put a cell phone slot next to a Big Gulp cup holder, or worse IN-BETWEEN two Big Gulp drink holders is beyond dumb. A $1k disaster waiting to happen. Put the cell slot apart from Mega Big Gulp drink holders....Pallllease!!
I never did understand peoples reluctance to be seen in a minivan. If you are male, and you drive one, you're telling the world you have managed to populate successfully with a member of the opposite sex. Driving a sports car or SUV doesn't indicate anything of the sort.
13:30 I live in Korea and that is exactly why the Carnival is so popular here! Business men and celebs can get a limo style version with more plush seats. They take out the middle row and it is like a limo. Over the past 15 years living in Seoul, I have seen proper limos. Only used by visiting diplomats though. Koreans tend to use a Carnival or StarX, limo interior in a van. Parking isn’t easy and turning radius is really important so extended axles just aren’t practical and worse, inconvenient. The one odd thing that car reviewers in Korea were perplexed about was a change in the middle row for the Korean version of the Carnival. In the rest of the world, you can turn the seats backwards and have a more intimate setting, separate from the driver. Korea’s version doesn’t allow that. You can remove them, slide them back, but not flip them around. And the reviewers were not happy about the loss of that functionality!
No vacuum. No stow away seats Visible sliding door rail No moon roof No all wheel drive Get Pacifica. Wins all hands and much better storage. Engine is great. Love the “Mini Van”. Drove 5500 miles road trip on road trip to west and no fatigue.
When you get tired of poor gas mileage, high center of gravity handling, less-than-spacious seating, less-than-spacious-cargo capacity and a less-thn-roomy-cabin: MINIVAN!!! I love the Chrysler Pacifica. My Jeep SRT only gets 12 MPG.
Unfortunately outside of big cities in North America most drivers are hooked to huge SUVs and trucks even with their horrible MPG numbers, very high position to lift cargo inside, need for climbing for passengers and the need for a ladder for loading some luggage on the roof rack. The new cameras made parking of those vehicle easier though still it is hard to park them.
Fully agree with you, not having a AWD option strikes out with me too. Love the style of the Carnival, I think it's the best looking minivan on the market. But, I can't pull the trigger on it without the AWD option. Guess I will buying a Chrysler Pacifica. Great review and thanks for making your video!
Go with the Sienna. In my experience and many others, Chrysler products have terrible reliability and longevity. Their mini vans do tend to have the best creature comforts, technology, and design utility, but generally speaking the Toyota engine will last about twice as long for the same price.
Having owned four Honda Odysseys....yes I can say minivans are cool....we just moved a couch and some other furniture in it....plus transporting an elderly relative with mobility issues...no other vehicle can match it for utility.
SUVs are not cool. They're driven mostly by soccer moms and people commuting to office jobs. Anyone who thinks their SUV is cool is deluding themselves. Minivans are cooler than SUVs because it shows that you're more of an individual than the SUV lemmings.
The cereal part killed me. 😂
It is still a gas guzzler.
I grew up in an era where if i did that they would kill me 🤣 i would get whacked like no tomorrow
SUZUKI APV = $12,000 8 SEATER
TOYOTA RUSH = $22,000 7seater
HONDA BR V = $22,000 7seater
TOYOTA AVANZA = $17,000 7SEATER
HONDA MOBILIO = $18,000 7SEATER
SUZUKI ERTEGA = $16,000 7seater
And the part with the in-laws in the front seats !!
I was gonna cry 😢 🤣🤣🤣
I was confident I’d never own a minivan, until I saw one of these in person. Bought the EX for my wife and we love it! Great family vehicle!
I agree. I’m not buying one anytime soon, but if I had to buy a minivan this would be the one
Did you try flipping the 2nd row around? My son and daughter love going on road trip with their grandparents. They face each other and play games.
@@alpharenz1329 I am curious too. following.
@@seokyoungjang311 the middle seats you can take them out and turn them around. So the back row and 2nd row face each other.
@@alpharenz1329 That option might not be in the US
I have the SX in Flare Red. I don't have kids at home anymore but I just like having the room for our older friends to comfortably fit without crunching their bones. We recently drove it from Maryland to Pensacola, roundtrip. It was extremely comfortable. We averaged 27.4 mpg, and that included driving in the Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains. A couple of things that Nathan didn't mention was its "almost" self-driving capability. Honda is no longer selling the vacuum for the Odyssey. The Sienna is woefully underpowered for its size. The Pacifica is very expensive for what you get, AND it is a Chrysler. That is enough reason not to buy one. This vehicle excites me more than just about any I have had...and I have owned MANY vehicles. Overall, an excellent review.
I am not an owner of a Kia, even though i was very close a few times to sign on a few Telluride, but you get 10 YEAR WARRANTY. For me, that was really nice. I have Toyota, and to get 7 years warranty, i had to pay extra 2500, i think. Yes, toyota's are reliable and such, but for 10 years, i don't have to worry about engine and transmission. Plus 6 years for other stuffs. It's insane.
There ain't nothing wrong with Chrysler ya prick
@@VMAFIA hahaha
@@VMAFIA keep it clean asshat
Chrysler takes the cake with its stow-and-go seats. They’re a lifesaver for wheelchair users like myself who need to add lifts to their vehicle. I can do so with my Pacifica and still have floor/cargo space as well as all the creature comforts I desire. The Carnival was second on my list, though.
so, unlike a modern pickup, this thing will haul a full sheet of plywood, an entire family, AND fit into a garage?!?! yup- I love it already
Or a Christmas tree, or a dining room table, etc. And do so without having to get nuts with strapping things down. Drive down the highway and not worry about things flying out. It's a total cheat mode for hauling. And the rare time a person needs to haul a truly large/heavy/just don't want to mess up the interior thing you pay a big box hardware store like $30 to rent a truck for an hour. Done.
Domt forget you can have the plywood in the back when its raining and have it stay as dry as Arizona!
Or go biking with uncollapsed 2 bikes without putting on a carrier, or place in your mower without folding the handle, or carrying a weeks worth of groceries without lowering the 3rd row. Genius!
Yea I’m about ready to give up on modern pick upd
I had a pickup once. my shit got wet.
I bought a SUV people, and I regret it. I WISH I would have gotta a mini van since I have 2 kids. This MPV looks really good. Take my advice, go for what you need, not what looks the best and what it makes you look like. That middle seat is sweet!
Sharing your comment with my wife. We have two kids (11 & 9) She wants to replace our 2012:Mazda5 with a Volvo SUV. I much prefer a minivan. Hopefully she'll take your word for it.
@@MichaelNJohnson we have a newer Volvo XC90 and are both tall and have two kids in rear facing car seats and are waiting for our carnival to get in so we can finally have more space. Loved the Volvo, but desperate for more space and convenience.
Dude....its only two kids? Why would you need such a big vehicle for 2 kids?
@@isaialeuila9327 it's not so much the two kids. It's having to haul all the things that come along with them including sports equipment and teammates.
@@isaialeuila9327 it’s the fact that both my wife and I are over 6 feet and rear seats take up a ton of room in that Volvo. Also we have a 95lb dog that loves to tag along. Oh and all the stuff that kids come with doesn’t help. I truly believe if one of us was like 5’7 or something we would’ve waited to switch.
I have the carnival, and I can tell you that I am not a minivan fan but I am a carnival fan... I absolutely love this vehicle.
Me too!
What is the mpg highway and city ?
@@kimdagnillo8246 I can get 25 highway, 18 city.
@@audiS4fan2009 oh ok, my crv only gets a little more highway and it’s half the size of any minivan, ty for replying.
Wow, your review was actually a review. So many other videos just restate the same features that I could read on the Kia website. Great work! Though, I must say anyone can put a portable vacuum in the back cubby for $30 these days, so it really doesn't make sense for the manufacturer to provide one for $200 that takes up valuable storage space.
Exactly what I did
Exactly, I wish more reviewers were like him.
Yes!!! First real review I have seen.
Plus if the built in vacuum fails it is expensive to repair.
We bought the LX with the seating package, also known as the LXS. It has the 8 passenger seating with the Syntec seats, not leather but feels just as good. We decided to go this route to get the comfort of the SX for a much lower price. The touch screen is only 8.5" in the LX and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but we don't need a camera for the back rows and 8.5 is plenty big for GPS, radio, media player and back up camera. They all have the same safety features and the exact same power train, so we didn't get shortchanged in safety or performance. We absolutely love it, and yes, we get asked all the time "what is that thing?"
Your last sentence is a killer. Yes this vehicle doesn't look like a Minivan at all.
Past owner of a Honda Odyssey here. 🙂
Don't tell the wife. But that 8 speed while in sport mode does 0-100mph waaay quicker than anyone would ever expect. I have one in white. 3 teenagers and a 2yr old. Took it on a vacation to the Outer Banks from PA first week owned. Loooove it.
I really appreciate that you also focused on some odd/negative aspects of the vehicle that us future owners will most likely learn soon after buying the vehicle. Most reviewers just state the obvious and positive things. Thank you for the great review!
Bought one a couple months ago. Same trim as this. We have had several people ask what suv it is so Kia did a good job there.
Replaced a 2016 Sedona. The Sedona was very good. This is a huge improvement. Unbelievably quiet, incredibly easy to drive and extremely kid friendly.
To anyone who can’t bear the thought of a van i say this: embrace your dadness and become one with the van. It’s just better.
Can’t believe there still isn’t anywhere to put my sunglasses though
Become one with the van..... very catchy!
Gonna follow that advice as my kids, my wife and I will not longer fit comfortably in our sedan, this Kia is really on top of my list now.
We owned a 2016 Sedona. I'm a sports car enthusiasts. After driving the Sedona for well over a year, I was sold. KIA is on to something here. The car was owned by my sister and she traded it for a Cadillac XT5. I loved driving the KIA more than the Caddy. I don't have kids or anything of that nature. If I did, the Carnival would be the absolute perfect solution to any scenario you could throw at it. Great job KIA!!!!
My sunglasses are prescription, kept in the case in a cup holder , just as good as overhead 😎
325,000 miles on my 2009 Kia Sedona (still going strong), and love the space, even after the kids are all gone. Would have bought this as the replacement if it AWD.
Wow that's an impressive amount of miles, same transmission and engine the while time?
@@jacobrael9872 Yes, same engine and transmission.
I had 2005 lasted 300000miles
And now
2014 with 190000miles drives like new...
Wow! Really?? We need a new car but can't quite afford $40,000. Kia Sedona is my pick.
I kind wish 3 row SUVs would actually adopt the sliding rear door. It’d make it a lot easier to access that 3rd row.
That would be a minivan
bruh, that already exists...... its a mini van
My son is begging me to buy a mini van. I might say yes for this Carnival.
I love the NIN reference. I said the same thing as soon as I saw the new Logo a few months back!
I believe the middle seat that slides back behind the second row may be of use for mother’s of small kids still in car seats. Having the ability to sit in the back comfortably while your kids are securely fastened in their car seats is a pretty cool feature, giving you the ability to address crying, or upset kids while you travel.
That's an excellent point! I don't know how many times I've had to climb into a very uncomfortable back seat to soothe crying kids in our pick up truck. This feature would be perfect for that!
Great point! I currently have a Dodge Ram with two car seats in the back. The seat between them is tiny!
We went to look at one of these at our local dealer after watching this video since we needed something bigger for our family. Super nice car. You were spot on about the folding seats by the way - when we were packing it up to head home the seat whacked me in the head and knocked my glasses off.
I think you jinxed me!
I’m on my second Honda Odyssey and absolutely love it!! There’s no other vehicle that matches the practicality of a minivan. I don’t care about being a cool mom. I’m already cool because I don’t care about being cool!!
Wife gone have a hard time remove spear tirer when she flat tirer in bad wheather in highway or any location.
Saw one of these driving through a parking lot today. It looks even better in person, especially the taillights and running lights.
Funny i saw in person and i found it to be smaller
I literally just bought the seat package, didn't want all the flare because I have young kids. When they are older we can upgrade but for the value it's wonderful.
We removed the center seat so my oldest can walk right into the back. Installed clips to hold Nintendo Switches on the back of the seats and each seat has a USB jack for charging. We are set.
You got my thumbs up when you threw the cereal all over the car. Great video! 👍
The best looking minivan out there period.
It definitely doesn’t look as much like a mini van. I love the removable center seats.
Ya it looks like a Toyota Sienna
The middle 2nd row seat slides back to fold it into a table and in other markets the main middle seats can be flipped around to face the rear so 4 people can talk to each other and play road trip games. The US market has cheap plastic tabs to prevent this but they’re easily removed.
How does that work with the seat belts? Are they built into the seat?
I have the sx and have flipped all my seats around just to check it out and it works.
Does the manual allow that during driving?
What markets offer those flip around seats? Maybe I should buy one in another country. We used to have Chevy and Ford vans that could do that in the 1980's
Fantastic Nathan and team. I really enjoyed this video. Great insight all around
Glad to see Nathan back on the TFLCar channel for this "mpv" minivan and not just the TFLTruck channel.
Really? In my opinion Nathan is by far the worst TFL personality. I wish he would be replaced on camera.
@@spizike9866 why??
@@k3iler05 this review is a perfect example. He kept saying “Mini Van” “MPV” throughout this entire production. He acts like a 6 year old kid while reviewing.
@@spizike9866 what is an MPV?
@@NWI_Steel according to Nathan a Multi Purpose Vehicle
I will never understand the hate people have for minivans. As a kid I loved when my parents got a Ford Windstar and later Toyota Sienna and as an adult if I had kids I'd have no issue buying a minivan. They give you more space than SUVs, get better gas millage and cost less.
Me too I love them
My wife hated them didn't want one, I brought her to a Ford dealer that had a 2 year old Sienna. I told her to get our 3 kids in and out of an explorer, expedition, and the Sienna. Long story short, we went home with the Sienna...
@@brly4542 Good, that Sienna will last you a long time. My parents still have their 04 Sienna that they used to take me and my brother to college in.
It’s the same as wagons, people grew up in them and perceive them as uncool. You’d think CUVs would have this issue as well, but they have the advantage of feeling “rugged” and have the ride height people want
And pretty good to haul big stuff.
This was a tremendously helpful review. We've got 4 kids so these videos always go to the top of our queue. Outstanding insight, thank you!
We have this exact same color in sx(prestige) trim.3 months now and still lovin it. It drives and feels like your in a SUV. Good job Kia! Great review as always Nathan. I want to see you comparing this vs others
What color is this? I love it!
Wonderful review Nathan! You have great humor, insight, and clarity in your reviews.
You could easily put a thick pin stripe down the side to "camouflage" the door slider. It would trick the eye. as is the dark contrast of the slider opening sticks out.
Love our Carnival. Great for the kids and a joy to drive.
Unbelievable how far this company has come
Excellent video as always!
"Poorly paved Roads" that road was pristine compared to what we got here in Mass
This new carnival is everything that the new scienna isn't.They got right and they nailed it. I wish toyota gives this minivan a good look and learn what customers want instead of telling their customers what they should have.
Excellent review and fun to watch even if you don't like minivans.
Let's face it, anyone driving a 3 row crossover (like a chevy traverse) is really someone that needs a minivan but whose ego/self image led them to buy a vehicle with less space and less convenience to avoid the sliding doors. At least Kia is making an effort to improve styling, as there is no reason (drive train wise) for 3 row cuvs and vans to look different in the front/side style (also, park a 14 grand caravan next to a 14 traverse, they look almost identical). I too was once a van hater, until around 2004 when my car got wrecked and a buddy loaned me his family's 2nd vehicle, a 90s Pontiac Montana. This was in the middle of winter in the upper peninsula of Michigan. After 2 weeks of driving it, my mind was blown. I have since owned a 98 Plymouth voyager, a 14 grand caravan, and a 17 chrysler pacifica, and I didn't even have kids when I got those first two.
Minivans make a lot more sense as people and cargo haulers than comparable size CUVs. I've ridden in many minivans over the years and loved the comfort and space. I can only see buying a proper SUV - not CUV - if you need to tow, but that accounts for a very tiny percentage of SUV buyers. They simply don't function as well for hauling people and cargo.
@@palebeachbum one of my favorite memories with my 14 grand caravan: loaded 14 sheets of plywood in the back (hooray stow n go seats) at the home improvement store, while the guy next to me struggled to load a handful into his Tacoma, because the bed is too narrow for 4x8 material! Minivan > midsized truck!
I would never own a mini van but this thing has changed my mind. I love the look. I also love Kia And Hyundai vehicles for a while now.
Hands down! This is the best review of the Carnival. Made from a practical perspective and real situations.
We own one and have already done a huge family trip in ours. We love it and we happily replaced our Explorer.
I liked that the seat belt for the middle seat is part of the seat. My Honda has it coming out of the roof.
Probably the best review I ever watched on automobiles. Thank you so much for that real review which helps buyers and manufacturers alike. Respect from Mahesh. 🙂
Actually, they could disguise the sliding door rail. In fact, all the competitors, Sienna, Odyssey, and Pacifica, hide the sliding door rail right below the edge of the darkened back windows. It is almost like there was no rail cuz it blended in with the windows. The Carnival's back windows have the most squarish lines, they could have easily done the same to hide the rail.
Love TFL! So glad you did a video on this! The Carnival is such an interesting vehicle imho. It does so much for the price! It has an outstanding look both inside and out! I don’t have a family and would consider this vehicle for its uniqueness alone. Only let down, not covered in the video, is the max towing for a V6. Oh well. Still seriously considering this vehicle! Thank you so much! Love you guys and your thorough videos!
Towing is only 3500 lbs.
I would like to see a Carnival towing video!
I own the LX and had U-haul install a tow hitch for under $500. I towed a moving trailer from Orlando, FL to New Hampshire very easily. The Carnival was a true champion. I have owned minivans and this one is definitely my favorite and I love it. I love it so much that I bought another Kia.
Ironically, I went on to sell Kia vehicles, and from both sides of the equation, i will say, they are NOT the same that Kia's used to be. Kia is definitely worth your consideration.
You do a very nice no-nonsense review. Thanks for putting it out.
Best explanation, Multi people vehicle 💯
The humour, details, examples, minor details,
Love the review 👍
I have the 2014 Sedona, still drives great but when it goes i want this carnival. Love Kia. Bought 4 already. I no longer have small kids but maybe i will have grandkids later and for friends who come and visit so van is a must.
It's a minivan... but... it's the best _looking_ one that I think I've ever seen.
I bought a nice little car vac that plugs into the 12V and I carry it in the van all the time with my mini air compressor too.
Mini vans were the rage for young families with the room they offered. Then suddenly, the smaller SUV became popular as children grew larger in size. Now they cram their growing children into a smaller space because the SUV looks "cool". Cartop luggage carrier sales took off because they offer the room lost when downsizing to an SUV. It's amazing what the vehicle manufacturers have to deal with in relation to customers' real needs, their vanity, and their fantasies. Tough job for the designers. Now, the trend is to design a mini van that doesn't look like a mini van. KIA has achieved that goal.
Mazda needs to bring back the MPV with 4x4 capabilities.
The looks is cool something similar to the older Ford Explorer design. I'm actually considering this to be our next family car.
I've said this on multiple occasions but I think suv's (at least the larger ones) should come with rear sliding doors. I honestly think Kia has something going on here. Give it some time and this may start a SUV (*cough mpv cough) with sliding rear door vehicle segment. Imagine an awd version with a bit more ground clearance than the fwd one. I'll be interested in that
I agree although I’ve always heard the reason that SUV’s don’t have sliding doors was that they compromise the rigidity of the body, because of the way they have to be designed. Basically you’re missing that pillar in the middle that helps with rigidity when off roading.
So unless someone can figure out a way around that, I doubt you’ll see many true SUVs with sliding doors
the car you talking is called Mitsubishi Delica
Lol alot of people laughed when I said my intentions of buying a mini-van, life's easier lived accepting who you are, and if you got kids it's time for a mini van
I believe the weight sensors, or having the seat belt buckled will disable the seat adjustment buttons that the rear can reach. I could be wrong
Definitely the best review of the kia carnival minivan on youtube. You were on point addressing some down side almost no one noticed or talked about.
I think the only thing missing from this "MPV" is AWD. That's one of the reasons why people bought the Sienna.
90% of buyers don’t know anything about what they are buying, they are just buying because of what others say good things about it .
The AWD is the XSE model and it comes with a CVT which is not a good combo
@@reyperez3424 I'd like to correct you there. It's an e-CVT, it uses planetary gear sets instead of the conventional belts or chains you'd find in something like the corolla. And Toyota has been doing this since about 1997 with the Prius. Saying that this e-CVT with AWD isn't a good combination doesn't exactly make sense, as Toyota has been doing this since the first highlander hybrid in 2005. I was referring to the last generation 2011-2020 Sienna, not the 2021 though.
The Toyota Sienna is so much better built,,, the KIA isn't even in the same universe. And Toyotas CVTs are great transmissions period.
SUZUKI APV = $12,000 8 SEATER
TOYOTA RUSH = $22,000 7seater
HONDA BR V = $22,000 7seater
TOYOTA AVANZA = $17,000 7SEATER
HONDA MOBILIO = $18,000 7SEATER
SUZUKI ERTEGA = $16,000 7seater
Wow! Best car review I have ever seen in RUclips! I have no opinion the car/van but this guy really does a great job!
I thought it was a 3 row SUV when I saw the thumbnail to the video…..tricky tricky but it will probably be a good look for some Moms that have to have a people mover.
Nathan is the best, he’s not boring like the others
"I fell in love with this minivan", because it doesn't have cubbies, the seats sucker punches people, it doesn't have awd, it has inlaw annoyance buttons, the back looks like a minivan, and a bunch of other things I point out to be lacking... that's why I fell in love with it... ha ha
Look at Kia busting their ass off. I am very impressed by this vehicle and it makes you wonder, why the hell is their not more cool looking vans.
made it look less like a minivan than the new Grand Cherokee!
2:36 it's also just a superior door design for something like this. those who have little kids that aren't careful in parking lots know what I mean.
The slide back middle is perfect to not hear the "He's still touching me!" part of road trips without having a child captured in the back, and they can walk through.
I couldn't help but notice the anti-Chrysler comments here. Yet, Jeep is owned and built by Chrysler (Fiat). Jeep's rugged vehicles are by far the most common vehicles on the road today and they continue to sell at a record pace. The V6 engine in the Pacifica is also used in some Jeeps. I'm on my second Chrysler mini van (Town & Country and Pacifica) and each one has been highly reliable and flawless. The most recent Consumer Reports rates the Dodge Ram pickup truck as number one in quality. The Ford F 150 is rated much lower and yet the Ford is still the number one seller. Dodge vehicles in general were highly rated by CR. These, of course, are Chrysler products. I plan soon to purchase the KIA Carnival Prestige SX. It has the comfort (and entertainment) level I want. One drawback is the EXTREMELY LIMITED choices available for colors and wheels. Black is the only wheel available in that trim level. Crazy!
I like that the Kia Icon Press Sound was used when switching between clips in the Logo section
I think Kia did a pretty good job, but they could have hid the sliding door rails under the glass to make it look less like a minivan.
Agree. I don’t understand why some clever manufacturer hasn’t figured out how to have a rail under the car like now, another rail on the roof and just skip the rail on the side.
@@narebman I agree. I had an odyssey for 10 years when my kids were little but the only thing that irritated me was things falling in the slider rail and having to grease it up frequently.
Another thing they could do is move the handles on the sliding doors to the back end of the doors so they look more like a standard swinging door. I'm sure it could be mechanically possible to change the position of the handles.
@@kaburgess69 no need. I have so many customers who head for the rear of the door expecting the handle there. So it obviously already looks like that 😄
@@TheCoupe36 now that's too funny.
The only thing I hate about my sienna, is the lack of ground clearance. Road debris, angled parking lots and small critters justify having a little extra height.
They are low, I have one too . Also removing the 2nd row seats is like a monkey humping a football , especially on the limited .
Space wise, looks wise, interior wise, technology wise, the way it drives... Its wins big time !!
I would say its a smart and beautiful design... Those mini doors are great in tight spots!! Its a blend of mini van and Suv...
If you want something to eat up stress free miles in long road trips, some thing with tons of space and room, to notch interior and very space for the family... Then this is a winner!!
That's a badass looking van hell I'll buy that van
got an 8 seat sx prestige, love it so far. Driving experience is good. Tons of cameras, huge screen, heated seats and steering, dual moonroof, lots of room for cargo or kids, flexible seating, auto sliding doors.... Once I get a minivan, it's hard to go back to an SUV.
12:18 is the killer feature of the carnival. Imagine you two have car seats on either side of you, and you need cargo space in the back. That's great flexibility right there
My nieces call that the crazy uncle seat , cuz that’s where I sit on the way to hockey games 😂😂
I wish they would make the Dodge Grand Caravan in Toyota/Honda like quality. I really appreciate the stow and go feature of the second row chairs and more manufacturers should make them.
They're not very comfortable for adults, though--- too small...
Very informative and well done!
The lever to put the rear seats down, will give people plenty of practice on opening emergency doors on airplanes, when they freak out on your flight.
This guy is hilarious! 😂😂
"This is remarkably logical or totally bizarre."
"You can watch the kids in the back while they do something distructive."
Best review I've seen and believe me I've seen a lot! Absolutely love this review can't wait to own one!
Thank you, love the object review. I don't want AWD, just more to maintain and brake. FWD will get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
So funny how most people think a minivan looks dumb (had to buy one for my wife without asking and now she loves it), yet most people like the looks of an old school vw bus.
In my automotive dictionary Sliding Doors mean a Mini Van but I love how it tries to escape to MPV category ... Love your video man :)
So the middle seat trick where it goes very far back is also really handy if you have two younger kids and an older teenager. The teen can sit in the middle and have more leg room and all three kids are separated from hitting each other LOL.
I had no preconceived notions of why you might fall in love with the 2022 Kia Carnival, actually.
That middle seat is made to be folded and used as a table those center row can actually face backwards. Gives you a train like travel comfort with friends and mini table for beers 🍻
I have no kid’s and I would buy this no doubt!
Like others I never saw myself in a mini van..not until I bought the Carnival. It just looks different. My reason for purchasing the Carnival Lx was to be able to put mom's wheelchair in with ease! Love it- perfect for us!
I like this guy. He is so funny! I just bought a 2024 KiA Carnival. I love it so far.
Personally I consider the minivan the hands down best cargo/passenger vehicle, I also never understood people disliking the minivan look. As a single person who doesn't transport things or people very often my preference is a small SUV or hatchback car, but for every other use (other than obvious truck uses) minivan takes the cake and is the best family car.
Right ! The problem is people worry about what Others think ! Buy what You Like ! Humans are crazy !!
Why ANY manufacturer would put a cell phone slot next to a Big Gulp cup holder, or worse IN-BETWEEN two Big Gulp drink holders is beyond dumb. A $1k disaster waiting to happen. Put the cell slot apart from Mega Big Gulp drink holders....Pallllease!!
If your 1000 dollar phone is not waterproof you're buying the wrong phone.
I never did understand peoples reluctance to be seen in a minivan. If you are male, and you drive one, you're telling the world you have managed to populate successfully with a member of the opposite sex. Driving a sports car or SUV doesn't indicate anything of the sort.
@@brandensilverstar sounds like something a pickup truck owner who lives in his mother's basement would say, but he has a bigger tires it loud exhaust
I don’t know, you could be driving around your wife’s boyfriend’s kids 🤷🏻♂️
@@StraightOtohGunga it has a nice flat floor, your mom loves it
I was looking for a Van for my business and my family. I think the Carnival is the best good looking Van
13:30 I live in Korea and that is exactly why the Carnival is so popular here! Business men and celebs can get a limo style version with more plush seats. They take out the middle row and it is like a limo. Over the past 15 years living in Seoul, I have seen proper limos. Only used by visiting diplomats though. Koreans tend to use a Carnival or StarX, limo interior in a van. Parking isn’t easy and turning radius is really important so extended axles just aren’t practical and worse, inconvenient.
The one odd thing that car reviewers in Korea were perplexed about was a change in the middle row for the Korean version of the Carnival. In the rest of the world, you can turn the seats backwards and have a more intimate setting, separate from the driver. Korea’s version doesn’t allow that. You can remove them, slide them back, but not flip them around. And the reviewers were not happy about the loss of that functionality!
I am so glad I bought this van. Life is better now
No vacuum.
No stow away seats
Visible sliding door rail
No moon roof
No all wheel drive
Get Pacifica. Wins all hands and much better storage. Engine is great. Love the “Mini Van”. Drove 5500 miles road trip on road trip to west and no fatigue.
When you get tired of poor gas mileage, high center of gravity handling, less-than-spacious seating, less-than-spacious-cargo capacity and a less-thn-roomy-cabin:
MINIVAN!!!
I love the Chrysler Pacifica.
My Jeep SRT only gets 12 MPG.
Unfortunately outside of big cities in North America most drivers are hooked to huge SUVs and trucks even with their horrible MPG numbers, very high position to lift cargo inside, need for climbing for passengers and the need for a ladder for loading some luggage on the roof rack. The new cameras made parking of those vehicle easier though still it is hard to park them.
Yup. Love my 2021 Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid. I’ve gone months without gassing up.
Fully agree with you, not having a AWD option strikes out with me too. Love the style of the Carnival, I think it's the best looking minivan on the market.
But, I can't pull the trigger on it without the AWD option. Guess I will buying a Chrysler Pacifica. Great review and thanks for making your video!
Go with the Sienna. In my experience and many others, Chrysler products have terrible reliability and longevity. Their mini vans do tend to have the best creature comforts, technology, and design utility, but generally speaking the Toyota engine will last about twice as long for the same price.
Having owned four Honda Odysseys....yes I can say minivans are cool....we just moved a couch and some other furniture in it....plus transporting an elderly relative with mobility issues...no other vehicle can match it for utility.
The SX-Prestige is great! I’ve owned mine for a month and it’s exceeded my expectations. Best of all, my wife and kids love it too.
SUVs are not cool. They're driven mostly by soccer moms and people commuting to office jobs. Anyone who thinks their SUV is cool is deluding themselves. Minivans are cooler than SUVs because it shows that you're more of an individual than the SUV lemmings.
Really interested in this vehicle until, yes Nathan, NO AWD. :(