Is this the world’s first sport utility van?
The all-new Kia Carnival certainly looks the part
YOU HAVE to see it to believe it. If no one tells you, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the vehicle you’re beholding is a sport utility vehicle.
Kia calls it a GUV — Grand Utility Vehicle.
I can’t fault the brand for creating a completely new category. The all-new, fourth-generation Carnival is one genre-bending, game-changing machine.
Gone is the stereotypical slant nose and slab sides of a minivan. What you’ll see is a classic SUV silhouette: blunt nose, long hood, and wide stance. Even the wheels and tires look bold and off-road-ready.
A particularly inspired touch is the distinctively shaped C-pillar that’s finished in a contrasting silver (regardless of the body color). It serves as an artsy, very upscale-looking accent to the side profile. It also helps that that exact C-pillar treatment is used by the new Cadillac Escalade to great effect.
The only giveaways to the new Carnival’s minivan roots are the sliding doors (which is nonetheless very artfully disguised) and the low ground clearance (and the small tire-fender gap it creates). Lift the Carnival by two to three inches, slap on some bad-ass SUV rims and tires, and it’ll rock that Escalade stance.
As if this visual transformation isn’t impressive enough, Kia managed to accomplish this without making drastic changes to the vehicle’s proportions. In fact, its dimensions are just slightly bigger than its predecessor’s — an inch or less in width, height, and wheelbase and two inches in length.
Yes, the 2022 Carnival has morphed from a mom-mobile into a luxury seven-seater vehicle for executives and their families.
“As the guiding principle in designing the Kia Carnival as a top-of-the-line vehicle for executives and family leisure, the all-new Carnival offers ample headroom, spacious and welcoming seats — all constructed with elegant materials to indulge you. Most importantly, it accommodates every individual occupant comfortably,” said Kia Asia Pacific Product Planning Coordinating Director Simon Kang.
Compelling yet understated, the new Carnival perfectly suits the refined taste of the modern executive. The SX variant’s dual LED headlamps add an extra edge to its looks. Large 19-inch alloy wheels for the SX variant (18 inches on the EX) make it even more imposing. This awe-inspiring vehicle is available in three colors: Snow White Pearl for those who prefer timeless classics, Aurora Black Pearl for the bold, and Astra Blue for that cutting-edge style.
State-of-the-art technology allows the new Carnival to provide an optimum driving and riding experience for the modern executive. The new SmartStream 2.2-liter VGT CRDi turbo-diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic provides sufficient power, superior handling, and efficient fuel savings. An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allows hands-free accessibility with Voice Control. Strategically placed USB ports and a wireless mobile phone charger (for the SX) are provided in the latest model along with Drive Mode Select and electronic parking brake for a smoother drive.
Premium amenities that provide a luxurious riding experience are present in all of the vehicle’s aspects. The new Carnival gives easy access with Smart Entry and Remote Start that welcome passengers to its spacious interiors. Driver and front passenger powered seats (the EX only gets a powered driver seat) come with a memory function for the driver seat to customize presets for seating adjustments. Also included in the SX are second-row leather business-class-type relaxation seats that offer cooling and heating functions. Sunshade blinds and a three-zone automatic climate control function are standard across the line.
Upscale features raise safety to the next level. This GUV features top-notch technology that provides executives and their families maximum security on the road by integrating technologies introduced by Kia’s Drive Wise, a new sub-brand that’s dedicated to innovating intelligent safety features with the use of autonomous driving and assistive capabilities for a hassle-free, delightful driving experience.
The SX variant boasts the full suite of Drive Wise features. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist adds an extra layer of protection against frontal impacts; Rear Cross Traffic Alert makes backing up safe and secure; and Lane Keep and Following Assist keeps the Carnival in lane by automatically adjusting steering with the help of lane marker sensors.
The Carnival SX also features a collision-avoidance system where standard safety features are reinforced with LED head-, tail-, and foglights, LED daytime running lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, blind spot warning, cruise control, and seven air bags.
“The all-new Carnival delivers first-class treatment worthy of a VIP,” said Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada. “Each key feature of the latest model supports his daily drive towards his avenues of inspiration. Moments of style that express his exclusive taste, moments of innovation that empower his drive to seek more, moments of comfort and convenience that fulfill his luxurious standard of living, and moments of safety to represent his reliable nature.”
Just like the rest of the Kia range, the all-new Carnival offers a five-year/160,000-km warranty as well as 24/7 roadside assistance.
The Carnival SX variant is now available, while the EX variant will be available in March. Retail prices are P2,540,000 for the EX in Astra Blue and P2,550,000 for the EX in pearl colors, and P2,988,000 for the SX in Astra Blue and P2,998,000 for the SX pearl colors.
