Ever hear of a "multi-purpose vehicle?"
That tag is what Kia is calling their redesigned minivan. Originally called the Sia Sedona minivan, it will now be named the Kia Carnival. Boasting plenty of upgrades, the new 2022 Kia Carnival will have a 3.5-liter form and 6-cylinder engine capable of 290 horsepower.
The change signals further trouble for vehicles called minivans, which have been losing sales to SUVs in recent years.
But Kia is on a roll with family buyers, having scored big with its recent rollout of the Telluride three-row SUV. So maybe they're on to something. It will also seat up to seven or eight passengers. The design also includes certain safety mechanisms, such as a system alert if a pet or animal has been left in the car or if it is not wise to exit the vehicle.
The Kia Carnival already sounds perfect for families.
"The Kia Carnival is here to disrupt a staid segment and proves once again what is possible when conventions are shattered," said Sean Yoon, the Kia Motors North American CEO.
Some, however, don't agree with how the Sedona will be undergoing a new identity.
Consultant Rebecca Lindland of RebeccaDrives.com is one of those people. She stated, "While a minivan is often derided, its functionality is one of the best for any young family .... Ignoring that very utility by not calling it a minivan could mean people will ignore the Kia Carnival, especially with the name change."
The redesign was needed after the previous Sedona minivan seemed to be tumbling down in sales by at least 17% when compared to the previous year. In 2020, their sales equaled 13,190, while they equaled 44,264 in 2016—a large decrease of 70%. In general, minivans appear to be declining, as the Dodge Grand Caravan and Nissan Quest have also been dwindling in stature and demand.
Unfortunately, the Sedona brand has fallen by about 5%. Kia is hoping the Carnival, with its front-wheel drive, will reinvigorate new sales. Set to debut in 2021's second quarter, it will boast a new design shift on the hood's front end and a bigger format.
Will you be checking out the new Kia Carnival? Let us know in the comments.
