Photos: All-new 2022 Kia Carnival MPV

Kia has announced the global markets launch of its all-new 2022 Carnival Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with its introduction to the US market.

Styled at Kia’s California design studio, the Carnival gets a bolder, more SUV-like appearance and shares the visual language found on the brand’s recent line of utility vehicles, the Telluride, Sorento, and Seltos.

Inside, the centre fascia gets high-gloss black surfaces, with chrome garnish running the length of the dash enhancing the sense of space and openness in the forward cabin.

Roomier and featuring more utility features, the three-row seven- or eight-passenger MPV has a decidedly more premium cabin too with multi-seating configurations, including flexible second-row seating and VIP Lounge Seating options.

Available heated and ventilated second-row VIP Lounge Seating with power controls, wing-out headrests and leg extensions in seven-passenger configuration.

“The Kia Carnival is here to disrupt a staid segment and proves once again what is possible when conventions are shattered,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. “With its SUV-like character, our new multi-purpose vehicle delivers a combination of premium design, intelligent packaging, and an abundance of innovation in safety and technology. For these reasons, the Carnival is the first vehicle to proudly wear our all-new Kia badge and is a bold signal of things to come.”

The 2022 Carnival is underpinned by the same third-generation “N3” platform as the capable Sorento and sporty K5.

The Carnival is the first vehicle to be sold in the global markets with Kia’s new, redesigned logo.

Kia says the MPV is more capable than before thanks to the more powerful 3.5-litre V6, delivering best-in-class 290 horsepower and 3,500 pounds (1,587kg) of towing capability.

The 2022 Carnival will be offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. This all-new MPV is expected to go on sale in various markets starting from the second quarter of this year onwards.