Kia Carnival. A real family car
In 2020, the fourth generation minivan was released.
Kia Carnival is an M-Class minivan produced by the South Korean automobile maker, Kia Motors, since 1998. It is sold under the Kia Sedona name in the UK and North America. Since 2014, the third generation of this family front-wheel drive vehicle has been produced.
The first generation
The first generation Kia Carnival was released in 1998. It was a 5-door 7-seater station wagon, which was equipped with an anti-lock system and two airbags. After the restyling in 2002, the Kia Carnival boasted modified body sidewalls, new front and rear optics. The middle row seats could turn backwards. The upgraded minivan was named Carnival II. In order to meet the Euro-3 environmental standards, the power of the petrol engine was slightly reduced, and the turbodiesel got four valves per cylinder. The first generation was sold until 2006.
The second generation
The second generation Carnival minivan, produced from 2005 to 2014, was identical to the Hyundai Entourage sold in the USA. After all, let’s not forget that KIA is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, therefore, their almost identical cars have different names in different markets. The second generation Kia Carnival provided improved safety, was equipped with the ESP system and side+head airbags. The minivan could already boast bigger wheels of 16 or 17 inches. As for its “brother”, in 2009, the Hyundai Entourage was awarded the title of “Best family car” by Edmunds.com, took 3rd place among inexpensive cars in the Insure.com rating and was recognized as “The safest minivan” by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The third generation
The third generation Kia Carnival was presented at the 2014 New York Auto Show. Let’s not forget that there it is called Sedona. The third generation Kia Carnival has an upgraded body and a more attractive exterior, especially when compared with previous models. The minivan is equipped with large head LED optics, a signature grille, a gracefully curved window sill line, spoilers and taillights with LED elements.
Boasting an increased wheelbase, a completely new exterior, a different power system, a couple of interior variations and other interesting elements, the new Kia Carnival rightfully stands high in its segment of the automobile market. The upgraded Kia Carnival minivan is currently present on the Israeli market.
