Kia introduced the third generation of its MPV Carnival/Sedona at the 2014 New York Auto Show, and it was a significant departure from its previous design.
The Korean carmaker introduced the Carnival MPV in 1998, and, apart from the Australian market, it wasn’t a big hit. But Kia learned what to offer, and its sales started to pick-up after it improved the model. It improved the vehicle in all the areas: exterior, interior, and drivetrain. When it reached the third generation, it was no longer an insignificant player in the minivan segment.

After Peter Schreyer took-over the design department of the Korean carmaker, things went better and better. The car featured a crossover-utility-vehicle (CUV) stance. It was inspired by the European design trends and built on the Sorento platform. Its angular-looking headlights with LED parking and foglights offered a bold look for the car. The 3D grille design with the “tiger-nose” theme was already a brand image, and it matched well on the Carnival/Sedona’s look. From its sides, the designer concealed its length by a raised beltline over the rear wheels. A pair of power-sliding doors allowed easy access to the middle and rear seats.

Inside, the carmaker made room for up to seven passengers, or six, when the middle row featured a pair of captain seats. The last row provided the convenience of a split-folding 60/40 in-floor retractable design, while the middle seats could have been moved forward to increase the cargo area.

Kia offered a wide choice of engines for the Carnival/Sedona, depending on the market. While a 3.3-liter V6 spoiled the North-American customers, the Australians received a 2.2-liter diesel.