Built on a 190 mm (7.5 inch) longer wheelbase and 155 mm (6.1 inches) longer overall than the Sorento, the new Carnival is the biggest Kia.

With Sorento-like frontal styling and a school-of-Telluride side profile, the Carnival is very much a Kia and also very good looking. The proportions of the Carnival suggest crossover instead of minivan, which may tempt people who really want a versatile and roomy minivan but don’t buy one as minivans are unfashionable.

The cabin design is chic and comprised of attractive components. The base trim is equipped with traditional gauges but other trims feature a wide, shallow computer tablet. The tablet rests upon a slimline, horizontally-focused dashboard. Like other Hyundai-Kia products, controls inside the Carnival are logical and easy to use. Either seven or eight occupants can be welcomed, depending on whether the second row is equipped with captain seats or a bench seat. The captain chairs have extendable foot rests.

Unlike Toyota, who abandoned their silky V6 for the current Sienna, Kia has retained its sonorous, naturally aspirated V6 for the Carnival. The 3.5L-V6 produces 290 horsepower, power from with reaches the front wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6L turbo hybrid delivers enough power and good official fuel economy but real-world fuel economy has been unimpressive in other Hyundai-Kia engines it is used in.

The Carnival suffers from a surplus of models but does offer a cheaper entry point than the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna which have abandoned mainstream buyers.

The V6-powered LX, with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keep assist system, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, active cruise control, navigation, the iOS-Android cellphone interface and deep tint glass, is comprehensively equipped. The LX+ adds a power driver’s seat, power sliding doors and a heated steering wheel. The EX adds wireless cellphone charging and junction turning intervention. The SX upgrades brings leather seating, a dual-panel sunroof, a Bose-branded audio system, a head up display, a 360 degree camera system and reverse auto braking. The SX+ range topper enjoys luxuries such as ventilated centre row captain chairs with footrests. The hybrid, offered in LX+, EX and SX+ trims, is priced $2550 higher than an equivalent V6 Carnival.

Average reliability predicted during the warranty period but engines that lack durability long-term make leasing a good option.