Hey guys! If you're in the market for a spacious, feature-packed, and stylish multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), then buckle up because we're diving deep into the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum. This isn't your grandma's minivan; it's a modern marvel that seamlessly blends practicality, comfort, and a touch of luxury. We'll explore everything from its performance and fuel economy to its interior design, tech features, and overall value. So, whether you're juggling kids, cargo, or both, let's see if the Carnival Platinum is the right fit for your family's adventures. This review will guide you through all the important aspects, helping you make an informed decision. We'll be focusing on the Platinum trim, which sits at the top of the Carnival range, offering the most premium experience.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's kick things off with what's under the hood and how the Carnival Platinum drives. The 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum is powered by a smooth and efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a healthy 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless gear changes and contributes to a refined driving experience. Guys, trust me, this engine has plenty of punch for everyday driving, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. Acceleration is brisk for a vehicle of its size, and it never feels underpowered, even when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. The transmission is well-tuned, always finding the right gear to provide optimal power and fuel efficiency. You'll find the power delivery to be very smooth. It doesn't struggle.

Beyond the engine, the Carnival Platinum offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is well-damped, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. This means that you and your passengers can enjoy a smooth and relaxing journey, even on long trips. The steering is light and precise, making the Carnival surprisingly easy to maneuver, especially in tight parking situations. Kia has also done a great job of minimizing road and wind noise, creating a quiet and serene cabin environment. The Carnival Platinum is designed for comfort. The driver assistance systems enhance the overall driving experience. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring add an extra layer of safety and convenience, making those long road trips a breeze. The ride is stable and predictable, giving you confidence behind the wheel. The Kia Carnival Platinum will change your mind about MPVs if you still have negative stereotypes. The driving experience is very smooth and not cumbersome.

Fuel Economy

Okay, let's talk about the fuel economy. The 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum isn't going to break any records here, but it's respectable for a vehicle of its size and engine capacity. You can expect to get around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Combined, the EPA estimates around 22 mpg. These numbers are very competitive within its class. With its impressive engine and transmission, fuel economy is pretty good. Remember that actual fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions. However, the Carnival Platinum will provide reasonable running costs. The Carnival's fuel efficiency is a trade-off for its performance. You can travel long distances without having to refuel. The V6 engine provides plenty of power while maintaining decent fuel economy.

Interior Design and Comfort

Now, let's step inside the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum and see what makes it such a hit with families. The interior is where the Carnival truly shines, offering a spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed cabin. The Platinum trim boasts premium features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual-screen infotainment system. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with high-quality materials used throughout. The layout is intuitive and user-friendly, with all the controls easily accessible.

The front seats are very comfortable and offer plenty of support for long drives. The second-row seats are equally impressive, providing ample legroom and headroom for even the tallest passengers. The Platinum trim also offers a power-adjustable second-row seat that can be moved forward and backward to maximize legroom. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, making the Carnival a true eight-seater (or seven, depending on the configuration). Accessing the third row is made easy by the second-row seats' sliding and tilting function. Cargo space is another standout feature of the Carnival. With all seats in place, there's still a generous amount of space for groceries or luggage. Fold down the third-row seats, and you'll have a massive cargo area. The second-row seats can also be removed or stowed away to create even more space. The interior is designed to be versatile and adaptable to your needs. Kia has clearly prioritized comfort, with plush seating, soft-touch materials, and a quiet cabin. The Carnival Platinum offers a first-class experience for everyone. The interior is really spacious and can accommodate your needs. The overall interior design is modern and well-thought-out.

Infotainment and Technology

Tech is a big deal, and the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum doesn't disappoint. The centerpiece of the interior is the dual-screen infotainment system, which consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for infotainment and another 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and quick response times. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The system also includes navigation, a premium sound system, and a host of other features.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Carnival Platinum is packed with other tech features. These include a wireless phone charger, multiple USB ports, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The rear-seat entertainment system includes two 10.1-inch touchscreens, allowing your passengers to watch movies or play games. The Carnival Platinum also comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. These features enhance safety and make driving easier and more convenient. The ADAS is very helpful. The technology features make the Carnival a modern and user-friendly vehicle. The infotainment system is very responsive. This helps make the Carnival a great option for tech-savvy families.

Safety Features

Safety is, of course, a top priority for families, and the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum excels in this area. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and help prevent accidents in the first place. As mentioned earlier, the Carnival Platinum comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These systems use a combination of radar, cameras, and sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide alerts or interventions when necessary.

Key safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a frontal collision. Lane-keeping assist (LKA) helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while blind-spot monitoring (BSM) alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA) helps to prevent collisions when reversing. The Carnival Platinum also features a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The vehicle's structure is designed to absorb impact energy, further protecting occupants in a crash. The Carnival has received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, further reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. Kia understands the importance of safety. The safety features make the Carnival a very secure vehicle for your family.

Trim Levels and Value

The 2022 Kia Carnival is available in several trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and Platinum. The Platinum trim, as we've discussed, is the top-of-the-line model, offering the most premium features and the most luxurious experience. The other trims offer a good balance of features and value, making the Carnival accessible to a wider range of buyers. The LX is the base model, offering a solid set of features at an affordable price. The EX adds more features, such as a power liftgate and heated front seats. The SX builds on the EX, adding features like a panoramic sunroof and a premium sound system. The Platinum trim includes everything from the lower trims plus many premium features, such as leather upholstery, a dual-screen infotainment system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

When it comes to value, the Kia Carnival Platinum offers a compelling package. It provides a generous amount of features for its price point, making it competitive with other MPVs in its class. The Carnival's spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced technology make it an attractive option for families. Kia's reputation for reliability and its generous warranty also add to the Carnival's appeal. Overall, the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum offers excellent value. Kia also provides a comprehensive warranty that gives you peace of mind. The Carnival Platinum trim is worth the cost if you want luxury features. The Carnival is an excellent MPV for your family.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum Right for You?

So, after a thorough review, is the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum the right MPV for you and your family? If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and feature-packed vehicle that's perfect for hauling kids, cargo, and everything in between, then the answer is a resounding yes! The Carnival Platinum offers a premium experience, with a well-appointed interior, advanced technology, and a smooth driving experience. Its powerful engine, generous cargo space, and comprehensive safety features make it a practical and versatile choice. While the fuel economy could be better, it's a small price to pay for the Carnival's many other strengths.

Ultimately, the 2022 Kia Carnival Platinum is a top contender in the MPV segment. It delivers on its promise of providing a family-friendly vehicle that's both stylish and functional. If you're considering a minivan or MPV, the Carnival Platinum should be at the top of your list. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress and provide years of comfortable and enjoyable driving. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its many qualities firsthand. The Kia Carnival Platinum will change your mind about MPVs. Enjoy the ride! This is a great family vehicle.