January 15th 2021
We believe the K5 (née Optima) isn’t the only nameplate in Kia’s arsenal that will see a name change this year. The second model would be the Kia Sedona minivan, which will adopt its international name, Carnival. The updated minivan will have it for 2022 MY.
The news comes from a Sedona forum that published an NHTSA VIN decoder document. The Sedona name is being used for the minivan since its introduction in the U.S. in 2002.
Besides the news about Sedona’s name change, the document reveals lots of information about the minivan’s specs, which aren’t official though. The 2022 Kia Carnival will obviously come in three grades: LX, EX, and SX. The van will feature a 3.5-liter V-6 mill good for 290 horsepower. The power will go to all the wheels.
Regarding the minivan, Kia introduced the fourth-generation this year boasting state-of-the-art styling as well as SUV-Esque design cues.
Kia has yet to confirm all these specifications leaked in the document. Whether the automaker will go for the Carnival or Sedona nameplate, we will get to know in the coming months. The minivan will go on sale before the end of this year.
Source and Images: CarAndDriver