5 Reasons Minivans Like the Kia Carnival Rule for Passengers
Minivans. The most disrespected vehicle segment, yet the best for anyone not behind the wheel. Nothing on the road is better for carrying a multitude of passengers over long distances. Although customers no longer favor these workhorses, a few do remain on the market, even if they might not actually be called minivans anymore.
One of those vehicles is the Kia Carnival. Called an MPV by Kia USA and a LUV by Kia Canada, the Carnival features the usual three row configuration and dual sliding doors.
We’re minivan multi-passenger vehicle aficionados. Always have been since we were raised in these practical people carriers. Below we extoll five reasons why more folks should be giving these sliding-door wonders a chance.
Those Sliding Doors
Having sliding doors makes getting in and out of the vehicle much easier for rear passengers. By not having a swing out door, no one is forced to squeeze between the vehicle and the door in tight parking spots. Instead, there is a nice large, unobstructed opening. More vehicle should have sliding doors: SUVs, Trucks, Sports Cars.
Ground Clearance
By not pretending to be a SUV, minivans can sit lower to the ground. This allows the floor to also be lower, which makes it easier for people of all ages to get in and out of. Plenty a SUVs and pickup trucks are a struggle for children and smaller adults to climb up into. That’s not usually the case with minivans.
Second-Row Seats
The second-row seats in minivans have come a long way. Gone are the days of the static, flat bench. Now, vehicles can have power seats in the second row that are heated, cooled, and tilt back like a recliner. There’s even a powered pop-up footrest. That’s riding in complete comfort.
Third-Row Seating
In many SUVs, the third-row of seats aren’t well suited for anyone larger than an adolescent. With minivans that’s not quite the case. They offer amble headroom and legroom for most adults to fit. Granted, none will want to stay back there for a long drive, but for shorter commutes it works. Unlike some SUVs, minivans feature three wide seating the rearmost row as well.
Ride Comfort
This is a bit of a generalization, but without the need to have all-road capability, the majority of minivans ride smoother than their SUV counterparts. The term car-like feel is overused in the automotive world, but here it applies. Most minivans feel more like oversized sedans than utility vehicles.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation
I would rather have Pacifica.