2022 Kia Carnival Interior and Cargo

Behind its third row, the Kia Carnival provides trunk space to the value of 40.2 cubic feet. This space is not long but it's especially deep, so if you don't mind stacking things on top of each other, it can accommodate a fair amount of luggage. By comparison, the Toyota Sienna has 33.5 cubes of space behind its third row and the Chrysler Pacifica has 32.3 cubes. With the 60/40 third-row seats folded, cargo space grows to a generous 86.9 cubes, which is ample space for a few large suitcases. This remains bigger than the Sienna (75.2 cubes) but the Pacifica is a bit better (87.5 cubes) with its second row folded. With both the second and third row folded, the Carnival offers a total volume of 145.1 cubes. With its rear VIP lounge seats, the Carnival SX Prestige's second row can't be folded so maximum cargo space here remains at 86.9 cubes.

There are numerous storage options in the cabin for smaller items. A floor console with a center armrest and cupholders (for those in the second row) is standard, as is a multi-function second-row center Free Mode Seat on some trims - when not in use, it can be converted into a table with cupholders. Besides the door pockets, there is another storage space to the left of the front passenger. Those in front have easily accessible cupholders, and third-row occupants have cupholders as well. Map pockets are another useful touch for storing tablets, books, and similar items.

The base Kia Carnival LX comes with features like a front/rear air conditioning, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD trip monitor, a six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat, power-sliding rear doors, automatic cruise control, push-button ignition, a rearview camera with parking guidance, rear parking sensors, lane following assist, and blind-spot monitoring. That's a decent spread of features for the entry-level trim, but the EX adds some useful amenities that most will want. These include heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, sunshade blinds for the second and third rows, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, and a power tailgate with hands-free opening and an auto-closing function.

The next step up is the SX. This trim boasts power-folding wing mirrors, a 115V inverter, increased power lumbar support for the driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and ventilated front seats. Offering a more opulent experience is the SX Prestige. This model enjoys a power sunroof, LED technology for the interior lamps, second-row VIP lounge seats with a powered relaxation mode, heating and ventilation for the second row, a heated steering wheel, and a blind-spot view monitor.

The new infotainment system looks great with an eight-inch screen as standard featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models also get a four-inch digital cluster while higher trims feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that sweeps toward the driver and connects to the information display.

As for usage, the graphics were clean and the system reacted quickly to our taps, switching from CarPlay to media, and then back to the navigation screen on our SX Prestige trim tester. There are a couple of main screens of icons to swipe through, it'll all feel very familiar to anyone using a modern phone. It also came with a booming Bose premium sound system, with 12 speakers and volume compensation based on speed. Base models get six speakers, while mid-spec derivatives get eight.

Our SX Prestige trim also included the rear-seat entertainment package. The two screens can get things like Netflix and YouTube when connected to Wi-Fi. Some games came preloaded too, which the kids loved, but they can't really reach the screen when strapped into their child seats. Still, a good road trip time killer.