The 2022 Kia Carnival has not even officially been revealed for the US market and already vital details are coming out. The EPA has just posted fuel economy figures for the revamped minivan previously known as the Sedona and we have to say they're quite impressive. The new Carnival has earned a 19/26/22 mpg rating from the government agency, a 1 mpg improvement in the city, and 2 mpg for the highway.

What's more, the Carnival has a bigger and more powerful engine than the Sedona. Gone is the 3.3-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and it is a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 294 hp and 261 lb-ft. Additional power and greater efficiency are excellent selling points.

Minivan shoppers should note the Carnival's ratings are nearly the same (down by just 2 mpg on the highway) as those of its main rivals, specifically the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica. However, the Carnival has more power than both. The new Toyota Sienna, meanwhile, is hybrid only and achieves a best-in-class 36 mpg in all three categories. Its biggest downside? It's the least powerful of this bunch. The new Carnival is expected to hit showrooms across the US this summer and pricing shouldn't be dramatically different than that of the Sedona.

We've known for several weeks now the Sedona nameplate is being retired in favor of Carnival, which the Sedona has been sold as overseas for years.

Kia decided some model name simplification was necessary. The question now is when will the new Carnival be officially unveiled for the US? Chances are that will be taking place next week, February 23. Kia just announced intentions to debut a new MPV that day and it's a strong likelihood the vehicle will be the 2022 Carnival.

As far as we know, Kia has no other MPV/minivan planned for this market. Recent spy photos also revealed the Carnival will be among the first Kia models to wear the brand's redesigned logo. We'll of course have full reveal details next Tuesday.