Carnival

Make
Kia
Segment
Van

Never let a crisis go to waste, the saying goes. The global pandemic has forced countless changes to everyday life and consumer habits in general. Automakers firmly understand that customers now have different expectations, like online shopping instead of the traditional dealership model. Kia has embraced this change with its new "Kia@Home" experience. The name explains the program perfectly.

Test drives can be scheduled to take place at home and brand representatives will be on hand to answer any questions. The program is kicking off with just two new models for now, the Kia Carnival MPV and the Niro EV.

Interested buyers simply have to go online at Kia's official website and schedule an hour-long test drive and walkaround. They must also select which of the two vehicles they want to check out. If the person is interested in buying or leasing one of the two vehicles afterward, they'll be put in touch with their local dealer for the next steps.

For now, Kia@Home is available in only a handful of cities: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City Metro, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The Carnival MPV will also be available for preview in Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa.

"Personalized, convenient and on-demand, Kia@Home brings an interactive and unique Kia experience to shoppers when and where they want," said Russell Wager, vice president of marketing for Kia America. "The all-new Carnival MPV and all-electric Niro EV are two of Kia's most high-tech offerings, and now consumers can get behind-the-wheel for up-close-and-personal test drives in their own individual, real-world settings."

Kia didn't mention whether additional models will be added to this personalized test drive method, but we can't see why not, assuming the program proves to be a success. Anyone interested in booking an appointment can do so through October 3.