We've known for a long time that Kia is developing an all-new version of the Sedona minivan to replace the current model, which is now five years old. And here it is: the next-generation Kia Sedona has been officially unveiled. What you're looking at is, in fact, South Korea's new Kia Carnival, which is sold as the Sedona in the US, but the design should carry over to the 2022 Kia Sedona when it goes on sale in America, where it will compete with the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Since Kia has already announced minor changes for the 2021 Sedona in America, the all-new version won't arrive until the 2022 model year.

Based on Kia's new mid-size platform, Kia dubs the Carnival as a "Grand Utility Vehicle" that is more refined, spacious, and capable than its predecessor.

As we saw in preview images, the 2022 Kia Sedona is a very handsome-looking minivan, sporting a new stylish, SUV-inspired design. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Sedona features a shorter front overhang, a longer hood, and an increased wheelbase.

A single character line runs the length of the car, while the prominent wheel arches and sharp lines modernize the Sedona's design. At the front, Kia's familiar tiger-nose grille spans the entire width of the minivan, incorporating LED daytime running lights and sleek-looking headlights. Sculpted bumpers and a lower air intake at the front are complemented with metallic trim and a black lower bumper matching Kia's SUVs.

At the back, the fourth-generation Kia Sedona features a full-width light bar and an SUV-inspired metallic lower skid plate. This is easily one of the best-looking minivans on the market.

There's a choice of eight exterior colors and aluminum alloy wheels available in 17, 18 or 19-inch sizes. Thanks to its new platform and larger body, the fourth-generation Carnival is one of the most spacious minivans on the market, offering three- or four-row seating configurations with space for seven, eight, or 11 occupants depending on the market.

Compared to the old model, the new Sedona has a 1.1-inch longer wheelbase and is 0.3-inches wider, 1.5 inches longer, and has a 1.18-inch longer rear overhang to create more cabin space for third-row passengers and offer a best-in-class cargo capacity according to Kia.

In a seven-seat configuration, the new Sedona features reclining 'Premium Relaxation Seats' for second-row occupants, with adjustable back-, arm- and leg-rests. With only the first row of seats in use, the new Sedona will offer 102.5 cubic-feet of cargo space. Ride comfort is also improved thanks to a new fully independent suspension system and a range of "noise, vibration and harshness measures." In terms of tech, the 2022 Kia Sedona is equipped with a dual-display combining a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment and navigation system located under a single seamless piece of glass.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included depending on the market, while Kia Live services provides live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and highlights of potential on- and off-street parking. Thanks to Kia's new 'Rear Passenger View & Talk' feature, front passengers can check on rear-seat occupants using a small camera linked to the infotainment system. The front passenger's voices are also amplified through the rear-seat speakers. To improve the practicality, Kia has also added a one-button smart open-and-close for the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate.

Under the hood, the 2022 Kia Sedona is offered with a choice of three enignes: a 3.5-liter gasoline direct injection V6 producing 289 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter MPi gasoline V6 with 268 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.2-liter Smartstream diesel rated at 199 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. Engine options for the US-spec Kia Sedona haven't been announced yet.

Regardless of the engine, the 2022 Kia Sedona is offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A new column-mounted motor-driven power steering set-up replaces the outgoing model's hydraulic power steering system, resulting in more responsive handling and a 5.6 percent quicker steering ratio.

Available safety tech includes a forward collision-avoidance assist with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot view monitor, high beam assist, smart cruise control, lane following assist, highway driving assist, and a surround-view monitor. The new Sedona also features level 2 autonomous driving technology and a new safe exit assist that prevents the power-sliding rear doors from opening.

The new Kia Carnival is on sale now, while global market sales start later this year.