Kia calls the new Sedona minivan a "grand utility vehicle," for whatever that's worth. Kia says the design is "SUV-inspired" because minivans are vehicle non grata these days, and that influence can be seen in a rear three-quarters view that shows a whiff of—of all things—Ford Expedition to the surface interactions, as well as the longer, flatter hood. The latter a visual trick applied variously by minivan makers over the years to give their vans more of a rugged, off-roady vibe, including by General Motors with its 2005-2009 U-platform "Crossover Sport Vans" and, famously (or infamously) by Mazda with the original MPV minivan.

On the '22 Sedona, the headlamps are connected to Kia's "tiger-nose" grille (here stuffed with diamond-pattern mesh) via complex daytime running lights that also strongly define each element. The van's otherwise slabby sides feature a crisp beltline crease that runs from headlamps to taillamps as well as a chrome garnish along the rocker panel. This is in direct contrast to Toyota and its new 2021 Sienna, which is more bulging and organic. Similar to the 2021 Sorento SUV, a chrome sail panel with diamond-pattern detailing is fitted to the C-pillar to add some additional sizzle. Overall, the design seems to build on the sophisticated simplicity of the smash-hit Telluride SUV.

The Carnival/Telluride sit atop the company's new midsize vehicle platform—presumably the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform that also underpins the all-new Kia K5 midsize sedan. This has led to some proportional changes. The front overhang is shorter, and the A-pillar is further back which creates a longer hood. It's grown in other ways. The wheelbase is an inch longer, and overall length grows by 1.6 inches. A longer rear overhang provides more room behind the third seat for cargo—up to 22 cu. ft., with the lift-over height reduced by an inch as well for easier loading. With only the front seats in place, the Carnival/Sedona will offer a gargantuan 102.6 cu. ft.

In an interesting twist on lighting, the high-beam headlamps are located at the upper corner of the grille, while the turn signals sit below the daytime running lights and the low beams remain in the traditional outboard location. Much of the front light detailing is echoed in the taillamps, which are housed in one full-width element. Visual tricks to make the van seem taller, a faux rear skid plate, and a blacked-out lower front fascia play up the "I'm really an SUV!" theme.

The Sedona's cabin, meanwhile, evolves upon the current minivan's. Like today's Kia people mover, the 2022 model features a center console that meets with the dashboard, which includes two 12.3-inch displays—one serving as a digital gauge cluster, the other as an infotainment screen. Those screens are complemented by touch-sensitive climate controls and a twist-dial gear selector. Expect smaller screens, analog gauges, and physical climate control buttons to appear on lower-end models. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be wireless in some markets, as well.

And there will be room for a lot of people inside, at least in other markets. Some Carnivals will offer seating for as many as 11 passengers in four rows. Three-row versions will carry seven or eight occupants. There's even a configuration that offers a rear-facing second row.

We also have some details about the global powertrain options—but again, nothing specific about what will be offered in the U.S. These include the 3.5-liter GDi V-6 making 290 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, which is a step up from the 3.3-liter V-6 offered in the 2021 Sedona that's good for 276 hp and 248 lb-ft. There will also be a non-GDi V-6 offering less power, and a 2.2-liter diesel engine, neither of which we expect Stateside. Kia also points to a number of handling changes—a revised power steering rack, new suspension geometry, and revised spring rates, among other things—that should improve ride comfort and overall refinement.