Although the minivan segment of the automotive industry isn't what it used to be, it remains highly competitive, and the 2022 Toyota Sienna in Albuquerque NM hopes to win that competition. An entirely new generation of Sienna debuted for the 2021 model year, and the handful of automakers who still include a minivan in their lineups have upped their games as well.
There's no denying the practicality of a minivan, yet the majority of American families are choosing SUVs and crossovers to get them where they need to be. Why is this? If it's because minivans are deemed "uncool", both Toyota and Kia are trying to change that perception by blending the style and adventurous spirit of an SUV with the sensibility of a minivan.
So, along with the new 2022 Toyota Sienna in Albuquerque NM comes a new trim level, the Woodland Special Edition, which aims to lure would-be SUV shoppers with its extra ground clearance, 1500-watt power outlet, AWD, and tow hitch. The only differences in looks between the Woodland and the regular Sienna are two exclusive paint colors, dark chrome detailing, dark badging, and roof rails with crossbars. Does this make it a real off-road vehicle? Not especially.
With styling inspired by SUVs, the 2022 Kia Carnival MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) has a more upright stance, satin chrome faux skid plates, chunky wheel arches, and plastic body cladding. You could easily mistake it for an actual crossover SUV if it wasn't for the door sliders. As far as looks go, the Kia Carnival has a more stylish and attractive exterior with sleek lines and a modern appearance.
2022 Toyota Sienna in Albuquerque NM: Engine and Drivetrain
One of the biggest differences between these two excellent vehicles is what's under the hood. The Sienna comes only as a hybrid in all trims and configurations, and while this makes it fuel-efficient, it does feel a bit lacking on the highway. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, with three electric motors (one is strictly for the rear wheels when AWD is engaged) that together deliver 243 hp. A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is paired with the engine, and isn't as responsive as a basic transmission. According to Toyota, the new Sienna should average around 33 mpg in fuel economy, with AWD models achieving a bit less.
The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, has a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that can put out 294 hp. Its fuel economy is comparable to rival minivans, with fuel economy estimates at 19/26/22 mpg for city/highway/combined. Although the Carnival is less fuel efficient, you'll love the extra power when you've got a full load of people and cargo, you're towing something, or you need to pass a vehicle.
Interior
Inside the 2022 Toyota Sienna in Albuquerque NM you'll find high quality materials, a new infotainment system, and a larger touchscreen. Unfortunately, the graphics on the screen aren't as crisp as what you'd expect, and although the quality of the interior is good, the quantity isn't. And by quantity, we mean not enough. The Sienna actually has the least amount of space of all the current minivans.
The Kia Carnival has an interior that's just as posh as the Sienna, and possibly even more. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but you can opt for the available 12.3-inch screen with a matching display for the driver. It also has 168 cubic feet of passenger space, and 145 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded. That's 44 cubes more space than the Sienna has for whatever cargo you need to move.
Compared to their previous models, both vehicles are much better inside and out. In addition, both come standard with a plethora of safety and driver assist tech including blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more. They also offer good looks, tons of technology, and can fit up to eight.
Price
On top of outdoing the Sienna in so many other ways, the 2022 Kia Carnival also outdoes it in outstanding value! You simply get more for your money at each trim level with the Carnival than with the Sienna. The base Carnival LX model starts at $32,100 and prices increase up to just a bit more than $46,000 for the top-of-the-line SX Prestige. The starting price of the Sienna is $34,460, moving to nearly $50,000 for the most expensive trim. Don't forget the way these two people movers offer such similar features at each level.
Lastly, very few carmakers give buyers the same excellent warranty that Kia provides. Toyota offers the conventional 5 year/50,000 mile powertrain warranty, while Kia provides a stellar 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. No other minivan offers anything as close!
All in all, it's easy to see why the new Kia Carnival seems a much better choice for your next family vehicle. Come see our team at Fiesta Kia, located at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque, and let us show you a gorgeous new Kia Carnival!
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