The Kia Carnival is a minivan manufactured by Kia Motors, introduced in 1998, now in its second generation and marketed globally under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Sedona. First generation models remain in production (e.g., in China). Second generation models have been marketed since model year 2006 — including as a rebadged variant in the United States, the Hyundai Entourage for model years 2007–2009. Beginning in 2010 certain global markets (e.g., the UK) of the second generation model began receiving updated equipment, engine choices and Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, as designed by Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer. In late 2009, Kia announced plans to cease production of the Carnival/Sedona in 2011. The Kia Sedona first generation was marketed globally, for example as the Naza Ria in Malaysia. The first generation model is currently manufactured and marketed in specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company.With a 3.5 L V6 engine making 195 hp (145 kW) and a 4-speed automatic (later a 5-speed automatic transmission), the Sedona lacked features that other minivans had such as power sliding doors and power liftgate, a fold flat third row seat, navigation system, rear-view camera, and backup sensors. Early Sedonas were rated at 15.6 L/100 km (15.1 mpg) (city) and 10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg) (highway), but the numbers improved slightly to 14.8 L/100 km (15.9 mpg) (city) and 9.6 L/100 km (24.5 mpg) (highway) for 2005 models.
Kia introduced the second generation Carnival/Sedona worldwide for model year 2006 — in short (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) models — with a 2-inch-wider front track, 3-inch-wider rear track and reduced turning radius than the first generation. The SWB model shares its platform with the Kia Magentis — and was specially designed for the European market, where it falls in the large MPV class. With a lighter engine, greater use of high-tensile steel in the body, and a lighter transmission and rear suspension, the minivan lost approximately 400 lbs in the redesign. In certain markets, Kia offers the minivan in both wheelbases (e.g., in North America, Australia) or in other markets, simply as the short wheelbase configuration (e.g., UK, France). Globally, the minivan has been offered with four engines as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Equipment content varies widely by market — including such features as six airbags (front, front side and air curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) & Brake Assist System (BAS), dual or tri-zone heating and cooling, 'walk through' aisle between the front seats with fold-down tray, tilt/height adjustable steering wheel, ISOFIX anchor points, rear side sliding doors with 'hold open' locking feature (to prevent an open door from inadvertently closing), second row power roll-down windows, third row 60/40 fold-in-floor seat (LWB only), power sliding doors and liftgate, backup sensors, and in-dash navigation. In European and Asian markets, the SWB models offer a full-range of options and available equipment, with a 2+3+2 seating configuration (an essential format in a large MPV for Europe). By contrast, in the U.S. the SWB model is offered only in a base equipment level with a 2+2+3 seating configuration — and high-end options exclusive to LWB models. Kia introduced the second generation Sedona to the North American market at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show for model year 2006 offering a single engine/transmission choice, the 240 hp 3.8-liter V6 Hyundai Lambda engine with continuously variable intake valve timing and a five-speed manumatic automatic transmission.
The Sedona has been the second top selling large MPV in the UK market, and in 2010 received a new grill, new equipment (including a reversing camera built into the rear-view mirror) and a single engine choice, a 192PS 2.2 CRDi I4 replacing the 183PS 2.9 CDRi. The Sedona is marketed in three trim levels (1,2 & 3) with a 5-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic gearbox. Trim level 1 includes air-conditioning, electric windows. Trim level 2 receives alloy wheels, rear parking camera with the display incorporated into the rear-view mirror, and climate control. Trim level 3 adds electronic stability control, leather seats, heated front seats, power tail gate and powered folding door mirrors.The second generation went on sale in Australia in January 2006 as the Carnival and Grand Carnival — continuing alongside the first generation model until joined by the SWB second generation model. The new model features a 3.8 L V6 engine, standard seating for 8, and a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode. It is priced almost 25% higher than the existing Carnival, which continues with a 2.7L V6. Australia has yet to see the 11-seater model, and no information is available on when it will be released (June 2007). A 2.9L turbo diesel version was introduced in March 2009. The Kia Sedona (Carnival) has received the 2007 MotorWeek “Best Minivan” award in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards and The Car Book's 2007 “Best Bet” distinction. Overall, Kia models improved 22%-in J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study (IQS), and-improved twice as much as any competitor in the last 3 years. The Kia Sedona ranked 4th the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com. Edmunds.com names Kia Sedona as one of the “Top Recommended” Vehicles for 2010. In the 2007 reliability report published by TÜV, 1st generation (1999–2005) of Kia Carnival placed 113th out of 113 in the 2 to 3-year-old cars category, with a defect rate of 25.1%. In the 2008 TÜV report, 1st generation (1999–2005) of Kia Carnival placed 116th out of 116 in the same category, with a defect rate of 19.70%, and also placed 111th out of 111 in the 4 to 5-year-old cars category, with a defect rate of 27.60%.The 2009 Kia Sedona's JD Power reliability score is same as the 2009 Honda Odyssey and 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
