Are you interested in buying a minivan in 2022? Like many others, you’ve discovered they offer all the benefits of an SUV, plus more. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. Fortunately, experts at Consumer Reports say the best minivan is also the cheapest. Check out the affordable 2022 Kia Carnival.
Consumer Reports’ best minivan is the 2022 Kia Carnival
The 2022 Kia Carnival MPV driving on city streets | Kia
Have you heard of the Kia Carnival? It hasn’t been around as long as the three other models in Consumer Reports rankings. However, it’s already at the top of the list for overall score. Although it’s tied with the Toyota Sienna with a 79 out of 100 overall, it far exceeds the Sienna for its road test. Kia’s new minivan scored an incredible 89 on its road test, while the Sienna missed the mark, earning nine points fewer.
In addition to the Carnival and Sienna, Consumer Reports ranked the Honda Odyssey third. It’s just a single point behind the top two options and a recommended model. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is the only minivan Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend. It earned a far lower score, getting rated 57 out of 100 by the publication.
The best minivan is also the cheapest
2022 Kia Carnival interior foldable seats | Kia
Since the 2022 Kia Carnival is in first place, you’d expect it to be expensive. However, Kia offers many models at affordable prices that feel luxurious. That’s one of many reasons the Telluride is such a well-rounded vehicle in the SUV segment, where it dominates rankings. Moreover, the Carnival minivan is precisely the same. With a starting price of $32,300, Kia’s minivan is the cheapest of the quartet. Additionally, the top-tier Carnival is less expensive than all three other models’ range-topping trims even in its fully loaded form.
Plenty of automakers offer excellent vehicles, but few do it at an affordable price. With the Kia Carnival, buyers get the cheapest and best minivan of 2022. Consumer Reports loves a lot of different attributes of the Carnival, and the price is at the top of the list. Families need to be able to afford a safe, reliable family vehicle.
| Minivan model | Base price | Top trim price |
| Kia Carnival | $32,300 | $46,300 |
| Toyota Sienna | $34,710 | $50,910 |
| Honda Odyssey | $33,040 | $48,770 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $37,095 | $58,050 |
What does Consumer Reports like about the 2022 Kia Carnival?
There are many things to like about Kia’s minivan offering. As we previously mentioned, Consumer Reports loves that it’s the most affordable option available. However, there’s more to the story. CR also gave the Carnival the highest road test score of any model in its class. Highlights of the road test include excellent acceleration, braking, ride, noise, comfort, and fit and finish. Additionally, the trunk and cargo area offer plenty of room for everything you need.
Next, CR noted that the Kia Carnival has a remarkably smooth powertrain. The 290-horsepower V6 has plenty of usable power and uses a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The pair give Carnival drivers a smooth, comfortable, luxurious driving experience. Comfort is imperative for anyone taking a family on long road trips.
Lastly, CR loves the Carnival’s infotainment and controls. It’s similar to other Kia models and has excellent, responsive touch controls. Additionally, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is “logically organized,” making it easy to find everything you need. Shortcut buttons along the bottom of the screen are an excellent addition, making it easy for users to find frequently used applications quickly.
The 2022 Kia Carnival is the best and cheapest minivan
According to the experts at Consumer Reports, the best minivan available is the 2022 Kia Carnival. Thankfully, for once, the best option is also the most affordable. Inside the Carnival, you’ll find a peppy, smooth-riding powertrain, a spacious interior, and an excellent infotainment system. Together they match or edge out all other models in the same segment. However, Kia’s most significant advantage comes from the low price point, which is cheaper than every other model no matter which trim level you choose.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Best Minivan is Also the Cheapest