2021 Kia Carnival (Sedona) review: Better than an SUV, for most people | Auto Expert John Cadogan

[@pauldavies4650]

14 years ago, we were all set to purchase a big 4x4 to fit the family in;. Like sign on the dotted line purchase. Took a last minute walk and saw a Carnival. Sat in it and thought wow, then we took it for a drive and that was a game changer. Owned that Carnival for 12 years, went camping and travelling in it, purchased and transported more furniture, white goods and hardware in it than I could possibly remember. Truly amazing what you could fit all up in the rear of that ol' girl. She never failed to take the load. 12 years later, with most of the family grown, we sold it and bought a Prado for more 4x4 action. But the convience of the Carnival can not be understated. So much so that after selling it, we also had to buy a trailer. Great car, great review 👌

[@markh.6687]

"Truly amazing what you could fit all up in the rear of that ol' girl." The jokes will write themselves. :)

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Clearly I was ready for kids back in 2017 when I too climbed into the Carnival and got excited at the endless possibilities such a vehicle offered. "So much room for activities," I probably gasped.

[@Unclmikey3]

As the 69 year old owner of 2 minivans I can attest to their high levels of versatility and convenience. Taking 6 folks to the airport on a rainy day and then, on the way home, stopping to buy 10 4x8 sheets of building material is something only a minivan can do. I've already put an entire bedroom set in the back of a minvan. If you live here in the big nuthouse called 'Merica you can even get all wheel drive in some minivans. They also do great road trips!

[@markh.6687]

"I've already put an entire bedroom set in the back of a minivan." Well, a small bed and nighstand, and you could sleep back there, at least in more reasonable weather. :)

[@jomarz1828]

@@markh.6687 , I did a whole moving on my sedona queen bed, sofa , love seat , bar table, screen TVs etc.... did in 3 trips ; because you're forgetting that you can use the top to tie up mattresses, among other things. I used to own a Ford expedion and a Ford 150 and I've to say the sedona has nothing to envy from those vehicles....

[@robertwhittaker1801]

As a KIA Carnival minivan dad all I can say is I just love the way it handles a 1000 klm day and all the kids are all comfortable, and it has enough power ports to keep their electronics charged. The power of the V6 petrol is fantastic for overtaking B-Doubles in no time and it tows our caravan as well. Just the best all round vehicle I have ever owned.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

A tear wells in my eye when I look at the Kia Carnival. This is the car that my '76 Kombi could have been if only Volkswagen took a little more time and put in just a little more effort.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Volkswagens generally make tears form in your eyes too - albeit for different reasons.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@AutoExpertJC I can only think of two reasons. Emissions and servicing costs.

[@kingjulian1549]

@@AutoExpertJC - i have to call you out John. Last 5 VW"s have all been 100% reliable. 3 of them have been APR tuned and those cars were flogged. Nothing broke.

[@tonyr6751]

@@kingjulian1549 Just this afternoon, I ran across the road and back blindfolded. Twice. From this I concluded it must be safe for anyone to do, anywhere.

[@michaelbamber4887]

@@tonyr6751 very good but the Volkswagen transporter is absolutely reliable with the right engine, the original 1.9tdi. My mate has just under 300k on his an our workshop van has been fully loaded all its life for 10 years an 230k an is still going because we got a ford transit replacement that shit its self with a blown engine in 34k so out came the old girl.

[@1lighthorse]

Got mine in 2005, moved 2 four bedroom homes in it and ferried my teenage kids and all their friends in it for years. Sadly passed earlier this year and is going to that great wreckers yard in the sky. The good news is I pick up the 21 platinum first week in April. Absolutely love the features and performance of the carnival and no regrets at all with both purchases.

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Wife owned a Carnival for 10 years and it was awesome. She did get it stuck once in the bend of a Rheumatologist's sub-standard driveway. She couldn't go forward and she couldn't go back. Some paint was lost extracting it. It had a crappy lap belt on the centre seat so we took that seat out and stored it and the family used that as an aisle just as you said.

[@DrJatzCrackers]

The new Carnival is a good looking van. Big improvement over the older Kia Carnival generations. Obviously subjective, but I think Kia is doing a great job with their consistent look and feel over their entire range.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Agreed. I think they're in front of Hyundai on this - like, Palisade is OK, but doesn't look or feel like it came out of the same shop as Santa Fe or new Tucson, and Kona looks like a breed apart, too, in some ways.

[@stevewise1656]

That is definitely best in class. It’s a luxury Van. Oh my God, these vids make me laugh...your humor is uniquely funny.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks very much, Steve. Humour is actually quite challenging when it's work.

[@stevewise1656]

@@AutoExpertJC Well, you missed your calling as a comedic actor, because your telling and timing is impeccable, John.:)

[@ianmoone2359]

Someone said JC wasn’t a comedians butt hole, but I stuck up for him, I said he was! 😜😂😂👍🇦🇺

[@lifesabroad]

I’ve done two interstate trips which necessitated the hiring of a minivan/bus for passengers. The first was a Hyundai iMax and the second was a Kia Carnival. After a disastrous series of events in the iMax, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the Carnival the second time around. Had I not had the sense to get a vasectomy early on, the Carnival would have been my pick.

[@erikmoore7402]

I love the Sedona. I rent them on vacation an sleep in them to save money. It's great in Hawaii. Air mattress in the back that doubles as a floaty in the ocean. 😎

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's extremely versatile.

[@mauriciomoldes7476]

I have a 15-year-old diesel Kia Carnival ( Sedona) 2.9 CRDI. It's been a faithful car, plucking along around Barcelona, Spain. With it, we have traveled most of Southern Europe, with our largest non-stop trip of 1600 KM, or 18 hours, crossing 2 countries. We have loaded it with furniture, moved houses, carried surfboards between the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans and it has never failed us. With the upcoming emissions regulations, the car is now unfit to drive within Barcelona, or any major city European city center from 2022. Looking forward to checking more about this new version.

[@TIRUKUMAR]

Loved this review and the well placed metaphors! Been trying to convince my wife to agree and she finally test drove the Carnival to but I doubt this video is catered for her sensibilities- so I will convey the ‘finer points’! Haha thanks JC, I’m seriously considering the diesel Carnival in 2022 when the updates are included.

[@grumpymunchkin2959]

My wife always looks back and says “is that all you got?” Little does she know her sister enjoys the hotel mini bar.

[@surfside75]

Damn bro. Might not work out later on✔️.. do you make a lot of money?😂

[@AutoExpertJC]

Sick AND twisted. I like it.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

Be careful dude, they are sisters after all.

[@wilson2455]

when your wife looks back and complains, have you ever considered saying, " isn't that a recent photo of your sister on the bedside table? "..

[@kpopkpop5235]

better check out this documentary, before you buying it. Drivers fear for safety as years-long recall fails to catch some engine failures kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJrEfnuejNCGhNk

[@TheMelbournelad]

Well you know John’s video are fresh and topical. He makes a video while Sydney floods a little

[@laoma4131]

I got one 2 years ago base on Johns advise, I never looked back. I made a mistake buying a Mazda 3 before. The doors, I just love those doors so practical.

[@markh.6687]

I started falling for Mazda 3's in the US, but all of them were high-mileage, likely driven by people who thought they knew how to handle the car. I've since seen a Mazda 5, and am thinking about one as I start to plan to move out of my house. Hell, I'm single and 55, so I'm off the MM Radar except for my limited funds they'd like. Who am I trying to impress?

[@davidcakers6818]

I had the same sense of achievement when I put a 140cm fridge in the back of my Cube and shut the door... then drove it 500km to the new house.

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

Damn you, sir! Making me reconsider my ban on being a minivan dad...

[@AutoExpertJC]

I know - so tempting.

[@DenisVujicic]

I just made the jump and love it

[@alanlee8018]

My "little woman" (5'2") chucks around our TCR Tarago like a rally Escort. John, you nailed it with the driver's licence reference.

[@waldemarii]

I must say John, the production quality is outstanding!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you. I liked the VFX trick at the start. Different to sitting down and reading the prompter.

[@waldemarii]

@@AutoExpertJC The trick in intro was really refreshing! Your stuff is so entertaining that I watch it even I am not interested about the topic in question.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you. (I had to shoot that intro twice - the first transition to the hi-viz was a bit rough. It's all just done in camera with a couple of SFX to help sell it...)

[@waldemarii]

@@AutoExpertJC The practical effects are like that. Watching this review made me to want buy Carnival, even I am 34 yo single male, lol.

[@anishshrestha6225]

@@AutoExpertJC You never needed a prompter John. I'd still love to believe that your spontaneous and original commentary made any prompter redundant. can't yet get over the term 'biomechanical expert' 😂😂

[@samboelliott1]

Great content again. I was extra impressed with the editing and things in this one. Great work John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks Sambo - it took quite a while to shoot the sequence at the beginning. I was happy with the transition to hi-viz in the intro - all done in camera with just one cut and some SFX to sell it.

[@samboelliott1]

@@AutoExpertJC You nailed the hi-vis trick. Perfect.

[@petron1954]

My son purchased a 2019 Kia Carnival after the Mitsubishi Pajero was written off following an accident. The car is so practical for his family of 6 which will become a family of 7 next month with the birth of his sixth son.

[@catinhotlanta]

Although I'm in the States, I really enjoy John's videos, especially this one. The Stormy Daniels reference was hilarious. The Carnival is just starting to show up here, replacing the Sedona. I used to sell Kias and I thoroughly believe they make the best vehicles on the road.

[@saabaton169]

Can't wait to put a ram air snorkel, big off-road wheels and that all important acoustically transparent fiberglass shi-twaaaaaaaaaa yesssssssss

[@markh.6687]

And you'd have yourself the all-new Jeep Wanker there.

[@benjionetwo]

I had a 7 seat territory for a few years with 4 kids and changed to a grand carnival. I'm kicking myself for not getting a carnival sooner.

[@SimonF2011]

Loved the photo when you Tweeted it (I raised the ‘Ring version wheelie topic) and love the video even more. You just keep getting better John!

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi mate, great start and then I saw those legs coming out of those shorts! If that was not enough, socks and jandals? You don’t need “High Vis”

[@westaussie9497]

We had one, while the kids were growing up. I love it.

[@sergeanthorvath]

Nice demonstration of the principal of fulcrums in the loading too.

[@JDM33R]

Please explain

[@iffracem]

Well bugger me ** A review that features "normal" use of a vehicle, practical advice and a shit-tonne of sarcastic humour. Motoring journalistic heaven. ** compulsory reference to something large being inserted from the rear....

[@cmneilson5710]

.

[@timinoz1]

John. You’ve nailed it. I’ve just recently bought both the Sorento GT & the Carnival Platinum. The idea being that I’d use the Sorento for work & the wife would take the Carnival for the daily duties & kid transport. Well guess what? After driving both, I’ve appropriated the Carnival for work as it’s a cracking full size utility that can carry 4 staff plus a host a gear in complete comfort. Especially those in the second row. Ever sat in the back of a Crewman? There’s a treat you’ll never want to repeat. Carnival is the new age Ute.

[@craigquann]

Minivans/people movers are pretty handy vehicles. Wife had one for a few years. Dodge caravan. It was "only" a 7 seater. But still had a decent trunk/boot with all seats up. But the real trick was the full "stow and go" system that allows you to flip/fold all the 5 rear seats completely into the floor. With that done, a full size 4'×8' sheet of plywood (or similar) would lay flat inside. 1500-1600lbs payload and a max towing of 3600lbs. Gas/petrol 3.6l v6 was the only engine available on that model/generation. But 285hp and 260tq. It moved pretty quickly and I managed 8L/100km combined fuel economy. And they were fairly reliable (especially for a FCA vehicle) bought used for $16000 had it 4+ years and traded in for $12000 as we no longer needed a family hauler that large as the kids were out of safety seats, I have a 6 seater full size pickup/ute for the domestic chores and family outings. But my wife's new cross-over is a better "around town/errand" vehicle. But for a 1 vehicle for all things situation, can't beat a good minivan (just about any one will do nowadays) the only negative is the lack of AWD options for those who live in "weather affected" areas.

[@thewing331]

It's definitely important to have a lot of versatility in a vehicle like the Carnival,so when you demonstrated how much you could jam it in so deeply from behind I was very impressed and blushed at the same time.😜☘️

[@markthespark6240]

Even your bike wears hiviz! Great video John. The new blank canvas fat cave studio looks awesome. Have a great weekend!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - the bike is therefore also totally safe. The new fat Cave is certainly an uphill battle. Thanks for watching mate - you have a great weekend too (building an ark here...)

[@stuharrison1]

@ Auto Expert John Cadogan great review. We hired a Carnival in NZ a few years ago for the family (2 adults + 2 kids 7 & 4 respectively - the kids that is). I wanted easy access and loads of room for 17 days of road trip, plus I had my 7'2" surfboard. The whole family were comfortable and happy the whole trip. My son even managed to stand and piss into a cup when we were stuck in the fast lane in traffiuc heading south through Auckland. Boy can he piss, he filled a 'grande' cup twice and didnt spill a drop - that would have been a totally different story if it was me!!! Really enjoyed the carnival and am considering this after my Dmax, though I am one of those blokes that goes camping up the beach about twice a year and have gone to Dingo Piss Creek too. Maybe I should hire the 4 wd - now theres an idea!

[@chrissimmons9969]

I used to deliver refrigerators for a living. I was thinking if you’re current gig doesn’t work out for you I think you have potential...

[@AutoExpertJC]

Year - I just registered FridgeTransportExpert.com.au

[@cgrecommended]

@@AutoExpertJC I'm surprised that hasn't already been registered by those... other experts.

[@AutoExpertJC]

It will be any second now.

[@royaldrift3485]

If this thing came out as an option with live axles, coil springs and a transfer case it would open up a whole new market. With both models available, it would be truly the one to rule them all.

[@tomjohnson3026]

Wish they sold them in the uk. I would defo buy one. It would suit me perfectly with the need for 3 car seats.

[@AutoExpertJC]

So versatile.

[@martiedoherty5765]

I actually have noticed that hi-vis has become the new "tracksuit" for many Sydney Westies.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - it's a cultural staple.

[@peterrichardson1963]

Sure the Carnival will carry a fridge but nothing will carry a mans ego around quite like a dual cab Ute with a bull bar snorkel and baggy mud tyres.

[@andresgroove]

i can even smell the testosterone from here

[@alanlee8018]

You forgot to add /s

[@ridingwithpat]

With you on the size thing John. My work “car” is a Ram 2500, not my choice but needed for towing a big heavy trailer. The Ram is huge but apart from parking in a shopping centre, the shocking ride and vague American steering it doesn’t feel much bigger than our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or the Prius I drive in my own time. Thanks for another great report. We’ll take the little Outlander to dingo Piss Creek one day, well Innamincka and Cooper Creek anyway, but I’ll take a full size spare wheel along for the ride.

[@mfgt3279]

Thanks for another great video John. Unfortunately finances dictate that I’ll have to stick with my 2018 Carnival (bought on the basis of your comments in an earlier video) for a little while longer.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Nothing wrong owning that for another few years. Good vehicle.

[@hatman1234]

Nice Car John. Quick comment, I would have thought that someone who thinks about his audience enough to covertly insert a safety message into the video would remind viewers to let a Refrigerator sit after having it on its side before powering up. Keep trying to MALS. PS, got a Triton from you about 4 months ago and it's going great.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Agreed about letting the fridge sit - mine's been sitting for 72 hours at this point. I didn't mention it because FridgeMovingExpert.com.au was already taken... Glad you're enjoying the Triton. Mine's going great too. MALS!

[@petehill3634]

Ta John. The effort to get the fridge move video done puts you above The Hemsworths (yes all of them and the Baldwins ) in my eyes.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

I've owned 9 Volvo wagons, 240's and 740's, and am impressed by this Kia. 68 grand kind of makes the eyeballs pop out however.

[@Athfos]

You make refrigerator moves look so easy!

[@RichardCarron]

Honestly... very entertaining and yet educational as well.

[@SydneySewerat]

The 3 kids in the Golf got to high farce one trip where potty was strapped to outside of the full kayak/gear pod...then got Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, 6yrs unlimited warranty. Truly superb car. 4.1L/100km on hwy. Bliss for family trips.2nd & 3rd place to Odessey & Carnival. Is it the car I wanted? No. But perfect for need. A design masterpiece nonconforming to current fads, so no more made.

[@mitchsmith8980]

I was expecting a pair of ming molls to spring out of fridge and chase you up the stairs ala benny hill.

[@spankeyham]

This is how all car reviews should be done.

[@ACTMCC3150]

The Kia Grand Carnival is the most versatile, reliable, durable and economical car I've owned. Mine transforms from an 8 seater to a 5 seater part van, part passenger vehicle, or 2 seater tradies van. It tows my 1500 kg caravan and dual axle garden maintenance trailer full of shite, easily and economically. Before I bought my 2014 Kia Grand Carnival turbo diesel I wanted to buy a 7 or 8 seat 4 wheel drive wagon to replace my 630,000 km Ford Maverick. I needed full size seats to take 3 Chinese mothers and their 3 full size kids on a roadtrip from Sydney to the Flinders Ranges, central Australia, Great Ocean Road, a lap of Tassie, East Gippsland and Canberra. Despite my desire to buy another 4 wheel drive, the reality was that there's none with 7 or 8 full size seats for full size people. I had to compromise on the need for 4 or all wheel drive, and after 7 years, 205,000 kms, a lap of Australia and numerous long road trips towing my caravan on blacktop, ice, mud, red sand and dirt roads from smooth to corrugated, it's performed far better than I ever expected. It truly is a versatile vehicle. Top marks Kia and thanks John for promoting the Kia Grand Carnival's virtues.

[@AutoExpertJC]

It is amazingly versatile, that's for sure. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Grand Carnival.

[@Uncle-Duncan-Shack]

If it passes the refrigerator test it's approved, the only vehicle I ever owned that had those qualities was a Toyota Condor. I like wagons, and Ute's. Only use those two body configurations. I had a friend mention on Friday that his Fortuner becomes tail happy above 110 Km per hour with 300 Kg's in the back, a SUV does not a heavy hauler maketh. I don't know, something about the wheel base dimension and load positioning does not compute too well there. Pro tip, just wear high viz clothing and you will be safe, up there.

[@lozza2272]

Good presentation. Cutting to the truth about the fad of SUV and a more practical vehicle. Reminds me of your other video about the old Mazda 3 and the CX5. Both these latter vehicles have been upgrade since however.

[@AutoExpertJC]

SUVs are all about the sex appeal.

[@SCX1718U]

lol...reminded me that I once transported a hutch cabinet in the outgoing carnival. Of course I half it and stacked on top each other.

[@nathanc6611]

I had a MY15 Carnival, and it was a great car - this one's even better, but also substantially more expensive. The ex took the Carnival, and I bought a triton with a canopy. I go camping...and I think the Carnival with seating for 5 even has more room for all the gear for all on board in the back than the Triton with its canopy. Decent pull on the engine too. If you're never going off road, it's a no brainer if you're in this price range, and have 2 or 3 kids especially if they have plenty of friends or cousins.

[@Bluegumtiger]

I kind of remember you describing the previous Carnival as having its own postcode.

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

Great entertainment John - oh and the motor vehicle journalism was pretty good too. Lloyd

[@11385djg]

"Universal protective properties of Hi-Vis" - 100% accurate. You can see them everyday - they are wearing inappropriate pants, footwear and shirt for the job or sometimes no eyes and head protection at all for some jobs that require one. But as long as they are on their Hi-Vis, they feel safe.

[@glenecollins]

I live in a mining town I think I have missed that trend (I have noticed the high vis belts vests caps etc in super cheap and Clothing shops but I thought they were for joggers.

[@philtruong4320]

Hi John, love your reviews as always mate, I’m in the market for one of these but really reluctant to get the diesel because we’ve heard it’s not great for regularly short distance driving like just dropping and picking the kids to and from school which is only 10mins away. So should I stick to the petrol? Thanks

[@russellbull_]

I bought one soon as the came out back in jan. Best decision ever. We came from a Q7 this thing as so much space and so much tech it can pretty much drive it self. Almost know what it's like being a Ferrari owner we get stopped by so many people to talk about it. It's crazy its a mini van haha. I even used your service to get some money off when dealers wouldn't budge. So thanks. Only wish the full digital dash came with it. Or kia will retro fit later on.

[@Wojtekpl2]

It's a shame they don't make and sell MPVs in Europe. Such an universal car... All we have are SUVs or rather Crossovers with no 4x4...

[@Evohunter7]

You’ve sold me on it John. I’ll swap my 2012 commodore wagon for one next year.

[@sugimoto2389]

Ordered an SLI and with only 2 kids (I will go for the full priced snip)! Surfboards and bikes will fill that boot and then my ageing parents and their dog on family trips. Liked the way the platinum looks but couldn’t justify 8k to get black rims and a Bose stereo. My wife will survive without them and heated seats.

[@AutoExpertJC]

I agree, totally on the versatility - and you can have a lot of fun for the $8k saving over the Platinum...

[@ZigZag9639]

Cool. We're getting one too even though we've only one child. That GUV is amazing!

[@timfudy3147]

People will complain that it is too big, and then go out and spend twice the amount on a landcruiser.

[@evilceleron9443]

I have never got the whole SUV thing, and have always thought the Carnival would be way more useful then a regular SUV. But really, I sure miss my old station wagon , it could sallow fridge or king single ensemble with else, or carry 5 adults and their gear in comfort, versatility plus.

[@tomnewham1269]

I don’t get the love affair with the dual cabs. Sure they are ideal for some people but a station wagon would be more appropriate transport. How I’ve seen so many times loads sticking out the back of a dual cab Ute that won’t fit in the back properly.

[@carlsnieders7237]

The Ugly ssangyong Stavic has been doing the walk through and towing since 2004

[@عليالامير-ن5ح4ض]

Nice review. Is it equipped with any AWD or 4WD systems ? as sometimes driving through deep sands are needed

[@Jacobskate]

We only traded in our last gen carnival was because of us towing our camper, it might of been ok, but some of the spots we have been to since getting the 4x4 I don’t feel the carnival would have the clearance for once we put 180kg on the ball plus gear dog and kids. Otherwise I loved it.

[@Forexfox99]

Nice trick shot wth the high vis dude! I saw it.

[@kiqnkf]

That was a terrific watch FatMan. It's almost like you have some slight level of respect for KIA.

[@davidjohnstone7505]

Good article, but did I miss anything about towing capacity? That's probably where the SUVs kick a goal.

[@michaelm1589]

Shame there is not a hybrid option. I would prefer this over the fuel guzzler v6 or the soot blower.

[@2DogsVlogs]

John you've recently boo-hooed the caravan campers but what about us dog motherlovers. I'm looking at doing a 'ROADTRIP' from Toowoomba to Adelaide and back. Googleboxing accommodation there is very little available between me and that ungodly place which no sane person would visit. RACQ only has places for those planning to stay for a few days, not just for overnight nap time. Am I restricted to sleeping in the Cerato? My dad did the trip escaping Adelaide in the '90's by smuggling the family dog, little hard when you have a malamute and husky. Where should I go for dog friendly overnight accommodation?

[@davidpaddock362]

“Is that all you’ve got” 😂😂 Fantastic review as usual John could not agree with you any more.... due to your review on the Palaside as well as this review you have confirmed one thing for me and that is the decision was the right one to sign the paperwork in the Kia showroom instead of the Hyundai one. I find it to be an exceptional car and especially like you say, if people can get their head around the whole thing of driving a Carnival, they’ll realise just how good it is. Great review mate Regards your local breeder.

[@Rjay1198]

Bravo John! Excellent review. I'm torn between the Platinum 2.2d of Carnival & Sorento. Single child age 5, starting to do a lot of outdoorsy activities camping,riding,towing bike trailers etc. Everything points in the direction of the Carnival (I can sleep in it instead of a damn tent!!) except concern about possibly low ground clearance and no AWD. I currently own a 2014 AWD CX 2.5L and I love the peppiness of of engine in town as well as being able to go soft offroading. My concern about the Carnival is that it will steer like a truck compared to the CX5, not be quick handling in town and be hopeless in the wet around corners due to lack of AWD. Are my fears unfounded or should I consider the Sorento for my purposes? Cheers JC!

[@dalestarick]

Seen one at the dealership yesterday, cavernous beast

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yeah - but also luxurious and a bit 'gangster'.

[@hownottoadult1014]

I had a Chrysler grand voyager it’s pretty much a luxury version of the carnival, luxury being you need lots of money and connection to people in high places just to track down parts.

[@civiccruiser7025]

Kinda interesting cuz any one of those for sale in 'murrica is usually for parts...

[@hownottoadult1014]

@@civiccruiser7025 yer try getting parts in Rockhampton qld, I had a ding in my door from someone else hitting it, nothing major car worked fine just cosmetic and insurance was going to replace sliding door. No doors so insurance wrote car off.

[@scottsworld]

My 2 rescued greyhounds would love one!

[@chriscashman4040]

Would you still go with the diesel if the car will predominantly used for shorter trips (with one longer ~ 1 hour freeway trip every 3-4weeks or so)?

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Hilarious high Viz joke, found that really funny. Got some Land roveresque design at the back and sides.

[@ridingwithpat]

John, I have a question regarding production of this video. If you’re a 1 man band how do you get those drive-by shots? Does Cletus help sometimes?

[@McDowallManor]

I have the previous model. Love the damn thing. If they had have only added lane assist and a few other covid delayed electronics, I would have gone to a new one (yes, I am retired and do not intend to leave money behind).

[@lazmonti]

Great review, John. Could you have a comparison between the Hyundai i30 N-Line, and KIA Cerato GT? Also, how good is a Hyundai manual gearbox compared to their DSG7. Cheers!

[@francodalpozzo7533]

Good Review John. I loved my Toyota Tarago which was a great car & probably the benchmark for people movers but I drove a Kia Carnival for work a couple of years ago & they are brilliant. Almost like driving a sedan.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Tarago was absolutely brilliant when first launched.

[@mikobel7131]

Great review, 3 row SUVs never made much sense to me, they’re basically under designed minivans. Side note question, could you provide details on the awning by the garage? Thank

[@b-man2961]

I'm a member of Mate-4-Mates an offshoot of the RSL, and the Brisbane Office has two Carnival. One of the Dudes, who has just returned from walking the length of the Rocky Mountains from the Southern Boarder to the Northern Boarder of the USA, suggested that the electronics of the Carnivals (2) is more in common with an 80/90's Euro car. I don't think he was spoiled by his walking though, so can you give or attain an opinion on that aspect of the Carnival, and consider it for future reviews?

[@rmwarriors16]

Perception is the key to sales. I love my Kia Sedona (that is what it is called in America). But all my female friends can not drive one because of the reputation it has here as an uncool soccer mom car 🚙. It is too bad because the slider doors is convenient and the third row is adult friendly.

[@dennislaur2515]

Wondering why you didn't stand the second row seats up to fit the fridge in? Looks like it would have from the last inside shot you showed. It's the feature I love the best as it gives better access to the third row if you are putting an adult or uncoordinated child back there(I have two of the latter).

[@cryptob4bc983]

Love his laugh when he fits it in... 😂😂

[@garyquinlan4075]

And seats folded with a mirror on the roof it definitely beats an SUV to carry Ming Mols in a horizontal position.

[@tn2920]

My distant cousin is such an angel of death to me if I ever got the opportunity to move to the state of Kentucky I would never drive over to the other side of the Ohio River for anything . There is nothing wrong with applying for all of the aid you can get for roving bands of space marauders.

[@Hyperdrive2]

Very good John. Glad to hear that cough is all better must be because you are getting out more. Keep it up...

[@AutoExpertJC]

It was the healing properties of the hi-viz. I'm certain of it.

[@AJC508]

Was that the new Fat Cave we saw being spawned? On another note, I once had a 1st gen S-Max that I inherited as a company car from someone who had left. I grew to quite like the thing. My wife did the entire removal of a student friend with it, in one go. Double bed and all.

[@Jacobskate]

30mm more ground clearance and an extra 200kg towing capacity and it would seal the deal

[@letsseeif]

The whole scenario is kinda a metaphore for you and Stormy and a Carnival.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

I get it John. You've taken the fridge and the ming mols to your new hideout. Ice cold beers, and red hot ming mols. What more could a man want?

[@markh.6687]

Uh, twin nympho sisters, a cheerleading squad, a trampoline, case of chocolate syrup, lottery winnings, etc. :)

[@robbieg5538]

I sold out John and purchased a sexy SUV. After 5 years stuck in a Honda Odyssey I just couldn't do it again. The kids fight over who's not sitting in the rear seat but my self esteem on the road has gone up a notch.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Odyssey is a third-rate people mover today...

[@surfside75]

Ha, so you still care what people (who you do not know and most likely never will) think about you. -i am sorry✔️😂🍻

[@AutoExpertJC]

@@surfside75 No - I meant third-rate in comparison to specs and performance of competitors, objectively. Honda is such a mediocre performer since about the turn of the century.

[@surfside75]

@@AutoExpertJC Hi John🤙 -you being original commenter.

[@markrobson8747]

Thanks John gor puting reality into perspective. My little woman and I are planning a trip around the big island from Tassy next year. What are your thoughts on towing a caravan (sized appropriately,err the van that is)?

[@AutoExpertJC]

My thoughts are: Stay in hotels.

[@muzzthegreat]

But perhaps don't expect it to climb a driveway of the steepness that John has - in a forward direction, with a load on, or even in the wet. I drove one on holidays in wet weather with four friends : Even on a flat road it took very subtle throttle to avoid wheelspin at take-off - yes there's plenty of oomph. The front-wheel-drive probably won't pull a boat up a ramp - don't pull a caravan unless you work at tyre-shop. That said, it really was a gem to drive - docile on the highway, and quite easy to fit in a carpark. The space inside is remarkable [partially achieved by lack of a rear-diff of course].

[@steved3702]

May be the Korean tyres? Kuhnos on a rental Carnival (previous generation) were diabolical in the wet.

[@darylcheshire1618]

I remember the video where he decided to wear a suit, he pressed a suit on a hanger to his chest the camera jumped slightly and then he was wearing the suit. At the end of the video he did the same to his normal clothes.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - this is the same trick. You just need to be careful about how you shoot it.

[@ianburnett4605]

@@AutoExpertJC a dangerous trick if you just so happen to be standing near the clothesline.

[@darylcheshire1618]

@@AutoExpertJC I remember the sleight of hand done by Benny Hill, it was filmed as he walked backwards past all the tables in a dining room and he pulled off the table cloths and hung them on his arm. Then it was played backwards and it looked like he was setting the tables by taking a table cloth from his arm and throwing it on the table. Each done with a whooshing sound effect.

[@otziizto4085]

Benny Hill was ahead of his time. Very cleaver in many ways but not appreciated by the audience of the time. Sad.

[@oliverbenis]

Please debut the ming molls once they have mentioned in the video to help sell the Sedona.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Always the Ming Molls...

[@DanWallis86]

I hope the Ming molls have all had 6 kids and at least 5 different husbands.