Are you and your family worthy of this thing? | ReDriven Kia Carnival/Sedona used car review

Check out the full Kia Carnival Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/kia-carnival
Looking for a used Kia Carnival? - carsforsale.com.au/kia/carnival
This week, ReDriven take a look at the Kia Carnival. Ultra practical, fairly good tech and surprisingly car-like to drive, the Carnival has become a bit of a go-to in the people-mover segment.
But now that some are getting on a bit in age and have thousands of kilometres, are they still worth buying?
00:00​​ - Intro
00:53 - What is it?
02:09 - Does it look good?
03:55​​ - How's the interior?
06:45​​ - How's the tech?
07:27​​ - Is it practical?
09:51 - What goes wrong?
10:21​​ - Is it safe?
11:05 - What's it like to drive?
13:51 - How much does it cost?
14:18 - Running costs?
15:00 - Should you buy it?
#kia
#carnival
#sedona
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
FACEBOOK: / redrivenofficial

[@thebottle391]

May be an unpopular opinion, but I honestly think the post-2021 carnival models look pretty good. I mean to me it actually looks like an SUV but with a sliding door. It's not a bad looking car at all, it looks like an elongated version of the Sorento with a bit of changes to the front and a unique tail light design. Anyway I wish more properly practical 7-8 SUVs come to Australia, like the telluride, Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Expedition etc. GMC/Holden also have some pretty good large SUVs in the American market, and I would love to see them in Australia made exactly like they are in made in America

[@DesilLifeFlixopolis]

We own a Carnival in India, and we couldn't be happier with the choice we made.. all the space, and the drive quality just makes our drive so relaxing every single time.

[@garagewheelz]

I have booked prestige silver 2023 manufactured one at 37L cancelling Carens booking, just curious if this car would get spares even after 10 years

[@theamanpandey1078]

We got a second hand carnival in Mumbai at a great deal😊

[@superking1098]

As a DJ I've actually found that people movers are great for carting around my gear. I managed to get a mate's parent's old tarago and it's been great.

[@ReDriven]

100% man! And loading a PA into the back is so easy as the load area is quite low vs an SUV

[@davidtolge9707]

Have 190,00 miles on my 2010 Sedona. Am thrilled. Has been a great value. I call it my poor man’s pick up truck. Not a chick magnet, until I found a woman with a big dog. Dog loves to travel in the large space! We got married 2 years ago.

[@RaeBehrs]

My husband and I currently have three children and own a Chrysler Town and Country. Even though the T&C is a 7 seater, it only fits three carseats. We want more children and we are maxed out with the T&C, but four carseats and possibly 1 or 2 backless booster seats will fit in this van! I'm very impressed with it compared to our T&C. We are purchasing one this week. Thank you for the informative video! If we come to a time where we outgrow this van, we can trade it in for a Transit, but this vehicle should serve us well for years to come!

[@stevekuruc1145]

Excellent review - totally agree with it. Despite loving ‘real’ cars, vans like this make sense, especially when getting kids out of seats - those sliding doors mean you can buckle up bubby without panel damage when some clueless nong parks way too close. Great work guys! Best new Aussie car channel since MCM.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much Steve! If it wasn't for MCM, we wouldn't be doing this. They were a huge influence to get out there and do our own thing. - AK

[@robbierolla]

A few things: 12:34 It's an eight-seater; 2+3+3. 08:00 Only the middle seat of the second row comes out; so I guess at that point it's a seven-seater (lol). 15:25 Absolutely, they are fantastic! (as is this channel, keep up the great work!).

[@shaneshepherd8407]

I've been watching your vids for the past couple of weeks. I used to do a lot of touring in bands and we all loved jumping in a Carnival at the airport. Ironically, now that my wife and I have three kids I'm back to looking at one of these to buy. I took the Sorento for a test drive earlier this week and while it's a great SUV, if you really do need those extra seats then a Carnival is the wisest, albeit least sexy, choice. Keep going with the channel mate, absolutely brilliant format and the comedic timing is on point.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much Shane! - AK

[@vandur2322]

Looks like a good option for a people mover but doesn't look as spacious as a Nissan Elgrand. Hope you do more people mover videos in the future like Honda Odyssey, Elgrand and Citroen C4 Picasso

[@kanesanders6669]

Adz, my favourite thing about all these videos is the word "invaluable". Makes me chuckle every time.

[@AlmightyPyro]

I bought the Kia Sedona 2021 with 35k miles for $27k. It's the first mini van that I have driven and I must say it has been the most confortable vehicle that I've driven. The family couldn't be happier.

[@heididenardo1106]

What a great resource this Redriven is. I have just put a deposit on a Si 2016 Kia Carnival. It has cemented my decision. My 2008 Grand Carnival has done its time. I wasn't quite ready to give up the versatility of the Carnival over the Sorento. I found a Kia 2016 Carnvial diesel and was at the right price over moving up $10K for a Sorento.

[@JamieYAYme]

8 months later, how do you like it?

[@garethbolton9129]

Great review as always, thanks @ReDriven

[@ReDriven]

Cheers Gareth - AK

[@trevoryingwane5714]

Well done... great review!! I have been looking for a Sedona's reliability review and you answered it.

[@ReDriven]

Ah thanks Trevor. - AK

[@HoorayItsChris]

Dude, your videos are great. My wife and I need a new mum bus, so I’ve been watching all your SUV and people mover reviews so I don’t have to drive them all myself to pick a good one. Subbed!

[@ReDriven]

Ah Chris thanks so so much! Made our day. - AK

[@sheilasims5411]

Thank you for all the information.

[@robertceroli3512]

Great 👌 just what needed in a Sydney lockdown keep those videos coming on a frequent basss

[@ReDriven]

Thanks again mate! - AK

[@isarayyanmd]

Just bought a used 2015 kia carnival platinum spec for cheap. Missed my 2011 sorento and loved its r 2.2 engine. I agree with you about having the carnival being better than sorento, in my case. I had my sorento more 6 years and its either have 7 people without their luggage or 5 with luggage.

[@catpiano1]

yes much needed video. Very informative.

[@ReDriven]

Thank you. - AK

[@jasonpushy]

great review. i’ve actually got 2 carnivals because of a big family. 2014 with 305,000km. and this model 2019 with 170,000km. both diesel models. only fault i’ve had with the 2019 model was a display glitch, as you mentioned. and the electric hand bake twice faulted. the 2014 has had issues with the diesel injector manifolds leaking. apparently a common problem with this model. the 18 year old son has inherited the 2014 model and loves it. modem day panel van. lives out of it on holidays redriven awesome.

[@saadnaddaf226]

Loving the channel mate. Would be keen to see a review of a Vf series 2 now that they're a few years old.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks Saad. Awesome request. We'll start trying to hunt the right example down to review. - AK

[@TheBodysome]

that was a soul crushing intro ... keep it up

[@ReDriven]

Hahahaha cheers mate. - AK

[@TwistedDonners]

Surprised you haven't done the best and worst car for aspiring bands and musos yet from what you were saying about the carnival. The 3.8L V6 8 seater grand carnival was a brilliant car to drive (did a couple of driving lesson in it) and own when they were around and I say that since my folks used to own one and the one thing that my dad like about it was that it came with a full size spare tyre as standard at the time.

[@roses807]

Carnivals are great when new, or the latest gen. I strongly would advise not to go for the 2005-2012 ones, I owned one, and it had an issue pop up every week. Abs first, then engine, then transmission. Was a nightmare because the parts aren't cheap either. Ended up getting stolen with the engine almost gone. 🙋🏻‍♀️ not my issue now I guess. If you're going for this people mover, definitely the newer model.

[@JuniperMe]

We picked up a grand carnival 2012, but it must have been the version released just AFTER they got their act together lol, I remember we looked into it at the time. I know that period was.. problematic. We picked it up used after it was traded in, full service history, I've kept it serviced since, it's been great! With the back row down I can fit an electric wheelchair and it's ramp (not a small elec chair either), enough luggage alongside to travel... I think the most expensive problem I had was due to me breaking the plastic off of one of my side mirrors indicators... And of course the whole thing needed replacing not just the plastic cover. I'm much more careful in underground carparks now!

[@traceycrawford9938]

Thanks for sharing your experience because I was looking at the earlier generation Kia Carnivals. Even though Jim’s description “these things were f*cking terrible” is pretty self-explanatory 😂😂 …I WAS wondering what the actual problems were 👍

[@calvin_hk]

Love this channel

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much mate. - AK

[@givmetheloot]

I have bought this model. Made the right choice. My family love it to bits

[@predator5723]

Fun thing, here in peru our carnivals have 4 rows intead of 3... absolutely no space if the 4th is deployed... people usually use it as a 3 row with the 4th hidden on that tub that you were sitting on the trunk.

[@conradl93]

Just found this channel and loving all the content so far! Any chance we could get a review of Skoda SUV?

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much Conrad. Yes 100%, we'll get to work at finding one to review. In the meantime, check out or VW Tiguan review as they're very closely related. - AK

[@scottascotty]

I HAVE A 2014 KIA SEDONA EX 3.5 L ENGION I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW THE VAN IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY

[@DLKNLI1907]

Not sure if you have realised during your review, Kia Carnivals known to have issues of pulling to the left, no matter how many wheel alignment I went through it did not fixed the issue. When watching carefully, during your test drive you constantly steering slightly to the right. In fact Kia blames the Australian roads for this... even though they are supposed to be tuned for Australia. Overall I love my Kia Carnival, highly recommend Platinum version as it provides you with 360° camera which makes parking so much easier!

[@TheIrishman007]

On top of that, it’s actually an 8 seater. But, great review none the less. The seating discomfort is down to positioning I’ve found.

[@Rawkus919]

Currently in a bargain hire Carnival. 90,000km on clock. Seems perfectly fine.

[@jethrohaha]

Hi I have a 3.5L AWD alphard 30 series and A91 supra in Sydney, let me know if you want to make videos of them. Will be interesting to compare 3.5 alphard against the 2.5 one.

[@angusnz7910]

Any chance of a review of the last of the commode tourer? Thinking of replacing my biTdi passat wagon but can’t get a straight answer locally…too many want to bag it purely because it’s an Opel, but I’m hoping it’s modified enough to be decent

[@ReDriven]

Great request. I had one as a long term test car when it was launched and was torn apart online when I stated it was the best Commodore I'd ever driven (and I'm confident I've driven nearly every generation) but I'd love to see how they're ageing. I know Holden sunk loads of time and money into making it as Australian-proof as possible but we'll see if they succeeded when we get our hands on one. - AK

[@gloriasanchez5001]

I bought a 2019 and I did have to replace the motor for the sliding door and I will have to replace the other one. Also, when I hear people mover, I think of the ride that was at Disneyland. 😂

[@nathanjsimpson]

What do you recommend for a 7 seat SUV that can be used off-road?

[@billiama8211]

Great review. Would you recommend the diesel or petrol?

[@ReDriven]

That's a tough one. It's the old diesel will save you money on fuel costs but the potential maintenance costs will be higher vs petrol will cost more in fuel but the potential repairs and maintenance should be less. If diesel, have a catch can fitted ASAP, that will help the potential maintenance costs. - AK

[@tkoprojoe]

Been looking recently and seems I noted that Sedona has some engine tranny problems. Gaskets on the engine, loose seals. Any body know of these things ??

[@aaronlaguda]

Sold.best band vans ever

[@melissabotha9485]

I am thinking of this van or an older toyota for the same price. The only concern was the reliability of the petrol engine long term - outside warranty. Otherwise functionality is great. The mechanic says reliable - most issues fixed under warranty but isn't this the same engine as the hyundai sante fe? On that review the engines 3.3 petrol and 2.2t diesel seem to have a number of serious issues. Would it be better long term to get a 2020 carnival (probably petrol) or a 2010 toyota alphard 3.5l petrol?

[@hillbilly8621]

Toyota 2GR-FE one of the most bulletproof engines of all time. The Alphard isn't as big as the Carnival though, although that might not be an issue for you.

[@melissabotha9485]

thanks for the reply, just wasnt sold on kia - ended up getting a 2014 alphard 2gr-fe. Has its own problems with limited access for any big jobs but glad i went toyota over a much newer carnival. These guys say the 2.2 td is reliable on this vid but on the hyundai santefe say it has issues. I thought they share the same engine? -@@hillbilly8621

[@aussieandy7649]

any chance of seeing a review on the Nissan navara st-x 550?

[@ReDriven]

100% mate, we have one ready to go but lock downs are playing havoc with the shoot schedule. - AK

[@jbosco3970]

How is the adaptive cruise control. ? Is it camera based or radar based

[@ReDriven]

So sorry mate, I forgot to check that. The cruise in general worked a treat but not sure how the adaptive was. - AK

[@jbosco3970]

@@ReDriven one of the major complaints is that women have no place to put their handbags. Can you please include this in your list of items to check off. Some vehicles have them. But really uncommon. And it is not just for ladies. Anyone with a laptop bag has to it put it on the passengers seat. Or on the floor.. grrrrr

[@ReDriven]

@@jbosco3970 Awesome idea and suggestion! 100%, we will include that from now on. We are a few weeks ahead as far as filming goes but in 4 or 5 weeks, you'll see us include this in the reviews. - AK

[@governorairsoft4150]

Kinda disappointed this one didn't have an ash tray for you to sh*t on. Great review!

[@ReDriven]

Me too mate! Thanks so much for enjoying. - AK

[@tonydcurrawong]

Great work. How about used Vito or V Class Benz?

[@MrInternFTL]

The Vito sucks

[@markward2824]

Apart from 2 things... the badge & the middle row is able to switch 🔄 to be reverse facing ... the carnival wins hands down. I run a passenger transport business and the carnival is much more versatile

[@ReDriven]

We'd love to do a review of a Vito or V Class but finding one can be a challenge. If we were choosing but, it's the Kia for the win everyday. - AK

[@tonydcurrawong]

@@ReDriven thanks guys - great channel

[@zreffac]

ETA on a Stinger review?

[@ReDriven]

We have one booked in but bloody lock downs in Sydney have had to delay the filming sorry mate. Soon as the lock downs drop, it'll be the first car we review from there. - AK

[@bart9522]

When is this channel finally blowing up? Great review as always. "isn't it funny that potentially the least sexy car on the market actually requires a copious amount of sex to justify actually owning one of these" LOL

[@ReDriven]

We hope soon Bart. Although we just topped 1 mil views which blows our minds!! - AK

[@brettsalter3300]

Nothing beats the Toyota Tarago/ Estima for beautiful looks, (in people movers) their proportions remind me of the Citroen Goddess, Honda Odyssey a poor copy. Most people movers admittedly not usually good looking, but neither are majority of average cars.

[@Shawn0143]

My 2015 Kia Sedona just blew a head gasket. I was meticulous about maintenance but at 94k miles it’s done. Kia wants $14k to replace the engine. Loved , loved , loved the car until last week. Any car these days should last more than 94k miles. No more Kia’s for me. 😢

[@peteg8920]

What kind of auto transmission does the Carnival have ?

[@damilolaakanni]

I'd assume it's either a 5 or 6 speed in this third generation. The 4th gen (2022+) has an 8 speed though. It's a regular torque converter automatic, not a DCT though.

[@MastersOfTheHeart]

pretty sure the model shown has an 8 speed also.. i have the 2012 model and that is 6 speed.

[@Solarsystem50]

I carry bikes and stuff all the time. This is effectively a truck... everything fits!

[@joebaker7368]

Love the joke at the end!

[@lundsweden]

It's the type of car for logical people. Max seats and cargo capacity for the wheelbase/price excluding vans. 🤓

[@jonathenschwartz3019]

Can you please do odyssey in aus.

[@ReDriven]

It’s on the list!

[@Churchy832]

What's the name of your band? Or do you just do for hire stuff?

[@ReDriven]

Just session stuff mate, for loads of different artists. - AK

[@furqanmk]

Most importantly, should you boy one? Excuse my cheap humor - but you're funny man. Cheers mate! 😁

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much Furqan! - AK

[@MrInternFTL]

Ford Mondeo/ Fusion?

[@ReDriven]

We'll be doing a Mondeo hopefully soon mate, just trying to find the right example to review. - AK

[@ravingmad765]

It's my secret desire to own the 2022 model in diesel. Don't out me.

[@ReDriven]

Your secret is safe mate. - AK

[@lesklower7281]

People movers are great for large families l never owned one or driven one because l had no use for one owned a couple of small vans

[@MrChamingunaratne]

Why is the nudge bar off centre??? 🤨

[@ReDriven]

Chamin why didn't we notice that! Great point and we no idea. The car itself was between sales so we can't contact the original owner to ask sorry. Well spotted. - AK

[@andrewwilliams5337]

Parking sensor potentially ?? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Havanafly]

Looks better than the Toyota Sienna

[@brokenlegz]

Been touring with Tom DeLonge I see!

[@ReDriven]

Hahahahaha!!!! - AK

[@damilolaakanni]

As of 2022, this (the current 4th gen) is also known as the Carnival globally. I guess KIA wanted to shed their image as a bad, unreliable brand (at least in the US). They've even changed their logo.

[@unknownuser954]

My mum and I brought a brand new sli one in 2016 and now it just gets dumped, come take that out for a review it really wasn’t used with real life breathing monster kids that are destroyed it 😂

[@michaelkennedy9064]

Does it look good? NO!!! However the 2022 version is actually hot

[@OSINT_Skye]

howdy, can you please do a BMW 2 series video before I part with my hard-earned money, thx

[@ReDriven]

100% Moses, any particular variant? - AK

[@OSINT_Skye]

@@ReDriven any that you can hold of especially M240i The M2 is out of my budget. Thanks, much appreciated

[@ReDriven]

@@OSINT_Skye I think we may have found an M240i mate. Fingers crossed we can get it soon for you. - AK

[@OSINT_Skye]

@@ReDriven oh yyesss!!!! I'm so looking forward

[@9639927790]

I did a test drive on a Carnival SLi 2017. Apparently it is still under warranty. However, the aircon didn't work properly. I set the temperature at Low and full air flow. It took 10-15 mins to start to blow cool air (yes, cool, not even cold air).

Dude, I have three kids and I’ll be honest. I am never leaving the mini van world, these things are awesome! Proud 22’ Carnival owner

[@eldraino9933]

Only vans😂

[@nizm0man]

OnlyVans hahaha

[@christianhorner001]

How do you not talk about the diesel and petrol variants. Seriously this channel is not a proper car review channel.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks! You’re welcome to start a better channel 🙂

[@paulstreet3454]

What this car could do with, is a space for your phone😄😄