This week we rented the 2022 Kia Carnival, and share our first impressions on its unique styling, utility, driving dynamics, and how it compares to the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica. We also examine why people are spending more on new vehicles, and what is driving the average car prices so high. We also discuss whether it is wise to sell an older vehicle and purchase a brand new one; if panoramic sunroofs are less safe in a rollover crash; when to consider purchasing an extended warranty on a new car; and which safety features are a must when exploring a conversion van build #VanLife.
———————————–
Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!
Video version:
Audio version:
Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!
From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!
We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at
Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify:
SHOW NOTES
———————————–
00:00 – Introduction
00:14 – High New Car Prices
05:23 – 2022 Kia Carnival First Impressions
13:24 – Question #1: Is it wise to sell an older vehicle while the used car market is hot and purchase a new one?
18:19 – Question #2: Do panoramic sunroofs make a car less safe in a rollover crash?
21:02 – Question #3: When should you consider purchasing an extended warranty on a new vehicle?
23:25 – Question #4: Which safety features are a must when exploring a conversion van build?
———————————-
People Are Spending More on New Cars, But Prices Aren’t Necessarily Rising
Preview: 2022 Kia Carnival Is a Minivan Masquerading as a High-Tech SUV
Should You Get an Extended Warranty for Your Car?
The Most Discounted New Cars Right Now
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
Exploding Sunroofs: Danger Overhead
Here’s the Tech That Could Be on Your Next Car
Beginner’s Guide to Motorhomes
Guide to Car Safety
Coronavirus Resource Hub
———————————–
Check out for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Follow Us on Social:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Instagram:
Google+:
Financing is where the dealer makes their bread.
With those car prices😳 Dave Ramsey will have plenty of business for years and years to come!
I had two leases come due. 2017 Infiniti QX50 and a 2018 Kia Stinger GT. I looked at all kinds of new and used cars as I did not want to lease anymore. I decided to go with Lexus. Resale value and the fact that you can put 200,000 miles on the car and it would still run (maintenance of course) . Found a 2018 blue Lexus NX with 12,200 miles on it and a 2016 Lexus GS350 F Sport with 30,000 for half the price they cost brand new. Now, I loved the Stinger, but I had issues with the car and the poor service I got from my local Kia dealer made me decide to move on.
Great work!
The silhouette of the Carnival actually reminds me of the old Pontiac TransSport or ironically the Oldsmobile Silhouette.
that’s a sexy van
For roof strength test, I don’t think they do panoramic sunroof vs. non-panoramic sunroof comparison tests. The pano roof will inherently be less safe in a rollover crash.
Another informative and entertaining episode
Oh man THANK YOU THANK YOU for explaining how car prices work! So many youtube channels just whine about the fact they can’t afford a TRX or a Tesla Model 3. It always seemed to me you’ve got it made now – you can get a really nice car for under $25k with actual safety features OR get something reliable and cheap on the used market! 25 years ago good luck on that!
@jen it’s not a stigma against mini vans, it’s the wallowing handling just like you mentioned about this Kia that vans are associated with. And this mini van is no different.
CR your Show Notes doesnt match todays upload.
I agree about the awd minivan for retirement. Unfortunately, the new Sienna second row seats are not removable. I wonder if Toyota will change that.
Only thing better may be an awd VW Westphalia EV, with a huge battery. Imagine HVAC via heat pump, induction cooking etc.
With only covid 19 in the rear view mirror.
I gave up buying new cars decades ago. I purchase 2-3 yr used cars that look new with low mileage for 2/3 the cost of new, and usually get a mfr’s extended warranty built into the price. I negotiate the loan interest to 3%. I also keep them to 200k miles or more.
The show notes description beyond the Carnival segment are from few shows ago? Lol
I think the best impact has been on the entry level vehicles. You used to be able to get a new Nissan Versa for $10,000, but now the cheapest option is $15,000. They don’t have a manual option anymore, I believe. Plus, so much safety tech is included, which drives the price up. That’s not the market I’m looking for, but that’s just an example which comes to mind.
0:15 people really need to understand the difference between I can afford this car, versus I can afford the monthly payment. If you can only afford a monthly payment, on a 84 months term, that means you *can’t* afford it.
15:23 there are 65 new RX where I live here in Canada 😂 things must be slow for Lexus here in?
is that an Apple IIc in the background?
Adding AWD and an option for wider tires will solve most of the Carnival’s handling issues, and seeing as how the 2021 Sienna is an absolute dog in the powertrain department, they should be able to secure a nice chunk of the minivan segment with this new vehicle. Especially when you consider the fact that all three of it’s competitors top out at 50K or above, and none of them come close to matching Kia’s warranty.
Carnival is maybe a bit like the Ford Flex, but larger and with sliding doors. I miss the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo.