Families look for certain things when they’re shopping for a new car or SUV. They generally prioritize size and safety, and a little style never hurts. To determine what the best family car of 2022 is, Cars.com looked at each of these categories and determined that the 2022 Kia Carnival is one of the best family cars. Now we just have to wait and see if it wins the title of the Family Car of the Year. What’s so great about the Carnival that makes it ideal for families?

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival worth buying?

The 2022 Kia Carnival is a minivan that kind of looks like an SUV, and that’s one of the things that Cars.com likes so much about it. The Carnival is new to Kia’s lineup and it replaces the now-extinct Sedona. The Carnival comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 290 hp.

In addition, the 2022 Kia Carnival has plenty of space. Its three rows allow for seating up to eight passengers. It is easy to access all three rows, which is a huge advantage for parents trying to wrestle into car seats or the back row. There’s also plenty of storage space, so you don’t have to worry about whether your stroller will fit in the back.

The Carnival is loaded with features that parents love

The 2022 Kia Carnival can come with a camera in the cabin that allows parents or caregivers to watch kids in the back seats. There’s also a dual-touchscreen entertainment system, which will change the way you carpool forever. The best part of the screens in the second row is that they can be connected to streaming apps via Apple and Android devices. In addition, the Carnival comes with proximity-activated sliding doors.

There’s an available 2022 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package which allows the middle seat in the second row to slide forward. The front passenger can then easily access this seat. It can even fold down to be a table or a desk, which is awesome for kids who want to color or draw or eat in the car.

How much is the 2022 Carnival?

The 2022 Kia Carnival costs $33,275 for the base model, the Kia Carnival LX. The Carnival LX also comes with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a six-speaker sound system. It also has a six-speaker sound system.

As far as safety features, the 2022 Kia Carnival LX comes with safe exist assist, which helps to prevent rear passengers from opening doors into traffic. It also comes with rear occupant alert, reminding you of a child or pet left in the backseat. The 2022 Carnival LX has blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. If you get tired while driving your Kia minivan, driver attention warning will help wake you up. There’s also forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. In addition, the Carnival is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

It’s easy to see why the 2022 Kia Carnival is a nominee for Family Car of the Year. It’s certainly one of the best minivans for families if not the best. Whether the Carnival wins the title of Best Family Car, families are sure to keep buying the Carnival thanks to its blend of safety features, technology, and comfort.