How Much Weight Can the 2022 Kia Carnival Tow?
The 2022 Kia Carnival is a new minivan from one of the most trusted automakers in America. The Carnival is gaining plenty of attention because of its SUV-styling and 11-seater capability. The many different options for seating arrangements, along with the tons of features included making this an excellent minivan option. One of the questions on everyone’s mind is how much weight can it tow? If the Carnival truly intends to compete with similarly sized SUVs, it has to be able to handle the weight of one as well.
What is the 2022 Kia Carnival’s towing capacity?
The 2022 Kia Carnival is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. It only has a single engine option, so the number doesn’t change throughout the lineup. The 3.5-liter V6 produces a respectable 290-horsepower. This multi-purpose vehicle is one that is capable of competing with SUVs in most ways.
The Carnival is currently only available in front-wheel drive. The weight it can tow is enough to pull a small boat or trailer that fits most owners’ needs. Some of the add-ons that can be purchased for a little extra cash are a tow hitch and crossbars, which will cost you $575 and $360, respectively.
How does it compare to minivans and SUVs?
The 2022 Kia Carnival has a pretty good towing capacity for the size and power of the vehicle. Compared to the vehicles it intends to compete with, it isn’t too bad either. As an MPV, it is a competitor of both SUVs and minivans. While the highest towing capacity SUVs are going to trounce the Carnival, it can stand up to midsize and smaller, as well as competing minivans.
| Vehicle | Engine | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity |
| 2022 Kia Carnival | 3.5-liter V6 | FWD | 3,500 pounds |
| 2021 Chrysler Pacifica | 3.6-liter V6, hybrid | FWD/AWD | 3,600 pounds |
| 2021 Honda Odyssey | 3.5-liter V6 | FWD | 3,500 pounds |
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 3.8-liter V6 | FWD/AWD | 5,000 pounds |
The Carnival is nearly identical to the Pacifica and Odyssey in terms of towing capacity, and the engine is virtually the same. It falls short of the SUV, the Palisade in all categories. The Carnival and Odyssey’s lack of all-wheel-drive and a hybrid engine put them behind the Chrysler Pacifica in the minivan segment. Though when looking at towing capacity, it is clear the Carnival is closer to a minivan than an SUV.
Is the 2022 Kia Carnival a minivan or SUV?
The 2022 Kia Carnival is not officially classified as either one. It’s a multi-purpose vehicle or MPV. This puts it in its own class, but it still remains too similar to a minivan to ignore. It is very easy to compare it to other vans and it certainly resembles one. Even if the design is more SUV-like than van-like, the van features are there.
What’s the number one feature on a vehicle that makes you instantly think it’s a minivan? The sliding rear doors. They might be one of the most convenient features, that are very underrated, on any vehicle type. Sliding rear doors are great for giving passengers and cargo easier entry to the rear seats, as well as for avoiding rear passengers hitting other cars with the doors. Because of the sliding doors, we consider the Carnival more of a minivan than an SUV.
The 2022 Kia Carnival is a convenient and technology-filled MPV that competes well with minivans. Right down to the towing capacity, the Carnival can be closely compared to the Honda Odyssey in most ways. Though the towing capacity isn’t enough to beat out larger SUV competition, it can pull small boats, trailers, and is good enough for most people.
