- kia revealed a new ultra-luxury version of its minivan for the korean market.
- called the carnival hi limousine, it has a plush interior with special features including curtains and an air purifier.
- the carnival should arrive in the u.s. as the 2022 sedona, but it's not likely to offer a special version like this.
with #vanlife trending more than ever and luxury automakers like lexus getting into the van game, it's no wonder that kia is going all-out for a new version of the carnival (a.k.a. sedona) minivan. the new ultra-luxury spinoff of the korea-market carnival is called the hi limousine, and we're intrigued by its lounge-like interior with everything but the kitchen sink.
the hi limousine is based on the recently redesigned version of the van, and it has a high-roof setup and appears to have extra chrome trim on the outside. but the real treats are inside, as it features recliner-style second-row seats, privacy curtains for the rear windows, an air purifier, entertainment screens, and even an led lamp on the ceiling that's meant to mimic a skylight.
when the carnival eventually makes its way to the states as the new-generation 2022 kia sedona, we probably won't get most of these niceties. but the recliner-style captain's chairs are possible, as the current-generation sedona offered them as an option on the top trim level in the past (the lounge seats disappeared from the u.s.-market van after the 2018 model year).
even if kia did offer such a van in the u.s., we can't imagine too many american van shoppers would splurge for the full hi limousine package, which starts at the equivalent of around $56,000 in korea. but every now and then it's fun to see a van that's nicer than your living room.