THE 2023 KIA CARNIVAL envisions a new future

Perhaps you’ll recall when we first began to experience the popularity of minivans a number of decades ago? Of course, back then, Chrysler essentially invented the minivan, showcasing the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. The rest of the auto industry took notice, and began coming onboard with similar size vans, suited for consumers and families of all sizes.

To fast-forward, with the 2023 Kia Carnival, (of which appears to be a minivan) it’s now reclassified as a “Multi Purpose Vehicle” or MPV, essentially replacing the minivan as we once knew it.

The ‘23 Carnival is fundamentally a carryover model, with the exception of some minor interior improvements to the seating and its on-board technology features. Competing in the Midsize MPV segment, you’d likely consider cross shopping similar models such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. General Motors and Ford no longer play in this segment; therefore, your choices are somewhat limited.

Of course, Kia Motors uses the typical minivan type blueprint. But honestly, I’m still scratching my head when it comes to fully defining a minivan, versus an MPV. As a thought, perhaps referring to the family cruiser as a minivan isn’t “cool” any longer, therefore framing as a MPV is the new/accepted catchphrase going forward! Evidently both are incredibly similar.

Clearly in the plus column is the fact this

Kia has exceptional passenger and cargo volume capabilities, and lots of convenience features. First made available at Kia dealerships nationwide in 2022, this model replaced the Sedona. Manufactured in four trim levels, their entry level Carnival is classified as their LX model. From there, they offer their EX rendition, and then the SX and the SX Prestige top end adaptation.

The pricing is structured to range from $33,100-$46,000, excluding shipping charges. That comes out to be $1,365 added to the MSRP. Every build combination comes with the same all aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine. The factory indicates that it’s rated at 290 horsepower, and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s engineered to operate on regular grade unleaded fuel, and the EPA numbers show 19-mpg city/26-highway.

Carnival comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheeldrive setup. Acceleration is more than sufficient, the drive overall is quiet, and handling and breaking is assuredly on par with other models in this classification.

The surround windows translate to an open, uncluttered greenhouse. Depending on the trim and options, it seats seven or eight occupants. With only minor changes for this model year, some of the amenities and creature comforts were further updated and revised a slight bit. For instance, on the SX trim model, it now comes standard with a clear view blind-spot camera enhancement and a 12.3-inch digital gauge dash display assembly. The flagship SX Prestige MPV includes a standard sliding bench-style second-row seat.

Worth noting, the entry level base LX comes standard with: 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, bright LED headlamps, seven passenger seating, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports located at all three rows of seats plus six speakers. front and rear A/C, power-sliding second row side doors, plus height adjustable driver’s seat and reclining third-row seats. Looking over the list, I wanted to note that also included is their driver attention fatigue warning system, rear seat occupant reminder alerts, pedestrian detection feature, forward collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and their lane departure mitigation system. Rear parking sensors are also included with the LX version.

Manufactured in Korea, the 2023 Carnival SX Prestige I drove had a sticker price of $48,690 after destination charges and two factory installed additional options.

During the summer of 1981, my friends and I were looking forward to “History of the World, Part 1,” the latest comedic outing from director Mel Brooks. When we arrived at the theater, tickets for that film were sold out. One friend suggested driving down the street to the Mark Twain Theater to see another new film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” With nothing to lose, we settled into our theater seats for nearly two hours of action and adventure. Steven Spielberg directed the film, which was based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Suffice it to say, we forgot all about Brooks’ film.

Preview audiences weren’t impressed with the film, but “Raiders” went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1981. It also has been considered one of the best films ever made. The 1984 sequel “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” attempted to capture the thrills of the original, but the violent tone was reportedly responsible for the creation of the “PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned” rating. However, teaming Harrison Ford with Sean Connery for 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” was a brilliant move.

After “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” however, it looked as if Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr. would hang up his whip and fedora for good, but he will return in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Unlike previous films, it’s important to note that Spielberg and Lucas only served here as executive producers. Set in 1969, Indiana Jones discovered that the U.S government recruited former Nazis to help them beat the Soviet Union into space. In the film, Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts”) plays Jürgen Voller, one of the ex-Nazis with his own outer space agenda.

With her engaging “Hunger Games” trilogy, author Suzanne Collins introduced readers to Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who lived in the nation of Panem in District 12 in what was once North America. After her father was killed in a mine explosion, Katniss became breadwinner for the family. Every year, the Capitol demanded each district produce a male and female tribute to participate in “The Hunger Games” where only a single tribute would survive. The tributes were chosen by lottery but, after her sister was selected, Katniss volunteered to take her place in the deadly games.

Katniss’ actions in the games displeased Coriolanus Snow, the President of Panem. In the upcoming prequel film, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” an 18-year-old Coriolanus has fallen from grace and must mentor the defiant female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. In the film, Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) will play Casca Highbottom, a co-creator of the Hunger Games.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will be released on June 30.

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be released on November 17.