Does anyone really get fooled by the Kia Carnival’s SUV inspired design?
In many of its promotions, Kia has marketed the Carnival as a 'multi purpose vehicle' or MPV, and deliberately avoided calling it a 'minivan'. Minivan silhouette aside, the vehicle has more aggressive, boxy design with a longer hood and SUV proportions. Car enthusiasts and potential buyers have been debating about whether this styling truly hides the Carnival's true nature as a minivan or is merely a ploy to appeal to SUV loving consumers. The design, some say, effectively bridges the gap between minivans and SUVs. A few say it's still obviously a minivan, just with some exterior tweaks. The conversation frequently veers into whether this design tactic is smart marketing or possibly deceptive to consumers, and if it will inspire other manufacturers to do the same with their minivan designs.
It fooled me at first glance! At first I thought it was a new full size SUV then I noticed the sliding doors.
There's no way, it's still obviously a minivan. No matter how boxy they make it, the sliding doors are a dead giveaway.
It doesn't completely hide its minivan roots, but I think it succeeds in looking more upscale. It's a smart compromise.
It’s not about fooling anybody — it’s about making minivans cool again. What the Carnival does is that it does that without pretending to be something it’s not.
The design is great, but it's being called an 'MPV' instead of a minivan is a little dishonest. Just own what it is, Kia!
It did fool some folks though; people have asked me what kind of SUV it is. That's a win in my book.
It's all marketing BS. No matter how you dress it up, it’s a minivan. Embrace the practicality, that’s all!
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