The new Kia Carnival is an excellent option for anyone looking to haul their family on long trips. The Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) capabilities expand to offer extraordinary towing abilities that rival some SUVs. After optioning a tow hitch that your local Kia dealer professionally installs, you will be able to take full advantage of towing heavy loads.

How Much Weight Can The 2022 Kia Carnival Tow?

When properly equipped, the Kia Carnival achieves a towing capacity of 3500 pounds.

With 3500 pounds of towing capacity, Carnival drivers will have many options regarding what they can tow. The Carnival can pull most utility and teardrop trailers at ease. For more adventurous outings, the Carnival can handle towing multiple motorcycles, ATVs, a teardrop trailer, or even a fishing boat.

The Kia Carnival sits as a leader in utility. While a trailer can offer additional cargo volume capabilities, the Carnival has no shortage of space in itself. The MPV can comfortably fit eight passengers in its three rows with a spacious 168.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. With the seats up, the Carnival offers 40.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Cargo volume drastically expands to 145.1 cubic feet when you fold all the rear seats down.

The Carnival can achieve its generous towing capacity thanks to its best-in-class 3.5L V6 engine outputting 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Towing Tips

While towing capabilities allow you to enhance your road trip, some care should still be taken when towing. Pulling a large load can change the driving dynamics you are accustomed to, so here are some general tips to note when towing with your Kia Carnival.

Practice Reversing

Backing up with a trailer can be confusing for the first few outings. When you want to go left, the trailer will go right, and vice versa. To better acclimate yourself to this change, it is recommended that you practice reversing with a trailer in a wide-open area before trying to tackle maneuvering it through tighter spaces.

Braking Distance

Be mindful of the increase in braking distance when hauling a trailer. A few extra thousand pounds will affect the braking distance of any vehicle, so make sure to start braking earlier than usual. Additionally, routinely check the tire on both your Carnival and trailer to ensure that they have an adequate amount of tread left to facilitate efficient braking. If your trailer has integrated brake lights, double-check to make sure they are connected to your tow hitch harness to mirror the lights of the Carnival.

Longer Length

Be mindful that adding a trailer will considerably increase the length of the vehicle you are controlling. Actions such as making a turn will require a bit of an adjustment. One will have to pull out slightly more than usual to ensure the trailer does not clip anything. Thankfully, Kia’s available 360-degree Surround View Monitor allows you to get a better understanding of the area around you and navigate easily through it.

Adjust Mirrors

Due to the added length of your towed object, your standard mirror positioning will not be adequate. Make sure to compensate and have your mirrors provide a wider field of view.

The Kia K5 is the newer mid-size sedan, but how does it compare against its Japanese rival the Honda Accord? With years of legacy to fall back on, can the Kia compete well in terms of safety, practicality, and features? What are the major similarities and differences between the K5 and the Accord?

2022 Kia K5

This generation has been refreshed for the 2022 model year. With captivating looks and efficient engine choices, it is a strong contender in the sedan market. With a 1.6L engine it may be small, but it is boosted with a turbo charger and 8-speed auto transmission.

Sport mode adds to the driving flair, and the GT-Line spec adds 18-inch wheels with some upgraded meaner looking exterior pieces. The highest GT spec comes with a 2.5L engine and 290 horsepower, ideal for a quick runabout. Despite optional all-wheel drive on other trim levels, the GT trim comes in front wheel drive only.

Interior is of good quality, with comfy seating and is extra supportive. The infotainment is sophisticated too, with an 8-inch touch screen housing most of the controls and a minimalist look.

The standard features include wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Despite blind spot monitoring not being standard, the safety feature list is quite extensive. With Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist and auto High Beams to keep you safe. Upgrades include larger wheels, more USB ports, and a large panoramic sunroof.

MPG: Up to 38 Highway, 29 City

Power: From 180hp – 1.6L Turbocharged Gas Engine. 

Price: From $23,790 MSRP

2022 Honda Accord

A huge following and popularity for generations, the Accord is Honda’s core sedan. With a 1.5L unit, it has similar MPG rating to the K5 at up to 38 on the highway. An upgraded 2.0L Turbocharged unit can be had with 252hp and a 10-speed auto transmission. A further Hybrid model is available with 212hp, having a combined 48mpg and is a lot more efficient than Kia’s lineup. However, all Accords offer front wheel drive only.

Whilst rear seat legroom is better than the Kia K5, the overall look is less exciting. Interior offers more buttons and switches to operate controls, which can be appealing for old-school drivers, the base model has plenty of equipment too.

Upper trim levels switch the cloth fabric to leather but does not upgrade the standard 8-inch touch screen – the same as the K5. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard, paired with a 160W sound system to blast your playlists. 

Safety features are good too, with the Honda Sensing Suite coming with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist as standard.

MPG: Up to 48 Highway (Hybrid), 30 City (Gas)

Power: From 187hp – 1.5L Turbocharged Gas Engine. 

Price: From $26,120 MSRP

Similarities Between K5 and Accord

Trunk space

Base power 

Safety Features

5-Star NHTSA Safety Rating.

Differences Between K5 and Accord:

Powertrain options – no hybrid in Kia’s lineup

Drivetrain Options – no all-wheel drive in Honda’s lineup

Price – Honda starts at $3,000 more MSRP

Rear Legroom and Headroom is more in the Accord

K5 vs Accord Conclusion

The K5 is exciting to drive, looks the part and has optional all-wheel drive to handle more extreme weather conditions. It starts at a lower price point too but has a couple of drawbacks including rear legroom. The Honda Accord is a practical family sedan that can fit a lot inside. With a Hybrid option it offers fuel saving in the long run but is more expensive up-front.