Kia Carnival 2024: full exterior facelift unveiled

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Only days after the first pictures of Kia’s facelifted Carnival leaked, the digital covers have fully come off the facelifted people mover. 

Images released by the brand showcase a more contemporary exterior design for the vehicle, in line with those that leaked last week.

Currently in its fourth-generation, the Carnival will now score a new face that incorporates Kia’s signature vertical headlight treatment, updated grille, new alloy wheels, and also a re-designed rear.

The new look brings the Carnival’s styling in line with the design language featured in the rest of the lineup including the newly facelifted Sorento large SUV and EV9 electric SUV.

Powertrains confirmed for Carnival lineup

It’s also been reported that a 1.6-litre turbo petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is now confirmed for the Carnival lineup, at least in South Korea.

That engine is already seen in the Sorento and Sportage midsize SUV with which the Carnival shares a platform, however it’s not yet confirmed by Kia Australia whether that powertrain will come to right-hand drive markets such as Australia.

The people mover is currently powered by a choice of either a turbo-diesel inline-four cylinder or naturally aspirated petrol V6 domestically, with orders closed for the latter option in recent months due to high demand – though this will lift when the new model launches next year.

A hybrid powertrain would certainly make for a compelling lineup addition for the popular vehicle, which has commanded over 80 percent market share in its segment to date in Australia.

While no pictures of the interior have been officially revealed, it’s also expected that the facelift should bring interior technology and connectivity updates. 

Kia has previously confirmed the new upgrade will see the vehicle gain additional features missing at launch such as rain-sensing wipers, blind spot view monitor cameras and a digital instrument cluster.

The Korean Car Blog has also previously reported expected updates such as new dual 12.3-inch curved screen designs we have seen launched in several other recent models such as the Sorento, which we would also expect to run the brand’s latest ‘CCNC’ Connected Car Navigation Cockpit infotainment software.

Local pricing and a full list of specifications have not yet been announced, apart from the impending discontinuation of the Special Edition grade for the facelifted model.

Further detail is expected to be announced closer to launch with the new model due in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2024.