The new people mover takes design cues from the trendy Sorento large SUV, which should elevate its appeal further.
Inside, the Carnival promises more space and adjustability than any SUV with the ability to remove chairs entirely, and seat up to eight occupants.
The new Carnival is longer and wider than before.
The Carnival sits on a new platform and has grown by 10mm in width and 40mm in length, with a 30mm longer wheelbase (now 3,090mm) which brings cargo space to an incredible 627L in eight-seat configuration, besting competitors like the Honda Odyssey.
As before, the Carnival offers space for eight and the range consists of four grades starting with the S and topped by the Platinum.
Kia offers either a 3.5-litre petrol V6 which carries over from the previous model with outputs of 216kW and 355Nm or a refreshed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that pushes out 148kW and 440Nm. That diesel is up 1kW from before, and benefits from a lighter aluminium block.
It may be all about occupant space, but the new Carnival’s design is pleasing to the eye.
The diesel also adds $2,000 over the V6, but the oil-burner’s 6.5L/100km claimed fuel consumption bests the 9.6L/100km claimed by the petrol.
Starting the Carnival range is the $46,880 ($50,390 driveaway) S, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, keyless entry, cloth upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels.
All Carnivals benefit from a comprehensive list of safety features including seven airbags, AEB with junction assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist and speed-sign recognition.
The Carnival boasts supreme adjustability across all grades.
Moving up to the Si sees the addition of an eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, leatherette-appointed steering wheel and shifter, 18-inch alloy wheels and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for $52,380 ($55,790 driveaway).
The more premium SLi variant bolsters safety further with a 360-degree monitor, rear AEB and safe-exit assist systems.
Naturally, there are classier features inside the SLi for $56,880 ($60,290 driveaway) including push-button start, leatherette upholstery, power sliding doors and tailgate and electrically-adjustable driver’s seat.
The range-topping Platinum gets all of the goodies.
Topping out the Carnival range is the Platinum for $64,860 ($67,990 driveaway) distinguished by a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and LED indicators outside.
Inside the Platinum, a rotary dial and paddles replace the physical gearstick, while both the driver and passenger get electrically adjustable seats with memory function, heating, cooling and lumbar support. Rear passengers also benefit a heated bench, LED interior lighting and third-row sunshade.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen features in the Si grades and above.
Kia Carnival 2021: pricing in Australia
All prices include on-road costs.
- S Petrol – $50,390
- S Diesel – $52,390
- Si Petrol – $55,790
- Si Diesel – $57,790
- SLi Petrol – $60,290
- SLi Diesel – $62,290
- Platinum Petrol – $67,990
- Platinum Diesel – $69,990
