The Kia Carnival serves as the brand's entry into the minivan segment in the Philippines, however, Kia has dubbed it a Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV) as it now comes with more SUV-like styling but still retains the versatility and comfort of a minivan. It now comes with a more imposing look thanks to new proportions that make it look like a stretched SUV. It is ideal for those who prefer a slightly more luxurious way to take family and friends everywhere. It is now powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power only to the front wheels. It is available in two variants the EX and SX with each bringing compelling and exciting features to the GUV.
Launch
The Kia Carnival was launched in 2022 and serves as the fourth generation of the minivan in the Philippines. It is available in two different 7-seater variants with special paint options for each variant. Touted as the brand's executive Grand Utility Vehicle, it brings with it a new SUV-like design, a new and a new 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, and a host of new features befitting of its new executive vehicle position. On September 20, 2024, the facelifted version which features sharper styling was launched. It was made available in two trim levels the SX and EX with both coming with special color options. The Kia Carnival is also now only available in front-wheel-drive.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that produces 197hp and 440 Nm of torque. It shifts via a Smartstream eight-speed automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around. The Grand Utility Vehicle rides on a McPherson Strut and Stabilizer setup at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.
Standard across all variants of the Kia Carnival is an 8-inch infotainment system that comes with Bluetooth Handsfree operation with voice control along with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a four-speaker two-tweeter sound system. It also comes with multiple charging points spread throughout the vehicle with the main 12-volt socket being located on the dashboard, behind the center console, and near the luggage area in the rear. The vehicle also comes with power doors that can be opened by the driver. The grand utility vehicle also supports cruise control and blind spot detection as standard, however, the SX model gets access to collision avoidance assist. The SX model also has lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines. It also gets front and rear parking sensors for ease for maneuverability.
Exterior
The Kia Carnival now comes with more SUV-like looks thanks to its new proportions and a longer hood. It comes with LED headlight lamps as standard while the higher variants get dual LED headlamps. Aside from this it also gets LED Daytime Running Lights along with Auto Light Control all as standard. The taillights and high mount stop lamp is also LED as well. To round things out, its foglights are also LED compiling the lighting suite. Other standard equipments that come with the Carnival are its front and rear skid plates, power tailgate, rear spoiler, and power sliding doors.
Interior
On the inside, the Kia Carnival gets a seven-seater format with captain's chairs for the second row and a bench-type seat for the 3rd row. Unlike its Sorento brother, it gets a standard gauge cluster that displays the speedometer, tachometer, trip computer, and rheostat. It also gets steering wheel audio controls as standard and leather for all seats. Sun shades are also available for the vehicle for the second and third rows.
The driver gets 8-way power adjustability on the EX model, while on the SX variant, both the driver and front passenger gets access to this feature. For the second row, the captain's seats are manually adjustable for the EX model, while the SX gets power adjustability and cooling as well.
Safety
For safety, the Kia Carnival comes with front, driver knee, side, and curtain airbags as standard. Aside from this the grand utility vehicle also has, ABS with EBD, multi-collision brake system, hill start assist, trailer stability assist, along with 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and ISOFIX anchors.
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Get the EX variant… more value for money… the SX variant is overpriced and under featured as compared to imported vatiants… fuel consumption for long rides… 20km/l
Get the EX variant… more value for money… the SX variant is overpriced and under featured as compared to imported vatiants… fuel consumption for long rides… 20km/l
