If you recognize, you recognize.
For many individuals, a Kia Carnival is a automotive you hire on vacation, totally get pleasure from for its practicality, after which utterly rule out shopping for as a result of – gasp – you possibly can’t purchase a individuals mover!
However for individuals who get previous the individuals mover stigma and buy one, it proves a useful household automotive. Right here’s one thing that may carry eight individuals (even adults!) in consolation, and carry a really respectable quantity of bags too.
Good luck discovering an SUV that may do this.
To not point out, the Kia Carnival – notably in GT-Line diesel trim, as examined right here – is a sensational highway journey automobile.
Individuals movers by no means fairly reached the heights of recognition right here as they did in markets just like the US and Europe, however years in the past the Carnival took the highest spot within the section and by no means relinquished it.
Final 12 months, it had 74 per cent share of the overall individuals mover market right here – a nearly unparalleled share in our fragmented market.
Frankly, the Carnival may very well be a 20 per cent worse automobile and it could nonetheless be price recommending, even setting apart the relative shortage of competitors.
Luckily for us, Kia takes the Carnival very significantly. That’s maybe due to the better gross sales volumes individuals movers get pleasure from within the US, the place the massive Kia goes up in opposition to rivals from Chrysler, Honda and Toyota.
However Australians get to benefit from the spoils of Kia’s repeatedly evolving individuals mover, which in 2024 gained a hybrid model.
It additionally obtained a considerable facelift which, just like the Sorento, arguably appears to be like neither higher nor worse however now has the brand new Kia company look.
In brief, Kia didn’t bollocks it up, and the Carnival nonetheless has a good-looking, vaguely SUV-like look and doesn’t appear to be a dorky van.
How a lot does the Kia Carnival GT-Line price?
Our tester was a GT-Line diesel, beforehand the highest of the Carnival tent however now the second most costly member of the lineup following the discharge of the hybrids together with a GT-Line flagship.
| Mannequin | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Carnival S V6 | $50,570 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival S diesel | $52,800 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival S hybrid | $56,100 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival Sport V6 | $56,470 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival Sport diesel | $58,700 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival Sport+ V6 | $62,800 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival Sport+ diesel | $65,030 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival Sport+ hybrid | $68,330 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival GT-Line Lite V6 | $66,770 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival GT-Line Lite diesel | $69,000 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival GT-Line V6 | $71,100 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival GT-Line diesel | $73,330 |
| 2026 Kia Carnival GT-Line hybrid | $76,630 |
It wears a price ticket of $73,330 earlier than on-road prices, sliding in below the GT-Line hybrid at $76,630 earlier than on-roads. The Carnival lineup was not too long ago expanded – Kia now gives three trim ranges with the hybrid powertrain, and you may get the diesel throughout 5 trim ranges.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash upfront – if not on the bowser – you may get the GT-Line with a petroleum V6 for $71,100 earlier than on-roads.
For context, the associated Hyundai Staria tops out at $67,950 earlier than on-roads in diesel-powered Highlander guise, although whereas it provides all-wheel drive over the Kia it misses out in different areas. Extra on that later.
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the Kia Carnival GT-Line like on the within?
Like the outside, the pre-update Carnival’s inside was already fairly good however it has however been considerably refreshed.
Headline modifications embody a brand new curved show incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen working Kia’s newest era of infotainment system.
The infotainment system has enticing graphics, logical menu buildings, and wi-fi smartphone connectivity.
Likewise, the instrument cluster can be enticing and intuitive, although there’s nonetheless no map view.
There’s nonetheless far an excessive amount of gloss black trim within the entrance of the cabin, which can be lined in smudges and dirt shortly.
That mentioned, the strip of gloss black trim working throughout the very prime of the sprint is a gorgeous design element, whereas different visually interesting components embody the intricately patterned speaker grilles, ambient lighting, and backlit graphics on the motive force’s door.
The brand new local weather management/media array, beforehand seen in fashions just like the Kia Sportage, is a intelligent approach to minimise dashboard litter with out burying capabilities in a touchscreen menu.
It includes a pair of knobs plus numerous touch-capacitive switches which management both the HVAC settings or, with the press of a button, media settings.
You peer out over a surprisingly lengthy bonnet for a individuals mover. Visibility out the again is already respectable, however it’s aided by the inclusion of a digital rear-view mirror.
There’s additionally a surround-view digicam, and it boasts spectacular decision and a trick 3D view. You subsequently shouldn’t have any difficulties parking this large individuals mover.
Storage may very well be higher. The entrance doorways don’t have giant bottle holders in any respect, whereas the centre console has a small shelf beneath on the passenger aspect however not the form of open, expansive shelf you’ll discover in a lot of in the present day’s SUVs.
Nevertheless, there’s a decently sized shelf atop the console with a wi-fi telephone charger, plus a reasonably deep, square-shaped bin.
I took a previous-generation, top-spec Carnival on a highway journey a couple of years in the past and located the motive force’s seat completely abysmal, leaving my again in ache after the lengthy drive – a difficulty I nearly by no means have with automobiles.
The brand new-generation Carnival’s seats are extra comfy, and my again felt okay after an nearly equivalent drive. Nonetheless, they’re agency, flat and unsupportive, which detracts from the Carnival’s in any other case spectacular highway journey credentials.
You and your seven passengers will be capable to get pleasure from some carpool karaoke – hopefully with out James Corden – due to the 12-speaker Bose sound system. Bose might not be the gold customary in sound programs, however this sound system is fairly rattling good.
Entering into the again of the Carnival is simple due to energy sliding doorways, which will also be operated utilizing the important thing fob.
The second row is exceptionally roomy, and is filled with facilities together with cupholders on the rear of the centre console; USB-C retailers within the entrance seatbacks; and local weather controls on the motive force’s aspect.
There are additionally controls on the entrance passenger seatback permitting second-row occupants to maneuver it to release more room, whereas every particular person second-row seat can slide and recline.
A second sunroof bathes the second row (and, to a lesser lengthen, the third row) in mild, and may be opened or hid with a sunshade.
The centre seat folds all the way down to reveal a flat floor good for video games, and one other couple of cup holders (there are 9 within the cabin in whole).
The air vents for the second and third rows may be discovered within the ceiling.
It’s straightforward to get into the third row, because the second-row seats tilt and slide with the push of a button. The third row can truly comfortably match adults, one thing many giant SUVs can’t boast.
Not like the Staria, you get ISOFIX child-seat anchor factors for all second-row seats as a substitute of simply the outboard ones, whereas there are additionally top-tether and ISOFIX anchor factors within the third row.
That makes the Carnival a way more fascinating choice for people-mover consumers with younger kids.
Additionally making the Carnival extra fascinating is the superior cargo house. Open the (power-assisted) tailgate and there’s a deep effectively behind the rearmost seats.
There’s a whopping 627L of boot house, and flat-folding the third-row seats – which you are able to do one-handed – ups that to an unlimited 2827L. The second-row seats don’t fold into the ground, nonetheless.
Not like the hybrid, you do get a spare wheel within the GT-Line diesel albeit one of many space-saver selection.
| Dimensions | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|
| Size | 5155mm |
| Width | 1995mm |
| Top | 1775mm |
| Wheelbase | 3090mm |
| Cargo capability | 627L (behind third row) 2827L (third row folded) |
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
On a drive from Blackbutt in regional Queensland again to Brisbane, we noticed gasoline consumption of simply 6.5L/100km. Not unhealthy for a giant bus!
| Specs | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L turbo-diesel 4cyl |
| Energy | 148kW @ 3800rpm |
| Torque | 440Nm @ 1750-2750rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2245kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 6.5L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 7.9L/100km (inner-city, suburban and freeway loop) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 72L |
| CO2 emissions | 170g/km |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg |
The Carnival has the identical 2000kg braked towing capability with both a petroleum or diesel engine. That is twice as a lot because the hybrid, which may tow solely 1000kg.
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Kia Carnival drive?
The Carnival GT-Line diesel is a superb highway journey companion.
It supplies a fantastically well-sorted experience, which ironed out some patchy, cracked and simply typically crappy surfaces in city and rural Queensland.
You barely really feel a factor, and but the Carnival feels properly tied down as effectively with nice physique management and an absence of float.
Tyre roar could make the cabin a bit boomy on coarser-chip surfaces, however in any other case the Carnival is sort of refined.
Kia engineers have employed sufficient sound-proofing to drown out a lot of the clatter inherent with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder, leaving a somewhat muted engine word. We didn’t whip out the decibel meter, however our impression is the Carnival is even quieter than a Hyundai Palisade with the identical powertrain.
You continue to get pleasure from the advantages of a turbo-diesel engine, mainly an abundance of low-end grunt.
The eight-speed torque-converter auto – versus the eight-speed dual-clutch used within the associated Sorento diesel – shifts easily, shortly and unobtrusively. There are paddles, however we by no means felt any want to make use of them, nor did we trouble with Sport mode.
The steering is mild, which in a automotive like that is most likely clever. It makes it straightforward to steer this round a carpark, however on a winding highway it does make the automotive really feel a bit tougher to position and subsequently extra cumbersome.
Those that despise computerized cease/begin programs can be delighted to search out the Carnival doesn’t have one, so you’ll hear the faint sound of the diesel engine clattering away whilst you wait within the faculty pickup line.
The security programs are a blended bag, however Hyundai Motor Group is forward of many rivals with the suite of know-how it gives.
For instance, as a substitute of merely sounding an alarm, the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic programs can truly intervene to assist prevent from a collision, whereas the Blind-Spot View Monitor initiatives digicam footage of your blind spot onto the instrument cluster.
There’s additionally Freeway Driving Help 2, which may carry out automated lane modifications. This is a little more gimmicky, as if it detects an excessive amount of steering enter the system spits the dummy and cancels… however then if it detects you don’t have your fingers on the steering wheel it does the identical factor.
The lane-keep help is intrusive and feels a bit like 10-pin bowling with the bumpers up. Sure, it’s superb at detecting lane markings, however it’s domineering.
On narrower or extra winding roads I discovered myself turning it off – one thing simply performed with the press of a button on the steering wheel.
The emergency steering help, nonetheless, solely interfered as soon as, gently activating on a bend within the highway with automobiles on each aspect.
There’s a radar-based rear occupant alert which went off because it was speculated to once I left someone – an grownup, I hasten so as to add – within the automotive whereas I ducked into the retailers.
It really works as follows. You get an alert as you exit the automobile to verify the rear seats, after which if any motion is detected after the motive force’s door is closed and all doorways are locked the horn will sound for 25 seconds.
Given the variety of tragic, avoidable deaths which have occurred when kids and pets have been left in a sizzling automotive, it is a welcome function.
One function we will do with out is the overspeed alert that chimes not solely while you exceed the pace restrict, however even while you merely enter a brand new pace zone. It defaults to on, too, which is frustrting.
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
There are 5 trim ranges within the Carnival vary.
2025 Kia Carnival S customary tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare
- LED headlights and daytime working lights
- Computerized high-beam
- Electrical heated mirrors
- Sliding sunvisors w/ illuminated self-importance mirror
- Fabric upholstery
- Digital park brake with auto maintain
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- ‘Primary’ digital instrument cluster incl. 4.2-inch display screen
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 8-speaker sound system
- Kia Join with OTA updates
Carnival Sport provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED rear mixture lights
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Leatherette upholstery
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Auto window defog
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear single-zone temp management
- Wi-fi telephone charger
Carnival Sport+ provides:
- Energy tailgate with auto shut
- Energy sliding aspect doorways
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Heated entrance seats
- Second-row outboard heated seats
- 8-way energy seat adjustment
- 2-way lumbar adjustment for driver
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Heated rear windshield
Carnival GT-Line Lite provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED inside lighting
- Auto up, down window for driver
- Chrome styling components (exterior handles, skid plates)
- Twin sunroofs
- *Removes 8-way energy passenger seat adjustment
Carnival GT-Line provides:
- Twin projector LED headlights
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated entrance seats
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Dial-type shifter
- Paddle shifters
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Head-up show
- Auto up, down home windows with security operate
- Gloss black centre fascia
- Distant Begin Parking Help
- 8-way power-adjustable entrance seats with reminiscence
- 4-way lumbar help (driver)
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Kia Carnival protected?
The Kia Carnival has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed in 2021.
| Class | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 68 per cent |
| Security help | 82 per cent |
Commonplace security tools contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Clever pace restrict help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Following Help (lane centring)
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear occupant alert
- Trailer stability management help
- Clever pace restrict help
- Multi-collision braking
- Reversing digicam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Linked providers with SOS name operate for crashes
- Entrance and front-side airbags
- Curtain airbags for all three rows
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Centre aspect airbag
Carnival Sport provides:
Sport+ and up add:
- Parking Collision Avoidance – Rear (AEB reverse)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Encompass-view digicam
- Facet parking sensors
- Junction Cross, Lane Oncoming, Lane Direct avoidance
- Freeway Driving Help 2
- Steering, braking, accelerating and stop-start visitors jam help
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Kia Carnival price to run?
The Kia Carnival has top-of-the-line warranties within the enterprise, and it’s backed by seven years of capped-price servicing. That mentioned, servicing isn’t low cost and averages out to $594 per workshop go to.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Kia Carnival |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | Seven years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 1 12 months complimentary 8 years in whole (service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Seven years or 105,000km |
| Whole capped-price service price | $4157 |
The diesel and petrol Carnivals’ service intervals are longer than these of the hybrids, which have to be serviced each 12 months or 10,000km.
To see how the Kia Carnival strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Carnival
If you happen to’re searching for a automobile that may seat eight individuals and lug an honest quantity of bags, then ignore the Kia Carnival at your peril.
Sure, SUVs are the trendier alternative, however on the danger of shouting right into a void right here (or preaching to the choir), the Carnival is a far superior choice until you completely want all-wheel drive and respectable floor clearance.
The associated Hyundai Staria can get you the previous if not the latter, although you commerce the good-looking, quasi-upscale styling of the Carnival for one thing that – for higher or worse – appears to be like like a shuttlecraft out of Star Trek. It could’t match the child- and luggage-hauling capabilities of the Kia, whereas nearly the whole lot else within the individuals mover section appears to be like and appears like a van with seats.
Diesels could also be falling out of favour, however the decrease upfront price than the hybrid and the superior driveability over the petrol variations make this a no brainer.
If the GT-Line is simply too extravagant for you, save the $4000 and get the nonetheless fairly comprehensively geared up GT-Line Lite. You’ll nonetheless be capable to smile smugly at different households at your youngsters’ cricket match, as they attempt to wedge gear and other people into their much less sensible SUVs.
Serious about shopping for a Kia Carnival? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
Click on the pictures for the total gallery. Extra pictures by Eliot Tsai.
MORE: Every part Kia Carnival
