New Kia Carnival MPV Key Details Revealed

Kia India has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Carnival, which will be introduced in the country on October 3. Currently sold worldwide as Kia's flagship MPV, the Carnival will be imported into India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route for the initial launch phase. Alongside the new Carnival, Kia will also be launching the EV9 electric SUV in India next month. The company has already started accepting bookings for the new Carnival with a token amount set at ₹2 lakh. 

Also Read: Kia Carnival MPV India Bookings To Open On September 16

The new Carnival adopts Kia's latest design language, presenting a more boxy and sharper appearance compared to the third-generation model, which was sold in India until June 2023. The vehicle's front profile is dominated by Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, flanked by vertically stacked LED headlamps featuring a unique L-shaped LED daytime running light (DRL) configuration.

A key highlight of the new design is its bold, SUV-like styling, marking a departure from the rounded contours of the previous model. Kia has equipped the India-spec Carnival with 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear section carries forward the L-shaped theme in its tail lights, linked by an LED light bar for a modern, cohesive aesthetic. The C-pillar gets a silver chrome inset that merges with a chrome garnish at the bottom of the rear windshield. Kia will offer the Carnival in India with only two exterior colour options: Glacier White Pearl and Fusion Black. 

Also Read: New Kia Carnival Exclusive Review; India Launch Later This Year

Inside, the Carnival offers two dual-tone themes: Navy and Misty Gray, and Tuscan and Umber. The interiors exude luxury with the use of premium materials and a plethora of high-end features. The cabin layout is a standard 7-seater (2+2+3), positioning it as a practical family vehicle with a focus on comfort, especially for the second-row passengers.

The vehicle boasts twin 12.3-inch curved displays—one for the infotainment system and another for the digital instrument cluster—enhancing the tech-centric cabin experience. Other features include a 4-spoke steering wheel, dual electric sunroofs, a head-up display, three-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and powered sliding rear doors. 

The second-row captain seats, which are often the centrepiece of any luxury MPV, come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, as well as adjustable leg support. Additionally, a 12-way powered driver’s seat and a powered tailgate underscore the Carnival’s focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

Kia has not compromised on safety, providing an extensive suite of features in the new Carnival. It comes with 8 airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist Control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Parking is made easier with front, rear, and side parking sensors. A major addition is the inclusion of Kia's ADAS Level 2 suite, bringing advanced driver assistance systems to the forefront. This suite includes features like Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Warning, and Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The new Carnival will be powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine producing 190 bhp and 441 Nm of peak torque. While the torque output is marginally higher than the previous model by 1 Nm, there is a noticeable 7 bhp drop in power output. The engine is paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, sending power exclusively to the front wheels. Although the output figures might seem like a slight downgrade, the engine is expected to offer sufficient performance for highway cruising and urban commuting, given its torque-heavy characteristics.

The new Carnival will be available in two variants: Limousine and Limousine Plus. As it will be brought to India via the CBU route initially, the vehicle is expected to be priced above ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Kia has announced plans for local assembly in the future, which is likely to bring the price down over time. 

Currently, the Carnival does not have any direct rivals in the Indian market, placing it in a unique position. It will be slotted between the Toyota Innova Hycross, priced between ₹19.77 lakh and ₹30.98 lakh, and the Toyota Vellfire, which costs between ₹1.22 crore and ₹1.32 crore.