- triking SUV-inspired design delivers a bold and commanding presence
- Exceptional utility meets premium comfort, with versatile multi-seat configurations
- Enhanced driving performance powered by the potent 2.2L Smartstream turbodiesel engine
- Enhanced safety features thanks to Kia’s world-class Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Available in South Africa with a 6-year / 90,000km full maintenance plan along with a 5-Year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty
The newly enhanced Kia Carnival remains a versatile companion for modern families who live life to the fullest. Positioned uniquely between rugged SUVs and traditional people-movers, the Carnival blends the best of both; offering cutting-edge technology, a powerful engine and platform, and a premium, spacious interior.
The Carnival features a bold, confident design that echoes the striking visual language of Kia’s latest SUV successes like the Sorento, Seltos, and Sonet. Inside, this three-row vehicle, available in seven or eight-passenger configurations, offers exceptional refinement, smart technology, and versatile functionality. It provides ample space for everything from passengers and playtime gear to DIY supplies.
The new Kia Carnival is powered by a robust 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ CRDi turbodiesel engine, delivering the strength to confidently tow up to 1.5 tons, whether it’s a trailer, boat, or caravan. This capability is further supported by an extensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ensuring peace of mind on every journey. Altogether, the Carnival represents an exceptional blend of contemporary design, power, safety, and luxury.
With its SUV-inspired presence, premium features, smart packaging, and cutting-edge safety and tech innovations, the Carnival offers incredible value wrapped in a bold, forward-thinking design.
Refined exterior
The Carnival embraces Kia’s contemporary SUV-inspired design language, aligning seamlessly with the sharp, confident styling seen across the brand’s latest models. With a modern and commanding presence, the sculpted bonnet lines amplify its striking character, while pronounced wheel arches lend a robust, muscular profile.
A bold character line runs the length of the vehicle, visually connecting the front and rear lighting elements. Premium design touches, such as large two-tone side mirrors, black and chrome rocker panel mouldings, and a rear skid plate garnish, underscore its upscale appeal. Completing the SUV-like stance are stylish 18- or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels, fitted as standard.
Premium, flexible and innovative cabin
Inside, the Kia Carnival exudes sophistication, where sleek design elements and high-quality materials combine to create a refined and harmonious cabin. The central fascia features a premium high-gloss black finish, while a signature chrome strip runs across the dash, adding a sense of width and openness to the front cabin. Slim, metal-effect air vents enhance the modern feel, complemented by a stylish two-tone leather interior.
Beyond its upscale design, the Carnival delivers outstanding versatility, with seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level. Whether for long road trips or quick hardware store runs, it offers impressive space and comfort. With all seats in place, there’s a generous 1,139 litres of luggage space. Remove the second row and stow the third row flat, and cargo capacity expands to a remarkable 4,110 litres.
The seven-seat variant features two individual second-row chairs that mirror the comfort and flexibility of the front seats.
In the top of range SXL model, this seven-seat variant features Kia’s innovative ‘Slide-Flex’ seating system which offers multiple configurations for seven passengers, including a sliding second-row centre seat. When moved fully forward, it allows front passengers easy access to a child or baby, and it can also be transformed into a convenient table.
The Carnival is packed with thoughtful features designed to make every journey easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Highlights include standard hands-free electric sliding side doors with Smart Key functionality, and on SXL, a Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close, making loading and unloading effortless.
All the power you could need, without the related fuel bills
The front-wheel-drive Carnival line-up keeps things simple with a single powertrain and transmission combination. Kia’s ‘Smartstream’ 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel engine is the perfect partner for the Carnival. The engine boasts 148kW at 3,800 r/min combined with 440Nm or torque from 1 759 r/min all the way through to 2 750 r/min.
The ‘Smartstream’ engine pairs seamlessly with Kia’s 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, delivering smooth, effortless shifts whether you’re cruising through the city or towing a heavy trailer.
The Safety of Advanced Driver Assistance
Designed with safety in mind, the Carnival employs the latest in innovation and protective technology to ensure peace-of-mind when driving with your loved ones.
As part of Kia’s overall commitment to safety, the Carnival has a more comprehensive list of standard Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features than any of its rivals, including the following standard on flagship SXL:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA): assists the driver when braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions if a pedestrian or vehicle is detected in front. Uses automatic braking to avoid or mitigate an impact.
- Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA): Under certain conditions, this system can detect vehicles travelling in the next lane. When a vehicle is “seen” in the blind spot, the vehicle brakes the outer wheel under certain conditions to help return the vehicle to its lane.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Helps detect most approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and applies brakes.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) with Lane Following Assist (LFA): Follows lane markings that the system detects and provides steering inputs to help maintain the vehicle in the centre of the lane.
- Segment-exclusive Blindspot View Monitor (BVM): Projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster and activated via the turn signal.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC): Proactively raises and lowers the vehicle’s speed and distance to vehicles in front.
- Around View Monitor (AVM): Utilises four cameras to provide a 360-degree perspective around the vehicle enhancing driver confidence in tight parking situations.
Two specification levels offered:
Available in two district trim levels, the range begins with the well-equipped EX model, offering exceptional value for money through its impressive list of standard features. Highlights of this derivative include:
- 12,3” Audio Display Infotainment & RDS
- Front and rear adjustable air-conditioning
- Auto light control
- Auto-folding side mirrors
- Overhead console lamps
- 4 USB ports
- Drive Mode Select
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Leather trim
- LED headlamps
- PDC front and rear
- 18” aluminium alloy wheels
- 7 airbags
- ESC plus Hill-start Assist Control
The flagship of the range is the SXL model which comes fully loaded with a host of luxury and convenience features, including:
- 12.3” Integrated Display Supervision Cluster TFT LCD & RHEOSTAT
- Wireless Charger for Smartphone
- BOSE surround sound with 12 speakers
- Blindspot View Monitor
- 19” aluminium alloy wheels
- Dual tilt and slide sunroofs
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support
- Rear LED combination lamps
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Around View Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Ventilated seats (driver & passenger)
- Heated seats (driver & passenger)
- Driver Memory Seat
- Heads Up Display
A global leader in manufacturing
As with its Sorento stablemate, the new Carnival is built at Kia’s technologically advanced Hwasung manufacturing facility in South Korea.
| Model | Recommended Retail Price incl. VAT |
| Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX 8AT 7-Seater | R1, 049, 995 |
| Carnival 2.2 CRDi SXL 8AT 7-Seater | R1, 299, 995 |
Both Carnival models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), as well as a 6-year / 90,000 km maintenance plan. The latter is a comprehensive package that covers a number of components at no cost to the owner over and above a standard service plan, including (but not limited to) brake pads, discs and linings; shock absorbers, battery; clutch; cambelt; various belts; globes and fuses.
