Remember the family van? Despite the odds, the Kia Carnival continues to defy the SUV trend with a facelift bringing new looks and tech. Should you consider it over a SUV?
Gone are the days of the Toyota Tarago and Honda Odyssey – yet the fourth-generation Kia Carnival multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) people mover has just been given a refresh.
It now features Kia’s latest design theme, connected technology, and the availability of a fuel-efficient hybrid – while bringing a full driver instrument display and proper Australian-specific ride and handling tune that were previously omitted due to the pandemic.
But why should you consider the Carnival, rather than the plethora of large SUV choices?
I tested the top-spec Carnival GT-Line with the optional 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine to find out.
NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by Kia Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation. We have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.
Pros.
+ More practical interior than a SUV
+ Convenient sliding doors
+ SUV-style height
+ Comfortable and easy to drive
+ Distinctive new design
Cons.
– Cumbersome manual rear seat adjust
– Unpleasant tractor-like diesel
– Some impractical interior quirks
– No driver monitoring camera
– GT-Line is pricey
Vehicle tested:
| Model | 2024 Kia Carnival |
| Variant | GT-Line |
| Starting price | $72,910 (before on-road costs) |
| Exterior colour | Snowflake White Pearl (+$520) |
| Interior colour | Black and taupe two-tone with artificial leather seats |
| Options | 2.2L turbo-diesel engine (+$2230) |
| Country made | South Korea |
Design and quality.
The pre-update Carnival was already a sharp-looking minivan – but the facelift dials it to 11.
Adopting Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design theme in line with the Picanto city car to the EV9 large electric SUV, the Carnival now looks even more edgier than before.
Front LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are now standard and are very large, with the top-spec GT-Line’s indicator prominently replacing the entire DRL strip.
Meanwhile, the LED tail-light bar is essentially an elongated version of the Picanto and Seltos – and uniquely illuminates the entire strip as the brake light (not just at night).
The family car has also received a bolder grille and new electric car-style wheel designs, while keeping the same textured C-pillar with a silver strip that wraps around the tailgate.
Does it look like a boring family van? While the side profile is a long slab, the South Korean carmaker has implemented design touches that make it look more interesting and akin to a SUV.
The Carnival’s interior has also been modernised. A simple touchscreen strip has replaced the gloss black physical climate and infotainment control stack for a cleaner look, a single slightly curved panel joins the two displays, and it now features a 64-colour selectable ambient lighting strip that softly glows on the GT-Line’s new gloss black dashboard (previously wood).
The latter joins the previous model’s ambient lighting pattern beside all four doors, which is cleverly hidden in the gloss black plastic panel.
While Kia calls the Carnival a Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV), it is not a luxury car.
Material quality is good with a mix of soft-touch plastics and leatherette and the interior feels classy with a two-tone black and taupe theme across all variants. There are even some knurled textures around the heated/ventilated seat toggles and the gear shifter dial is lifted from a Genesis.
But, there are some scratchier plastics lower down the doors, centre console and rear rows, and the extended use of gloss black finishes is a magnet for dust, fingerprints and micro scratches.
Practicality.
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line dimensions:
| Length x width x height | 5155 x 1995 x 1775mm |
| Wheelbase | 3090mm |
| Ground clearance | 162mm |
| Boot space (min / 3rd row folded) | 627 / 2827 litres |
| Rear seat split fold | 60:40 (third row ‘sinking’ seats) |
| Child seat anchors | 5x ISOFIX + 5x top tethers |
The Kia Carnival is undoubtedly more practical and family-friendly than a SUV, while still providing a high seating position.
Thanks to the clever third row ‘sinking’ seats – which folds into the floor itself – the MPV offers a generous 627-litre boot space with all seats in use.
Granted, the cargo area is very deep, so you’ll need more effort to lift up items in and out – but there are four sturdy bag books at the seatbacks, four smaller hooks, and two large pockets on the side that are deep enough to place a handbag.
Folding the third row expands the cargo volume to 2827 litres. However, it’s a heavy chore to pull the handle, push the seat and fold/unfold the third-row seats in place.
Similarly, the second row requires pulling a lever – instead of a one-touch button – to release the seat forwards to get into the rear, the pull tabs can be hidden between seats, and all individual chairs are hefty and cumbersome to manually adjust.
Children and less able-bodied passengers could find it difficult to get in the third row and adjust the seats.
Sport+ and above models come with an electric tailgate, with a hands-free function by standing behind with the proximity key for a few seconds. However, it lacks a foot kick sensor, so there’s no hands-free functionality if the doors are unlocked.
It can also auto-close when you walk away – though the constant chirping sounds when standing at the boot can be annoying. You can temporarily turn it off this via a button, but there isn’t a button to lock the doors when closing the boot as well.
The tailgate is also quite long, so be aware that you may not be able to open the boot when backed up in a car park.
Fortunately, the sliding doors are the key advantage of choosing the Kia Carnival over any SUV.
It provides a much wider opening to get in and out, doesn’t risk kids hitting the door into other parked cars beside, and conveniently opens with a press of a button, pull of the door handle, or hands-free by simply standing next to it with the proximity key on Sport+ or higher variants (which feature powered sliding doors).
Therefore, I’d suggest avoiding the base S and Sport since the sliding doors are heavy to open manually, especially if you’re combatting a hill.
Once in the third row, there’s enough space for kids. Up to ~180cm adults can just fit with the head not brushing the roof and legs having some clearance with the soft fabric seatback in front, even with the second row in its furthest-back position. The floor is high, though.
While the Kia Carnival is an eight-seater, the middle third-row seat is very narrow – only suitable for small kids – and you’ll need to stretch the roof-mounted seatbelt across.
Welcome amenities at the back seats include retractable sunblinds for the D-pillar window (a rare feature), ceiling-mounted air vents, LED lighting, cup holders with storage cubbies, and USB-C charging ports (GT-Line Lite and GT-Line only).
Five ISOFIX and five top-tether child seat anchorage points are available on both second- and third-row seats.
Meanwhile, the second row offers plenty of space in every direction – with a grab handle to get in and out, adjustable backrest angles, rather thin fold-down armrests, window sunblinds (with hooks strangely facing the exterior rather than the interior as per the third row shades), and two-level heated outer seats.
Yet, the second row is lacking storage places with only a small bottle holder due to the sliding door. There are two cup holders with a phone slot behind the front armrest and double-layered seatback pockets, though.
Pulling down the individual middle seat tag reveals a convenient durable plastic table with two cup holders, though be aware that it’s slightly slanted when folded down.
The entire seat can be even completely detached and turned 180-degrees to face the rear – but it’s again a heavy pain.
In my experience, I couldn’t get the seat to lock back in due to the rails somehow becoming unaligned. Disappointingly, Kia doesn’t offer any instructions in the physical and digital owner’s manual – so I had to rely on YouTube.
Another impractical quirk is the placement of the rear third-zone climate controls: on the right side of the ceiling. Therefore, it’s out-of-reach for passengers sitting on the left or middle seats – unlike the Kia EV9 electric SUV.
Similarly, while the dual separated sunroofs can open, it adopts manually-operated sunblinds so parents up the front can’t shut the rear sunroof shade remotely.
The front row is equally practical with a large centre armrest and storage bin, a narrow slot on the centre console that’s ideal for placing the car key, a sizable tray upfront that has the single Qi wireless charging pad on the left passenger side, and pockets on each side of the centre console.
The front door pockets are limited and the glovebox is a decent size. The entire cabin is illuminated with bright LED light bulbs across all three rows – yet the glovebox and front sun visor mirror lights use dimmer yellow halogen-type bulbs.
Passenger Talk is also a handy function, which pumps the front microphones to the back speakers.
The new Kia Carnival now uses the same dual-function touchscreen strip as on the Sportage and EV6, which switches between controlling the three-zone climate control and infotainment.
Yet, by condensing both functions in one panel, it can feel fiddly because of the need to switch between the two screens. The dials are also small and lack resistance, so you’ll need a delicate finger when turning the temperature.
Technology.
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line tech features:
| 12.3-inch touchscreen running ccNC | 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless/wired Android Auto | Head-up display |
| Built-in maps with traffic-based routing | Qi wireless charging pad |
| Over-the-air software update capability | 6x USB-C charging ports + 3x 12-volt power sockets |
| Multi-function climate/infotainment touchscreen strip | 12-speaker Bose Premium audio |
| Kia Connect services and mobile app |
The 2025 Kia Carnival now brings a more modern technology offering and addresses key omissions from its predecessor in Australia.
Following other Kia new cars, the 12.3-inch touchscreen runs on the company’s newest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system with a modern user interface, faster processor, and reliable wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
However, the central display isn’t as curved as the related Sorento SUV and was therefore a bit of a far reach for the driver to touch elements on the far-left side.
The Qi wireless charging pad lifts the phone slightly, so it doesn’t overheat as quickly – but it eventually stops charging within an hour of driving, depending on the weather.
The system is capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) software updates, with Kia Connect services and a well-designed mobile app. It’s included for free for the first seven years.
The Kia Connect app is slightly slow, but functional with the ability to remotely start the engine and set the climate control, monitor the fuel status, and capture a photo from the 360-degree camera system.
While the previous model was missing a full 12.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster display, blind-spot camera views, and automatic wipers due to semiconductor shortages, limited supply and high demand during the pandemic, these features are now finally available on the facelifted Kia Carnival.
The driver’s display isn’t as customisable as the previous Standard Gen5W Navigation software with fairly similarly-looking themes, but is presented well and now shows when the rear brake lights are illuminated.
The head-up display clearly projects onto the windscreen, and is standard on the Sport variant and upwards.
Safety.
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line safety features:
| Front AEB with car/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning/junction crossing/oncoming lane change detection | 360-degree camera system |
| Blind-spot assist | Blind-spot view camera |
| Rear cross-traffic assist | Front, side and rear parking sensors |
| Lane-keep and lane-centring assist | Digital camera-based rear view mirror |
| HDA 2 adaptive cruise control with lane change assist | Full LED headlights with auto high beam assist |
| Intelligent speed limit assist | Part LED tail-lights |
| Safe exit assist | Kia Connect auto emergency services calling and remote location tracking |
| Lead vehicle departure warning | Remote Smart Park Assist (forwards/backwards using key) |
The new Kia Carnival features a suite of well-tuned active safety assist technologies, and finally brings blind-spot camera views.
The mid-spec Sport+ and upwards now gain Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which is a more advanced version of adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist with the ability to change lanes automatically, albeit quite slowly and under ideal conditions.
But, the steering wheel doesn’t have a hands-on detection sensor, so it often nagged when it didn’t sense a physical input.
I’d suggest choosing the Carnival Sport+ or higher in order to have the clear 360-degree surround view camera system – which provides more confidence in manoeuvring the large family van, especially in car parks and drive-throughs.
I’m also a fan of the lane-centring assist, which can be turned on at any speed without requiring adaptive cruise control enabled concurrently. It mostly works well and isn’t as aggressive with steering inputs, allowing drivers to take over without disabling it completely.
However, the updated Kia Carnival also introduces a speed limit assist system, which is handy – but can detect signs incorrectly at times and annoyingly chimes.
Thankfully, a recent OTA software update now allows owners to press and hold the mute button on the steering wheel to disable it every time you start the vehicle, while still maintaining the speed sign recognition function.
I wish there was a driver monitoring camera as part of the Kia Carnival facelift, which would help often distracted parents, and isn’t too intrusive on Hyundai and Kia cars.
Only the top-spec GT-Line features a clear and wide-angle digital rear view camera mirror, which is handy especially when there’s passengers heads behind. A normal glass mirror remains in place with a flick.
Brighter reflector-type LED headlights are now standard from the base Carnival S, but the flagship GT-Line has the advantage of projection-type small cube LED lights – with the latter on test offering good reach and spread performance at night.
Front reflector-type LED fog lights are standard from the mid-spec Sport+ and up.
Thankfully, the rear turn indicators are now LED and within the tail-light cluster – rather than being relegated low down at the bumper.
The refreshed Kia Carnival carries the same five-star safety rating as its predecessor, under less strict 2021 criteria by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The rating will expire at the end of 2027.
Range and fuel consumption.
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line (diesel) fuel and efficiency specs:
| Claimed driving range (combined) | 1108km |
| Claimed fuel efficiency (combined) | 6.5L/100km |
| Fuel tank size | 72 litres |
| Minimum fuel quality requirement | Diesel |
| Claimed CO2 exhaust emissions (combined) | 170g/km (with DPF) |
| European emissions compliance | Euro 5 |
In our week covering a mix of urban-biased and highway driving, the 2025 Kia Carnival diesel returned an average fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km.
This equates to about 935km of real-world driving range from its 72-litre fuel tank.
The optional 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine costs $2230 more than the standard 3.5-litre petrol six-cylinder, but is more economical.
The flagship Kia Carnival GT-Line now has the option of a theoretically even more fuel-efficient hybrid engine for the first time, but with a $5530 premium compared to the regular petrol V6 engine (or $3300 more than the diesel).
While the diesel is claimed to emit less carbon dioxide emissions than the petrol-only engine, it theoretically outputs more nitrogen dioxide (NOx) from the tailpipe. Diesel engine exhaust fumes are classed as a group one carcinogen, according to an agency that’s part of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Kia Carnival diesel also includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which requires routine driving at highway speeds – generally for about 30 minutes – to burn off the soot and ash that are filtered at the tailpipe.
Therefore, it doesn’t suit those who only drive in city and suburban streets.
Fuelling up is accessed via the rear-left quarter lid, which is locked in concert with the doors.
Driving.
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line (diesel) powertrain specs:
| Engine motor | 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine |
| Power | 148kW @3800rpm |
| Torque | 440Nm @1750-2750rpm |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic (torque converter) |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Kerb weight | 2245kg |
| Payload | 725kg |
| Towing (unbraked / braked) | 750 / 2000kg |
The Kia Carnival doesn’t feel like a bus to drive – but, while the available diesel engine is economical, it isn’t as comfortable for a family car.
The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine provides 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is responsive and plenty to move the almost 2.3-tonne people mover.
However, the diesel engine is agricultural and tractor-like with noticeable vibrations entering the interior when stopped and idling – akin to an old bus – along with typical diesel rattling noises when revving.
While it may suit a commercial vehicle, the old-school diesel powerplant isn’t ideal for a family car.
The standard petrol six-cylinder engine is far more refined and comfortable – but has high fuel consumption – while the hybrid offers a more enjoyable electrified driving experience at a price premium.
I’d personally stick to the standard V6 petrol and use the $2230 saving on petrol expenses.
Unlike the related Kia Sorento large SUV, all Carnivals are front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
There is some wheel slip when accelerating harder, but it rarely happens and the traction control kicks in promptly.
Overall noise insulation is good, but there is slightly more road noise from the GT-Line’s 19-inch wheels with Continental CrossContact tyres (235/55).
The refresh has also bought a proper Australian ride and handling tune – which previously wasn’t possible due to the pandemic. With a soft suspension setup, the MPV is comfortable and compliant going over bumps and rougher roads.
Fortunately, the Kia Carnival doesn’t feel like a tank to drive thanks to light steering – although you’ll definitely notice the 5.1-metre length and respectable 11.7-metre turning circle when parking and manoeuvring tight streets.
While this is a family van, it still provides a SUV-style higher driving position with a 172mm ground clearance.
Warranty and servicing.
2025 Kia Carnival (diesel) capped-price servicing costs:
| 1 year/15,000km | 2 years/30,000km | 3 years/45,000km | 4 years/60,000km | 5 years/75,000km |
| $386 | $682 | $480 | $869 | $434 |
The 2025 Kia Carnival is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty.
Servicing is required every one-year/15,000km (whichever occurs first) for the petrol and diesel engines, with prices fixed for up to the first seven visits.
For the diesel-powered Carnival, it costs $570 per visit on average after the first five services. This equates to $2851 after five years/75,000km of ownership.
Roadside assistance is included for the first eight years of the vehicle’s life, while Kia Connect services are free for the first seven years.
A temporary space-saver spare tyre is standard with all Kia Carnival models, except the hybrid. It is located underneath the vehicle, so it’s more difficult to access.
Price and rivals.
2025 Kia Carnival model range pricing (excluding mandatory on-road costs, accurate as at the time of publication):
| S | Sport | Sport+ | GT-Line Lite | GT-Line |
| From $50,150 | From $56,050 | From $62,380 | From $66,350 | From $70,680 |
The 2025 Kia Carnival range is priced from $50,150 before on-road costs in Australia.
There are five models on offer with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine as standard. A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is optional for a $2230 extra across the line-up, while a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is available on the GT-Line only for $5530 over the regular petrol.
Kia Australia plans to expand hybrid availability to more variants lower down the Carnival range in the future.
All exterior colours except Ceramic Grey require a $695 spend, but the black and taupe two-tone interior design is standard on all models.
The Kia Carnival directly competes with a limited list of mainstream MPVs below $100K:
- Hyundai Staria
- LDV Mifa
- Toyota Granvia
- Volkswagen Multivan
Other SUV alternatives to the Kia Carnival include:
- Kia Sorento (full review)
- Kia EV9 (full review)
- Hyundai Palisade (full review)
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Kluger Hybrid
- Mazda CX-90
Would I pick the 2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line?
The 2025 Kia Carnival facelift keeps the family people mover modern and attractive amid a tide of comparatively less practical SUVs.
It’s more practical than a large SUV with convenient sliding doors, a spacious interior – even in the third row – and a large boot without needing to fold any seats, while still offering a SUV-style seating height.
However, adjusting the Kia Carnival’s rear seats is cumbersome and a heavy chore compared to the related Sorento large SUV, and the top-spec GT-Line is quite pricey at almost $80K drive-away.
I’d pick the mid-spec Sport+ – which includes the more convenient powered sliding doors, a 360-degree camera, and more advanced safety assist tech for a more reasonable $8300 cheaper than the GT-Line.
If your budget is tight, the base S also represents excellent value, starting from just about $55K drive-away.
While the diesel may seem like a good median choice between the standard V6 petrol and hybrid, it doesn’t suit those who only drive in city and suburban streets due to the need to regularly clean the DPF, and sacrifices comfort with tractor-like rattling sounds and vibrations.
If you want a genuine family-friendly new car, don’t overlook the Kia Carnival.
Photographs by Henry Man
READ MORE: 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid review: Perfected SUV?
READ MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 review: Made for Australia?
READ MORE: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N review: Fresh cut.
Pros:
- More practical interior than a SUV
- Convenient sliding doors
- SUV-style height
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Distinctive new design
Cons:
- Cumbersome manual rear seat adjust
- Unpleasant tractor-like diesel
- Some impractical interior quirks
- No driver monitoring camera
- GT-Line is pricey
About the Author.
Henry Man is an independent content producer passionate about the intersection of technology and transportation.
The former automotive journalist is focused on producing critically-detailed vehicle reviews, and unique short-form content. Learn more.
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