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The Kia Carnival range opens with the entry-level S ($50,150 petrol, $52,380 diesel), which scores 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and DRLs, heated mirrors, cloth seats, an electronic parking brake, and a smart key with push-button start, which is new for this update.
On the tech front, there is a new integrated 4.0-inch driver display, and a new 12.3-inch central screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, linking with an eight-speaker sound system, now with a surround-sound function.
The petrol engine is what I reckon is the lesser of the two ICE options — a 3.5-litre petrol V6, producing a rev-happy 216kW and 355Nm. The better option, I think, is the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel, which makes 148kW and 440Nm, and just suits the nature of the car a little better.
Both pair with an eight-speed automatic, and send their power to the front tyres.
The key practicality perk here, though, is space, and lots of it. At 175cm, there was ample room for me in the middle row, and you can configure the cabin to your liking, too. You can slide the row on rails, for example, to prioritise leg room where you need it, and the middle seat folds down to reveal cupholders in a kind of hard plastic travel tray.
But even in the third row I could easily get comfortable, though head room begins to get a little tighter. There are cupholders and USB connection points, too, and I can honestly say you could send full-size humans back there and not feel overly guilty about it.
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 2.2L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO | $67,580 | 2024 Kia Carnival 2024 Platinum Pricing and Specs |
| S | 3.5L, —, 8 SP AUTO | $47,480 | 2024 Kia Carnival 2024 S Pricing and Specs |
| Special Edition | 2.2L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO | $63,190 | 2024 Kia Carnival 2024 Special Edition Pricing and Specs |
| Si | 3.5L, —, 8 SP AUTO | $52,980 | 2024 Kia Carnival 2024 Si Pricing and Specs |
$50,150
Lowest price, based on new car retail price
