New Kia Carnival 2021 spied testing in Australia

The new-generation Kia Carnival people mover has been caught during Australian testing in Victoria’s high country.

The all-new model is set to bring with it a startling new design as these spy images reveal, including a sharp nose design with slimline headlights reminiscent of those seen on the Soul crossover, a distinctive new look for the grille, and a sharp new window line that appears considerably more squared-off than the current version. 

These spy pics seemingly appear very close to the rendering of the 2021 Carnival we saw earlier this year, and while the cladding at the rear of the car is generously applied, it appears the section between the C- and D-pillar will be a very different design to what we’ve seen to this point.

Further details are still thin on the ground, with Kia Australia’s team saying it’s “too early” to comment on powertrain details at this point in time. However, it seems likely the new Carnival will mimic the engines offered in the new-generation Sorento, with which it shares a platform.

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That’ll mean the choice of a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with 206kW of power and 336Nm of torque, or a new-generation 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder with 149kW of power and 440Nm of torque. It’s expected the diesel will use a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the V6 will have a standard eight-speed auto. 

And for those wishing that the Carnival could finally adopt all-wheel drive, the chances appear slim. It’s expected the new model will remain a front-wheel drive vehicle, with rear packaging prioritised for seating rather than traction. 

Buyers can expect the new Carnival to retain its clever eight-seat layout, and that the new model will bring a lot of the advanced technology and equipment found in the new Sorento. As such, digital instrumentation, a large media screen, ambient lighting, advanced safety systems and plenty of luxury inclusions on the high-grade models are expected.

The all-new Kia Carnival 2021 model is expected to launch in the fourth quarter in Australia, with the new Sorento set to be on sale in Australia around the middle of 2020 in diesel trim, with the petrol version expected later in the year.