Refreshed Kia Carnival arrives in PH with two variants, Php 2.888M starting price
A few months after its global reveal in November last year, Kia Philippines, under ACMobility, is introducing the latest version of its longest running nameplate in the local market—the Carnival.
The Kia Carnival first made its global debut in 1998, with every generation becoming available in the Philippines. The current generation was introduced in 2022 with this update aimed at urban families and premium van buyers.
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO.
For 2025, it comes available in two variants which are and priced as follows:
- 2.2 EX A/T – Php 2,888,000
- 2.2 SX A/T – Php 3,368,000
While it may look completely different, the 2025 Kia Carnival still measures exactly the same as before at 5,155mm long, 1,995mm wide, and 1,740mm tall. Seating capacity is for seven (including the driver) and there is up to 2,785L of cargo capacity.
In front, it wears Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy with its Star Map daytime running lights and vertical headlights, and a revised version of the brand’s signature tiger nose grille which gets a diamond mesh pattern. The side profile is largely the same but with a more futuristic set of alloy wheels, while the rear gets new taillights which mimic the headlights and daytime running lights.
Standard features are multi-reflector LED headlights, front and rear fog lights, black and chrome grille finish, dual power sliding doors, and a power tailgate. The EX gets 18-inch alloy wheels while the SX gets 19-inch wheels as well as a walk-away close function for the power tailgate.
Exterior paint job options are Aurora Black Pearl and Snow White Pearl for both variants, while Ceramic Silver is exclusive to the SX. These are matched to a Taupe and Off Black interior color scheme.
And speaking of interior, the refreshed Kia Carnival also receives a heavily redesigned interior. It still gets identical sleeker lines as before but with more premium touches, all matched with more technology, taking cues from newer Kia models such as the EV6.
Among its new features is a switchable control center for vehicle functions and climate control settings. This can be toggled by the press of a button.
Both variants get a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The EX gets second row captain seats and leatherette upholstery while the SX gets Premium Relaxation Seats with power recline and leg rests. The SX also gets leather upholstery, ventilated/heated first and second row seats, a wireless phone charger, rear window shades, and dual sunroofs.
Powering both variants of the 2025 Kia Carnival is still the same 2.2-liter Inline 4-cylinder Smartstream-D turbodiesel engine that produces 202 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the front wheels.
For safety, the 2025 Kia Carnival is equipped with Kia’s Drivewise driver-assistance suite composed of smart (adaptive) cruise control, blind spot detection (both EX and SX), lane keeping assist, lane follow assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and rear cross traffic alert.
It also gets a 360-degree camera and blind spot view camera systems.
Just like the rest of the Kia Philippines lineup, Carnival buyers will be able to take advantage of a five-year or 150,000 kilometer vehicle warranty, whichever comes first. It also comes with Kia’s 24/7 roadside assistance for emergency towing, minor onsite vehicle repairs, and medical or personal assistance.
With the launch of the updated Kia Carnival, the Korean automaker is strengthening its longest running nameplate in the market. Would you consider this over rival models such as the Hyundai Staria and Custin, or the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia?
