4th-gen Kia Carnival finally fully revealed

After releasing a couple of images at different times and slowly revealing various specifications, Kia has finally revealed the entirety of the all-new fourth generation Carnival. The Kia Carnival is the brand’s flagship minivan and is dubbed as the “Grand Utility Vehicle.”

This new fourth generation Kia Carnival is an evolution of the current third generation model. Kia says that the new model has a more architectural sense of solidity and an upgraded appearance that draws on the overarching design characteristics that link all of the identities of Kia’s vehicles.

We already know what the all-new Carnival looks like on the outside. If there’s one thing that makes it different, it’s that it looks more like an SUV than a minivan and that’s true even for Kia’s designers as they say the exterior is in fact SUV-inspired. It gets a shorter front overhang, and a simple character line that connects the front headlights to the rear taillights. In front, it gets a new “tiger face” where Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille is integrated into the headlights. The high-beam portion of the headlights are visibly integrated into the grille which gives this van a somewhat more unique look. The LED daytime running lights also run beneath the low-beam headlights and connect to the lower part of the front grille.

We also know what it looks like on the inside and it is definitely a lot more premium than any other previous generation Carnival, and probably even compared to rivals. Quality and design are increased with a more futuristic look and new high tech ambiance. Most obvious is the new wraparound dashboard that is integrated with the door panels. Slim airconditioning vents are also present which look as if they were pulled from a luxury sedan or SUV.

Very visible is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is integrated to the digital driver’s instrument cluster of the same size. Buttons are almost non-existent on this new dashboard as most of them have been replaced with touch-sensitive ones both for the infotainment and climate control. A traditional gear lever is also not present, the new Carnival instead gets a shift dial.

As the new Kia Carnival gets a longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang, and a wider body, there should be more interior space for passengers. Depending on the market, the Carnival can be had with three- or four-row seating configurations, with space for 7, 8, or 11 total passengers. The 7-seater option will have what Kia calls “Premium Relaxation Seat” on the second row. These seats have adjustable back, leg, and arm rests which should provide business class-like seating for maximum comfort.

The Carnival also offers live telematics information via the in-car touchscreen and on their smartphone. Depending on local market conditions, Kia Live services provides live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability). It also enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey, and check the location of their vehicle at any time. The infotainment system also enables users to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth at the same time, enabling separate phones to be used for phone calls or media.

Technology is also used to create a more sociable environment within the cabin itself, with the fourth-generation Carnival boasting a new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature. Front passengers can use this to check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system – instead of turning around in their seat. It also lets front occupants communicate more easily with other passengers, as the system amplifies their voice through the rear-seat speakers. Should front occupants allow, a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ technology also lets occupants in the second row issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.

As expected from a minivan, the 2021 Carnival is also equipped with one-button smart open-and-close for the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate. This feature can also be accessed through the vehicle’s key fob.

Under the hood, the all-new 2021 Kia Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) V6 engine which produces a max output of 294 hp and 355 Nm of torque. Another powertrain of the same size but a multi-point injection (MPI) version is available, producing 272 hp and 332 Nm of torque. The Carnival can also be had with a new 2.2-liter Smartsteam diesel engine which produces 202 hp and 440 Nm of torque. All these powertrain options are paired to 8-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

As for safety, the new Carnival boasts a range of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems. Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving, making the Carnival relaxing, safe and confidence-inspiring to drive.

Depending on market and vehicle specifications, the ADAS range includes available technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), and Surround View Monitor (SVM). It is also equipped with Safe Exit Assist (SEA). This prevents the power-sliding rear doors from opening and passengers exiting the vehicle if the system detects a car approaching from behind on either side.

The Carnival is fitted with up to seven airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems. All models are equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control, helping drivers maintain control under braking and cornering.

We can expect the 2021 Carnival to be available in the Philippine-market as every generation has been sold here and it is also quite popular in the minivan segment locally. The all-new 2021 Kia Carnival is expected to go on sale by the third quarter of 2020. Other markets which will most likely include the Philippines should follow soon after.