Kia Carnival Motoring Mum 2025 review

Kia Carnival – If there ever was a vehicle designed purely for families this is it. Toyota started the people mover evolution many years ago with the Tarago. Kia perfected the design.

Where does the Kia Carnival fit.

It’s an eight seat people mover. Or as many call it a luxury soccer mums car.

It’s a small segment of the market and the Carnival dominates it.

Kia calls it a Grand Utility Vehicle – GUV.

What is the model range?

Kia Carnival comes in five models. They are “S,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “GT Line Lite” and “GT-Line.”

All of these models come with a choice of a 3.3L V6 petrol or a 2.2L 4 Cylinder turbo diesel engine. Thay are all front wheel drive and have the familiar 8 speed Sports-Matic Transmission.

Three models, the “S,” “Sport +” and “ GT-Line” are also available with a 1.6L hybrid petrol engine matched to a 6 speed Sports-Matic Transmission.

Obviously, the level of luxury, comfort and even safety features grows as you go up the model range. However, the base model is well equipped, especially with safety features.

Full details of the various models can be found HERE.

Model pricing

Pricing for the Kia Carnival starts at $52,070 MLP* for the 3.5L petrol, through to $76,630 MLP* for the GT-Line HEV

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs, and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges).

Pricing comes from website Redbook or the manufacturers website.

Other Kia Carnival Reviews for new mums

• Kia Carnival – best new mum car Part 3
• Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best new mum car part two
• Part one – Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best mum car part one 
• Kia Carnival GT-Line – is this the best family car available
• Family holiday – GT Line driven to the Gold Coast
• Kia Carnival – Why it is so good for a family

Lets look at the Kia Carnival in a bit closer detail.

I’ve driven all of the engine choices over the years. For most of this chat I’ll be focusing on the  GT-Line hybrid version.

Kia Carnival  Styling – 8/10

Just because you’re a Motoring Mum with bub on board doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish.

Kia Carnival is certainly that – stylish. From the compact front grill and LED lights through to the sleek profile. Its attractive.

In fact, even other mums that aren’t a big fan of people movers admit that they might consider the Carnival.

It has a kind of ‘cool’ swagger to it.

Carnival interior ambience – 10/10

First up is the space inside. There’s room for eight people if needed. On top of that there is still plenty of room for luggage. That’s something many SUVs don’t have.

Being a Kia, even the entry level model the “S” is well equipped. However, as you go up the grades the level of features grows.

Inside, especially in the GT-Line models have everything you could possibly want.

Also keeping the driver and front passenger comfortable are electric adjusted seats with heating and on some model’s – ventilation.

Little comfort features like air vents for all the seats, cup holders and storage everywhere, are appreciated.

There are also a number of set and forget convenience features like automatic wipers, auto headlights, and high beam.

Infotainment Technology, connectivity  and Audio System – 8/10

There is a large central touch screen that has excellent touch sensitivity and clarity.

It’s very convenient to hook up your smart phone wirelessly and have wireless chargers as well.

On top of that there are multiple USB ports for each row is seats. There are three 12V outlets throughout the cabin as well. Idela for powering tablets if needed.

Musical nursery rhymes are becoming a regular companion when driving these days. And when you hear the same music over and over, you want it to at least be good.

I enjoyed the sound from the audio system In the GT-Line. it’s a 12 Speaker BOSE® Premium Sound System16

This includes.

• 8 Speakers,
• 2 Tweeters,
• Centre Speaker & Subwoofer and
• Centerpoint® Surround Technology

All that adds up to crisp clear music to keep bub amused and help with sleeping.

Most new mums and even the more experienced ones find themselves playing music and bub songs on the audio system.

Kia Carnival interior storage space – 8/10

This is a feature of the Carnival.

• 4 x Bottle Holders (Front & Rear Doors)
• 9 x Cup Holders
  • 2 x Front Console,
  • 2 x Centre Console,
  • 2 x 2nd Row Seatback,
  • 3 x 3rd row
• 3 x Phone Holders (1 x Centre Console, 2 x 2nd Row Seatback)
• Map Pockets (Front Doors)
• Illuminated Glovebox
• Centre Console Storage Box
• Front Seat Back Pockets
• 2 x Coat Hooks (2nd Row Sides)
• Shopping Bag Hook (Front Passenger Seat Back)
• Luggage Net Hooks (Cargo Area)
• Luggage Net

Interior space for baby seat and ease of fitting – 10/10

There are five isofix and top tether points for baby seats. And with the middle row of seats able to slide you can adjust how much room you need. The seating is practical and flexible.

You could easily fit five baby seats without an issue. But I cant imagine having five kids in baby seats. I feel for mums that might need that and am impressed.

Also, with the sliding doors and high roof line, fitting the seat is so easy.

This carries through to when your placing bub in the seat. There are no restrictions on your movements. Its just so easy.

I’ve said it before, but what really seals it for me? The sliding doors. Whether it’s getting a capsule in or helping kids climb into the back seats without hitting the car next to you – it’s honestly a lifesaver.

Carnival Boot space – 9/10

Here the Carnival has no rivals. It has probably the most practical and cavernous boot space of any competitor.

With the third row seats folded the boot space is huge. It’s also practical with a low load height and high opening tailgate.

With the third row seats on use the deep well where the seats were becomes a cavernous space.

There’s space for everything – pram, nappy bag, groceries – plus plenty of room for more kids down the line.

You can literally fit everything you need without fuss. Its so easy. Theres that word again

Safety for mum and bub – 9/10

One of the most important things new mums look for is safety. The Carnival has safety in abundance. The only feature that comes to mind that could make it safer is permanent AWD.

It comes with a Five star ANCAP safety rating – tested in Jan 2021.

Obviously, it has a strong safety cell protecting everyone inside. But there are little features that give me that warm safe feeling.

Things like

• Rear view camera with guidelines – always helpful when parking
• Blind spot monitor and collision avoidance function
• It’s a big car so backing out of car parks is helped by the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
• Emergency braking for pedestrians, cars and turning a corner if needed and
• The best one for me is a safe exit warning.

On top of those there are airbags everywhere, even for the third row seats. Also, if you do happen to get in an accident the door locks unlock, making access easier.

The hands free automatic tailgate opening on the top three models is a handy feature. So often you have bub in your arms and need to access the boot area. I really like that idea.

What is the Kia Carnival like to drive – 9/10

For a large people mover – or as Kia calls it a GUV., its surprisingly smooth and easy to drive.

That’s because its on the same platform as the Sorento im told.

Like all similar vehicles there is an adjustment needed to go through the corner a bit before you turn. But you quickly adapt.

The hybrid engine is quiet and smooth to drive. Its reasonably economical, more so around town, rather than on longer trips.

Here the diesel excels. However, the difference between these two isn’t that much to be honest.

The pure petrol version isn’t that great on fuel economy and probably should be avoided as a choice.

Driving the Carnival you rarely notice how big it is. Sometimes it feels tight in suburban carparks. Or those underground car parks with tight circular ramps.

Otherwise, it’s just like driving a large SUV.

Kia owner benefits – 10/10

Kia excels at owner benefits and that’s important for peace of mind.

They have a seven year unlimited kilometre warranty. On top of that there is capped price servicing costs so you know exactly what they will cost you.

On top of that if you do happen to unfortunately break down or even get a flat tyre, Kia offers an eight year roadside assistance service for vehicles serviced at Kia service centres.

The last thing a mum wants to do is try to change a flat tyre with a screaming bub on board.

Value for money – 9/10

These days the price of all vehicles is what you might consider expensive. However, when you compare the Carnival to other popular Premium SUV’s that buyers may shop against. I would have to say its relatively good value for money. Especially some of the mid-range models.

Final thoughts

The Kia Carnival makes it all so easy.

If you’re starting or growing your family, the Carnival just gets it. It’s the mum car I keep coming back to. The Kia Carnival is Mum life Upgraded.

Also lets mention that unlike many people movers in the past, The Kia Carnival is kind of cool for kids. As they get older, they love the space.

So, my overall impressions of the Kia Carnival is that it is Mum and Bub approved.

Instead of the Kia Carnival – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo, VW Multivan.

SUV alternatives could include – Hyundai Palisade, Yukon Denali, Toyota LandCruiser, Land Rover Discovery, Nissan Patrol

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs, and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges).

Pricing comes from website Redbook or the manufacturers website.