Kia releases the all new Carnival in 2021

21 Kia Carnival range For over two decades and three generations Kia’s eight-seat Carnival has been the go-to vehicle for anyone needing to move a tribe in both the private and commercial world.

  • Fourth-generation Carnival shows styling cues from SUV-inspired design
  • Spacious and comfortable interior with panoramic screen layout
  • Intelligent packaging maintains best in class cargo space
  • New platform and assured ride boosts safety and engagement

21 Kia Carnival profile

Since its arrival in 1998 as the affordable choice for those who most needed a purpose-designed people mover, through to the new fourth generation model with style and sophistication to rival even its most aggressive SUV challengers, Carnival remains the most sensible and desirable choice for anyone prioritising space, comfort and safety.

“The Kia Carnival has always provided practicality, comfort, space and power, which has seen it consistently hold an unchallenged segment share of up to 51 per cent.” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith said.

“The all new Carnival still provides these essentials but adds on class leading features, with an outstanding design and driving features similar to a SUV. The appeal has increased; possibly to shoppers looking at the Upper Large SUV <$100,000 segment.” 

21 Kia Carnival interior 3

Based on Kia’s new mid-size platform which is shared with the new Sorento, the Carnival offers more value, space, refinement and capability than its predecessors and any current challengers.

“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle,” Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group said. “The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world.

For Australian buyers the fourth-generation Carnival will be available in four specification levels _ S, Si, SLi and Platinum _ in both petrol and diesel engines. Both the Smartstream 3.5-litre GDI V6 petrol (216kW and 355Nm) and Smartstream R2.2-litre CRDI diesel (148kW and 440Nm) drive the front wheels through a Kia-developed 8-speed automatic.

21 Kia Carnival interior

As usual with Kia, the Carnival comes stacked with features right across the range. 

The entry-level S specification comes standard with:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels,
  • roof rack,
  • solar glass windshield,
  • 8-inch AV unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,
  • 4.2-inch TFT LCD cluster,
  • 6-speaker sound system,
  • manual temperature control,
  • drive mode select with normal/eco/sport/smart,
  • keyless entry, cloth seats,
  • rear parking sensors,
  • rear view monitor with dynamic guidelines,
  • tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel and
  • a full safety suite including class-first technology (see separate safety section).

21 Kia Carnival interior 6

In addition the Si adds

  • 18-inch alloys,
  • 12.3-inch AVN unit,
  • 8-speaker sound system,
  • dual zone automatic temperature control front and single zone rear,
  • premium steering wheel and shifting knob, and
  • front parking sensors.

21 Kia Carnival interior 2

Stepping up to the SLi brings:

  • privacy rear glass,
  • smart key with push button start,
  • artificial leather seats,
  • surround view monitor,
  • power tailgate with auto close,
  • smart power sliding doors,
  • one-touch power doors and tailgate,
  • eight-way power driver’s seat, auto up/down windows,
  • electrochromic mirror,
  • Safe Exit Alert and
  • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.

21 Kia Carnival interior 4

At the top of the range the Platinum adds:

  • electronic shift by wire,
  • 19-inch black alloy wheels,
  • 12-speaker Bose sound system,
  • rear occupant alert,
  • heated steering wheel,
  • wireless charger,
  • paddle shifters,
  • dual tilting and sliding sunroof,
  • eight-way integrated memory seats with 4-way lumbar support and rear heated seats,
  • ventilated front seats,
  • LED interior lamps and
  • second and third row sunshade blind. 

21 Kia Carnival rear

Pricing

Premium Paint $695

Grade 

RRP

Driveaway Price

S Petrol Auto 

$46,880 

$50,390

Si Petrol Auto 

$52,380 

$55,790

SLi Petrol Auto 

$56,880 

$60,290

Platinum Petrol Auto 

$64,680 

$67,990

S Diesel Auto 

$48,880 

$52,390

Si Diesel Auto 

$54,380 

$57,790

SLi Diesel Auto 

$58,880 

$62,290

Platinum Diesel Auto 

$66,680 

$69,990

In depth reviews to follow soon

About Rob Fraser 2475 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.