The 2024 Kia Carnival made its global debut a couple months ago. Although Kia introduced the fourth-gen model of the luxury MPV in international markets back in 2020, in India, the Korean brand continued with the third-gen model until recently when it was silently discontinued from the market.
The flagship MPV was recently spied testing in India as well, albeit in a completely camouflaged form. Nevertheless, the visual details were clear and resonated with the facelifted fourth-gen Carnival showcased in October this year. Meanwhile, the new Carnival continues to be tested in its home market.
New-gen Kia Carnival: Design
Based on the Kia KA4 concept presented at the Auto Expo in India earlier this year, the latest iteration of Carnival gets a comprehensive visual makeover. The new Carnival highlights the ‘Modern Boldness’ concept while still being based on Kia’s brand design philosophy ‘Opposites United’. However, there are some noticeable styling changes in comparison to the KA4 concept.
For instance, the production version of the new Carnival gets a more upright nose featuring a wide grille flanked by L headlamps with integrated DRLs. The new grille gets fin-like inserts with chrome treatment while the bumper houses a small air intake lower down featuring a faux brushed aluminium skid plate.
Side profile remains largely unchanged barring the new alloy wheel designs inspired by the new-gen Kia electric SUVs like EV5 and EV9. At the rear, the inverted L-shaped LED taillamps are connected to each other across the tailgate. The reprofiled rear bumper gets a fusion of matte black and chrome.
New-gen Kia Carnival: Interiors
As per the recent spy shots, the new-gen Kia Carnival is likely to get a twin-screen setup featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Controls for HVAC and stereo are located below the central screen on the dashboard. Other notable features expected to be offered include an updated digital key, ambient lighting, front and rear dash cameras, a digital rear view mirror, and more.
New-gen Kia Carnival: Engine options
Internationally, the facelifted fourth-gen Kia Carnival is offered with a 3.5-litre V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine. The India-spec model, however, will get a 2.2-litre diesel engine that kicks out 197 bhp and 440 Nm of peak torque. This oil burner will be paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard.
