Kia Carnival MPV price, launch date, features, powertrains, rivals

Kia is set to unveil the new Carnival at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023. The fourth generation model, revealed globally in 2020, gets SUV-inspired styling and is larger than before.

1. New Carnival gets 7-,9- and 11-seat options 
2. Gets 2.2-litre diesel engine 
3. Will rival the Toyota Innova Hycross 

New Kia Carnival: fresh looks, more space 

Compared to the existing third-generation Carnival that’s already on sale in India, the new fourth-gen MPV looks more like an SUV, thanks to its angular lines and a squared-off stance. It features the brand’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille with a diamond pattern flanked by sleek headlights. It gets a prominent chrome finish for the lower air intake, and a faux skid plate adds to its SUV-like look. 

Kia has reduced the new Carnival’s front overhang, and pushed the A-pillar back to make the bonnet longer. Notable design elements along the profile include a prominent character line that runs the length of the MPV linking the head and tail-lights. It also gets a chrome fin for the C-pillar, and the A-, B- and D-pillars are finished in black, creating what Kia calls an ‘island roof’. At the rear, the Carnival gets LED tail-lights linked by a large LED light bar. 

At 5,156mm in length, the new Carnival is longer than before, and significantly longer than the recently launched Toyota Innova Hycross. 

New Kia Carnival: more features, multiple seating options

On the inside, the new Carnival features a more minimalist design with two 12.3-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and another for the touchscreen infotainment taking the centre stage. The new cabin is even more practical with more storage spaces. 

The new Carnival is loaded with features with higher spec variants getting features like three-zone climate control, powered front seats, wireless charger, premium sound system and safety equipment like lane departure warning, forward collision assist and multiple airbags.

In terms of seating layouts, globally, the new Carnival is offered in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations. The MPV has a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, translating into more space for rear rows. 

New Kia Carnival: 2.2-litre diesel to continue

Globally, the new Carnival is offered with two engine options – a 201hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine and a 296hp, 3.5-litre petrol engine. In India, we are likely to get only the diesel powertrain, which is also found in the outgoing model sold here.

New Kia Carnival: price announcement and rivals 

Kia for now will be showcasing the new Carnival at the Auto Expo 2023. The new MPV could go on sale at a later date in the Indian market. Pricing for the new Carnival could start at around Rs 30 lakh mark and could hit Rs 40 lakh for the higher variants. The fourth generation Carnival was revealed globally in 2020, and is almost three years late to the Indian market. Interestingly, the third generation model was launched here only months before the global debut of the fourth-gen model. 

Given the size and price bracket that it sits in, the existing Carnival rivals some variants of the Innova Crysta (expected to get an update next year). The new Carnival will compete with the recently unveiled Innova Hycross (price announcement in January) which has gone more premium  in terms of features and tech and its top-spec variant is expected to cost upwards Rs 30 lakh. 

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