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EXPERT RATING
7.5

Likes

  • Space for everyone and everything 
  • Diesel donk perfectly matches the Carnival 
  • Improved safety across the range

Dislikes

  • Holds back safety for top-spec models
  • Diesel soundtrack a constant
  • Price rises everywhere 

The Kia Carnival range opens with the entry-level S ($50,150 petrol, $52,380 diesel), which scores 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and DRLs, heated mirrors, cloth seats, an electronic parking brake, and a smart key with push-button start, which is new for this update.

On the tech front, there is a new integrated 4.0-inch driver display, and a new 12.3-inch central screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, linking with an eight-speaker sound system, now with a surround-sound function.

The petrol engine is what I reckon is the lesser of the two ICE options — a 3.5-litre petrol V6, producing a rev-happy 216kW and 355Nm. The better option, I think, is the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel, which makes 148kW and 440Nm, and just suits the nature of the car a little better.

Both pair with an eight-speed automatic, and send their power to the front tyres.

The key practicality perk here, though, is space, and lots of it. At 175cm, there was ample room for me in the middle row, and you can configure the cabin to your liking, too. You can slide the row on rails, for example, to prioritise leg room where you need it, and the middle seat folds down to reveal cupholders in a kind of hard plastic travel tray.

But even in the third row I could easily get comfortable, though head room begins to get a little tighter. There are cupholders and USB connection points, too, and I can honestly say you could send full-size humans back there and not feel overly guilty about it.

Kia Carnival 2024: S

Safety Rating
Engine Type V6, 3.5L
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency 9.6L/100km (combined)
Seating 8
Price From $46,420 - $54,010

Pricing Guides

$74,841
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Hyundai I30 2024 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$47,480
HIGHEST PRICE
$76,210

Range and Specs

Vehicle Specs Price*
GT-Line 2.2L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC $72,910
GT-Line Lite 2.2L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC $68,580
Platinum 2.2L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC $67,580
See all 2024 Kia Carnival in the Range
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold. But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul. And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard. When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House. But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others. More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.
About Author
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