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Kia Carnival 2021
Carsguide Family Reviewer Kate Edwards had this to say at the time: The Kia Carnival S is a good value, spacious people mover that is easy to drive a tribe of people around in. This model is missing some comfort and ease of use features, but the kids really loved having the space.
You can read the full review here.This is what Kate Edwards liked most about this particular version of the Kia Carnival: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Easily seats eight, Looks pretty slick
The Kia Carnival 2021 comes in a People mover and Wagon and competes with similar models like the Honda Odyssey in the Under $50k category category.
The 2021 Kia Carnival carries a braked towing capacity of up to 2000 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
The Kia Carnival is also known as the Kia Sedona in markets outside Australia.
Kia Carnival 2021 Reviews
Kia Carnival 2021 review: S diesel
Kia Carnival 2021 review: Platinum family test
Kia Carnival 2021 review
Kia Carnival 2021 review: Platinum snapshot
Kia Carnival 2021 review: SLi snapshot
Kia Carnival 2021 review: Si snapshot
Kia Carnival 2021 Price and Specs
Pricing guides
| Kia Carnival Model | Body Type | Specs | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | People mover | 2.2L Diesel 8 SP AUTO | $63,490 | |
| Platinum | People mover | 3.3L ULP 8 SP AUTO | $60,990 | |
| S | People mover | 2.2L Diesel 8 SP AUTO | $45,690 | |
| S | People mover | 3.3L ULP 8 SP AUTO | $43,190 | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 2.2L Diesel 8 SP AUTO | $66,680 | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 3.5L ULP 8 SP AUTO | $64,680 | |
| S | Wagon | 2.2L Diesel 8 SP AUTO | $48,880 | |
| S | Wagon | 3.5L ULP 8 SP AUTO | $46,880 | |
Kia Carnival 2021 Seats
Helping to boost headroom and reinforcing the Carnival’s car-like feel are lower seat heights, and the functionality of the removable centre seat in the second row has been expanded.
It can now be slid all the way forward to enable easier access to a child seat from the front, or reversed so a parent can face a child seat in either of the other second row positions. It could also be used to face those in the third row, but has not been homologated for mounting a child seat on itself in this rear-facing configuration, even though it’s technically possible. This centre seat still doubles as a table with cupholders when folded, but no longer has wheels for making it easier to move around when in storage.
The second row of seats still slide and recline three ways, so considering the removable centre section there’s three ways to access the third row, all of which are miles easier than any SUV.
One big step over the previous Carnival is that five out of the six seats now have ISOFIX and top tether child seat mounts, so you can now carry five child seats fitted as safely as possible. Previously, there were only three ISOFIX and four top tether points spread across both rows. Now, only the centre third row seat is without a child seat mount, but it is likely too narrow for this to be possible anyway.
The third row is still one of the best in the business, with good room for two adults for long journeys, and while it is a bit narrower than the second row, most adults wouldn’t mind sitting three across for short journeys. Older kids no longer in child seats will be no problem though.
Kia Carnival 2021 Interior
On the inside, the new Carnival continues Kia’s trend of pretty snazzy looking interiors, while still using sturdy materials for withstanding family use.
One particularly nice detail in the Platinum is the 3D ambient lighting in the doors, but even the base S gets great colour and texture variety.
All bar the base S get the nice and big 12.3 inch multimedia screen, where the S gets a still-decent 8-inch unit. But remember, only the smaller screen comes with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay. The rest need a USB cable.
Kia Carnival 2021 Dimensions
Dimensions for the 2021 Kia Carnival are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1995mm x 1775mm and can vary on the basis of model.
| Kia Carnival Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | People mover | 1740x1985x5115 mm | 171 mm | |
| SI | People mover | 1740x1985x5115 mm | 171 mm | |
| SLI | People mover | 1755x1985x5115 mm | 171 mm | |
| SLI | People mover | 1740x1985x5115 mm | 171 mm | |
| S | Wagon | 1775x1995x5155 mm | 172 mm | |
| SI | Wagon | 1775x1995x5155 mm | 172 mm | |
| SLI | Wagon | 1775x1995x5155 mm | 172 mm | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 1775x1995x5155 mm | 172 mm | |
Kia Carnival 2021 Boot Space
Kia Carnival 2021 Accessories
You can pick the base S trim level by its 17-inch alloys, which means no more hubcaps and steel wheels for the base Carnival as we’ve seen in the past.
Its equipment highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (yes, wireless) through an 8-inch multimedia screen, rear parking sensors, roof rails and all the most important safety features, which I’ll cover in detail under Safety.
Note the S comes with a cast plastic steering wheel though, which is a bit cheap in a car of this price level.
The Si steps up to 18-inch alloys, plus a big 12.3 inch multimedia screen that only offers corded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but adds eight-speaker audio, three-zone climate control, an artificial leather steering wheel and front parking sensors.
The SLi has the same alloys as the Si, but scores artificial leather seat trim, tinted rear windows, proximity keys, power sliding doors and tailgate, 360-degree cameras and a few other minor details.
The top of the range Platinum gets a whole new grille and black 19-inch alloys, wireless phone charger, 12-speaker Bose audio, twin electric sunroofs, heated steering wheel and first two rows of seats, ventilated front seats, memory adjustable front seats, retractable window blinds for the second and third row of seats and a rotary gear selector.
Kia Carnival VS the competition
See All Kia Carnival Comparisons
Kia Carnival 2021 Towing capacity
The Kia Carnival has maximum towing capacity of 2000kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.
| Kia Carnival Model | Body Type | Specs | Braked Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | People mover | 3.3L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| S | People mover | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| SI | People mover | 3.3L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| SI | People mover | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| S | Wagon | 3.5L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| S | Wagon | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| SI | Wagon | 3.5L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
| SI | Wagon | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 2000kg | |
Kia Carnival 2021 Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Kia Carnival here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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Kia Carnival 2018: Can the software be updated to support Android Auto?
In short, no, there is no software upgrade available. The head unit was changed for the 2019 model, and it is the new unit that has the capability of Apple and Android compatibility.
Show more -
Kia Carnival 2005: Where can I find an electrical wiring manual?
You can buy a workshop manual for the car on the Internet, and it contains a wiring diagram.
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What are the best 7-seat SUV's?
A better option for someone with a tribe to transport would be a peoplemover, such as the Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, or VW Transporter. They’re made for that purpose and much more practical than an SUV.
Show more -
Kia Carnival 2017: Error message on nav
Take the car to your Kia dealer and have it fixed. Your car is still under warranty so you shouldn't have to pay for any fixes that might be required.
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Kia Carnival 2021 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2021 Kia Carnival is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Kia Carnival currently offers fuel consumption from 6.5 to 10.8L/100km. The Kia Carnival is available with the following fuel types: Diesel and ULP.
| Kia Carnival Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | People mover | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 7.6L/100km | |
| Platinum | People mover | 3.3L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 10.8L/100km | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 2.2L,Diesel,8 SP AUTO | 6.5L/100km | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 3.5L,ULP,8 SP AUTO | 9.6L/100km | |
Kia Carnival 2021 Wheel size
Wheel size for the 2021 Kia Carnival will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models.The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted.
| Kia Carnival Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | People mover | 235x65 R17 | — | 235x65 R17 | — | |
| SI | People mover | 235x65 R17 | — | 235x65 R17 | — | |
| SLI | People mover | 235x60 R18 | — | 235x60 R18 | — | |
| Platinum | People mover | 235x55 R19 | — | 235x55 R19 | — | |
| S | Wagon | 235x65 R17 | — | 235x65 R17 | — | |
| SI | Wagon | 235x60 R18 | — | 235x60 R18 | — | |
| SLI | Wagon | 235x60 R18 | — | 235x60 R18 | — | |
| Platinum | Wagon | 235x55 R19 | — | 235x55 R19 | — | |
Kia Carnival 2021 Speed
Kia doesn't make any claims regarding the Carnival's 0-100km/h acceleration or top speed, but the power output split between the petrol and the diesel engine, combined with all models weighing just under 2140kg gives a good indication of their relative performance. The 216kW petrol engine's extra 68kW over the 148kW diesel places it well ahead in terms of performance, and you can boast to your friends that your petrol Carnival has one more kilowatt than a VS HSV GTS. The HSV is around 500kg lighter, however.
Kia Carnival News
2021 Kia Carnival pricing and specs detailed: Popular Honda Odyssey rival moves upmarket with bold new model
Kia Carnival 2020 recall: More than 2000 people movers might catch on fire due to alternator
Kia Australia wants new Carnival 2021 to step up against seven-seat SUVs like Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Santa Fe
New Kia Carnival 2021 detailed: Honda Odyssey rival upgrades engines, safety and technology
New Kia Carnival 2021 detailed: More premium interior revealed for Honda Odyssey rival
New Kia Carnival 2021 detailed: Bold exterior design for Honda Odyssey rival goes official
Kia Carnival 2021 teased: Honda Odyssey rival to be revealed soon, hints at new 'SUV-inspired design'
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