New Kia Carnival Facelift – First Look Review

• Sulman Ali


• 5 Mar 2025

This Kia Carnival Facelift is something that you can get for value for money because it can comfortably seat 11 passengers and even has room for extra luggage. With dual sunroofs and a price that still seems very attractive, I understand this vehicle very well.

This is the Kia Carnival, and today, we present you with its first-look review. We are here at K Sama Motors with the fourth-generation Kia Carnival, which is the first facelift of the model. Though the previous version already had a modern design for the front, side, and back, they have now taken it a step further.

Engine

Under the hood lies a 3.5-liter V6 engine that drives the front wheels and produces almost 270 horsepower.

• Performance: This engine ensures that the car is not exactly slow.
• Front Grill Accents: If you look at the front grill, you will notice chrome patches in the middle. Behind, the shiny plastic is complemented by a dash of chrome or a matte finish silver garnish that extends along the opening for the heat exchangers and the front diffuser. This silver garnish gives the car a pronounced and decent look.

Tyres & Wheels

The Carnival now comes with redesigned two-tone wheels that give it a very fresh look.

• Tyre Quality: It is equipped with Continental tires that are robust enough to maintain the car’s comfort on any road.

Front Looks

When it comes to the front appearance, the changes are very noticeable.

• Headlights & DRLs: First, you’ll notice that the design of the headlights has changed completely. The entire LED DRL is now active, and you’ll also find four projector headlamps. This new design is what they call “Star Map LEDs.”
• Additional Details: Additionally, you will see LED fog lamps. The front also appears quite flat, and you can see that Kia’s new badging has been added.

Side Looks

From the side, you might not fully notice the length at first glance, but it is indeed a very long car compared to the previous generation.

• Dimensions: It is about 1.6 inches longer, and the wheelbase is increased by 1.2 inches, which significantly improves both seating capacity and luggage space internally.
• Exterior Accents: On the doors, you can again see the silver garnish on the front and rear handles, along with a smart entry system. Additionally, there’s a roof rack that accentuates its height.

• The design updates continue at the back.

Rear Looks

When the rear opens, especially during rain, it forms a complete shade over the car. This is particularly useful for those 11-seater configurations, making it not just a vehicle for adults but also extremely comfortable for long journeys.

• Rear Design: You’ll notice that the rear end is completely redesigned. Although it maintains a flat profile, the high roof turns into a spoiler. Inside this area, the brake lamps, hidden rear wiper, and a complete strip of LED lamps are all integrated. The reverse camera and parking sensors are neatly positioned on the painted bumper, while the rear features a matte finish.
• Additional Elements: Overall, the car features several chrome and matte silver details that add a refined look, making it a comprehensive package.

4th Row & Boot Space

This section highlights the flexible interior:

• Versatility: Charging points are available, and an LED light is provided for the power tailgate. When you explore the interior, you will see numerous changes and added features that make it a complete package.
• Interior Convenience: The second-row features power-operated side doors with many buttons that can be operated via a multi-button system. The same is true for the third row, where, upon folding the seats, you get additional cup holders and a massive tray to store your belongings. This layout enhances both passenger comfort and cargo capacity.
• For short journeys, the rear seating is very comfortable. Plus, if you fold the seats down, you gain massive space on the left side, along with extra compartments and a 12-volt socket for charging, especially if rear passengers need to charge their devices.

Interior

The cabin is designed to elevate comfort:

• Material & Lighting: The interior boasts a top-notch headliner in a beige color, underneath which you find black hard plastics. Ambient lights in the form of dots add a modern touch, all set in pin-black.
• Advanced Features: You also have window controls, heated seat buttons, and a combination of plastic and 10 leather seats that give the whole cabin a lively feel.
• Seating & Controls: Up to three occupants can sit comfortably, and if required, the seats can be adjusted up or down. The interior also includes a 12-volt output, cup holders, and a unique boss seat function, allowing the rear seat to be controlled by the person seated behind.
• Driver-Centric Updates: The driver’s seat, along with the front cluster, has been updated with keyless entry, memory seats, and a massive door card designed for comfortable entry and exit. There are also additional ambient features like dotted lines for lock/unlock functions, side mirror adjustments, and auto window functions.

Features

The car comes loaded with numerous features:

• Steering & Controls: A completely round, leather-wrapped steering wheel with dark grey stitched edges and a three-spoke design comes into play. On the right side, you will find controls for cruise control and other adjustments, while the instrument cluster is accessible from the left side with media buttons.
• Infotainment & Digital Displays: There is a 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen that is very responsive and supports various functions, such as phone projection and online/manual setup. A push-start button, double-press function, and notifications for fuel, temperature, gear, and engine status are also provided.
• Additional Conveniences: The car offers dual-zone climate control, auto climate settings, internal ventilation, and a variety of outlets. A wireless charging pad and a digital transmission display enhance the overall driving experience.
• Transmission & Drive: The car comes with different drive modes, including auto-hold and power parking functions, which are controlled via a robust electronic parking brake. There are also options to control drive modes, steering adjustments, and more via paddle shifters.

Safety Features

Safety has been a significant focus:

• Airbags & Structural Safety: The vehicle is equipped with eight airbags and six additional ADAS features.
• Advanced Driver Assistance: It also includes smart cruise control, ensuring high safety standards throughout.
• Overall Package: The car is a complete package designed for families, ensuring comfort, convenience, and high safety.

Price

• The price of the Kia Carnival facelift is Rs. 17,500,000.

Conclusion

This review of the facelifted Kia Carnival highlights its strengths as a family-oriented vehicle, offering comfort, safety, and style. Every aspect, from the upgraded exterior design to the enhanced interior features, has been carefully rethought. Whether you’re planning short trips or long journeys, the Carnival’s design improvements ensure a pleasant ride for all passengers. For more details and deeper insights, visit park.com. If you’re considering a change, the new Carnival might be the perfect fit for you.