
Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Posted
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
The 2021 Kia Carnival is a bit of a shake-up on the people-mover concept. Essentially, it's like an SUV that rides lower, but with the same blocky body shape you'd expect from a 4x4. Plus, there's room for eight. Until recently, you'd have to look at vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol to tick all those boxes.
Kia's updated Carnival people-mover is well suited for:
The Kia Carnival is now in its fourth generation. First launched in Australia in 1999, it has consistently proven a popular people-mover with Australia buyers at several points in its lifespan. Round the world, the Carnival also goes by names like Sedona and Grand Sedona. The fourth-gen model runs on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, a modular architecture also found under the skin of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento.
Kia Motors Australia's chief operating officer Damien Meredith said that the Carnival had always reliably delivered "practicality, comfort, space and power".
Meredith explained how the fourth-generation Carnival was a step forward:
"The all new Carnival still provides these essentials but adds on class leading features, with an outstanding design and driving features similar to a SUV. The appeal has increased, possibly to shoppers looking at the Upper Large SUV less than $100,000 segment."
CARDEALS2ME works with a range of dealerships in all states and territories to help buyers find the best driveaway deals on new cars.
Engine | 3.5-litre petrol V6 | 2.2-litre diesel |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
Max power | 216kW @ 6,400rpm | 148kW @ 3,800rpm |
Max torque | 355Nm @ 5,000rpm | 440Nm @ 1,750-2,750rpm |
Combined fuel economy | 9.6L/100km | 7.6L/100km |
Here's what's interesting about the all-new Kia Carnival:
And that's just the standard S spec. Higher grade models will receive features like front parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED projector lights (on the Platinum Carnival), LED front fog lights, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and a 360-degree around view monitor.
We'll bring you more thoughts once we've had a chance to get some hands-on time with the Carnival and put some solid kilometres under its wheels.
Grade | Recommended retail price | Drive away pricing from |
---|---|---|
S 3.5 V6 automatic | $46,880 | $50,390 |
S 2.2 diesel automatic | $48,880 | $52,390 |
Si 3.5 V6 automatic | $52,380 | $55,790 |
Si 2.2 diesel automatic | $54,380 | $57,790 |
SLi 3.5 V6 automatic | $56,880 | $60,290 |
SLi 2.2 diesel automatic | $58,880 | $62,290 |
Platinum 3.5 V6 automatic | $64,680 | $67,990 |
Platinum 2.2 diesel automatic | $66,680 | $69,990 |
When will the all-new Kia Carnival launch in Australia? Rumours circulating online seem to indicate that it'll be very soon, perhaps even this month (January). We'll update this as soon as we hear anything.
Looking for a new or used car? Make sure to read our car reviews. Don't forget to spend some time comparing car loans and car insurance. Doing so could save you a lot of money.
With this update, has Isuzu done enough with the 2021 D-Max to put it up the top of the pile?
What if I were to tell you that there is an SUV you can purchase in Australia that has all the trimmings of a premium model, like Autonomous Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, electrically adjustable seats and more, for just 36 grand?
Looking for a new ute? Don't buy one till you've read our 2021 ute guide
Toyota says the HiAce carries the best resale value in the LCV segment. They are also the best-selling. This latest generation HiAce is better in every single way; reviewers appraised it highly (one reviewer even gave it a 100% rating, the highest we've ever seen).
It's an Impreza-based SUV, with AWD, a trademark Boxer engine, the option of a hybrid, beefy suspension and ground clearance, and a well-reviewed off-road mode.
Our guide to finding and buying a van will help you pick the perfect model for your business.
What do you think to Kia's all-new Sorento mid-size SUV?
It starts at $50,490 and with the Holden Commodore ceasing to be available in Australia, would the Kia fastback be a good alternative?
Which electric car should you buy in 2021? Find out with our complete EV guide.
Kia wants its new Seltos to be the best compact SUV on the market.