The Carnival line has gone through a host of iterations and has been the South Korean automaker’s go-to MVP. While early models played into the ‘bland’ stereotype that some associate with minivans, more recent releases have sported more muscular designs that make the car look closer to a Range Rover than a traditional car in this class.
That trend has continued with the 2022 model, which landed in Malaysia this year, and is the first to sport the automaker’s redesigned logo. The front end is boxy and broad and the sides features hard, straight edges, not unlike the 2020 model that preceded it. The only thing separating it visually from an SUV is the back, which extends further than the typical SUV’s might to accommodate extra seating.
The Carnival, like any MPV, is a passenger-centric car. It seats 10 after all. Customers for cars in this class are, in all likelihood, looking for a vehicle to move their families around in comfort or are getting one to be chauffeured in.
The Carnival handles roads of all conditions nicely, with the ride staying plush and comfortable throughout. There is minimal cabin noise at lower speeds, but things can get a little noisy when you push the car over 100km/h.
Even at 188cm, this reviewer was comfortable with the legroom in every row except the fourth. There is also ample headroom, so even the tallest families could pile in without anyone having to strain their necks.
Kia’s done a good job providing a premium feeling to the cabin, with the seats decked out in perforated leather and a bevy of hi-resolution screens installed around the car to keep everyone occupied on those longer drives.
The Carnival’s infotainment system is well designed and intuitive, all controlled through a 12.3 inch touchscreen, which supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay for seamless pairing.
There are also seven USB charging ports scattered around the cabin, which means there’s one for nearly every passenger. A wireless charging pad is tucked into the centre console as well, so neither the driver nor their passengers should ever reach their destination desperate for a charge.
One drawback would be the finishing of the interior, which is a tad plasticky in spots. While I wouldn’t expect leather and wood in a car like this, soft touch fabric would have gone a long way towards make the car feel a bit more luxurious, especially at its price.
Some MPVs eschew the driver experience in favour of that of the passengers, but thankfully the Carnival still gives the driver something to look forward to. The 199-hp 2.2-liter inline-4 engine is strapped with two turbochargers, and does a really nice job at city and highway speeds, never sounding like it’s gasping for air or feeling sluggish.
That said, this is still ultimately an MPV. It’s a big car, and you can tell. You’re never going to win any drag races in the Carnival and it can feel quite cumbersome for those unfamiliar with MPVs.
One area that the car excels is storage. In addition to the large boot, the two rows of seats at the rear can be folded down to create more room when needed.
As for the fun tech extras, the passenger doors slide open automatically when the key fob is nearby, as does the rear tailgate. The tailgate will also shut by itself when it detects that the fob has moved away.
Priced at RM196,340 on the road, the Carnival slots itself just above most MPVs but below luxury models such as Toyota’s Vellfire and Alphard or Hyundai’s Grand Staria.
Kia has done enough to justify the Carnival’s price and motorists who need an abundance of space and seats will have their desires met without having to settle for an uninspiring drive.