Kia Carnival : In a world of compact SUVs and budget hatchbacks, premium MPVs still stand out. For families in need of space, comfort and luxury appointments, the Kia Carnival has leap-frogged some pace and emerged with a very credible option.
With the 2025 model year, Kia has elevated the Carnival by several notches — it has gone from a vehicle that simply transports people, to one that pampers them in the process.
So let’s delve into what makes the new Kia Carnival something special in the segment.
Kia Carnival A Bold and Elegant Design
The 2025 Kia Carnival The 2025 Kia Carnival receives a modest design update that makes it look more aggressive and upmarket. The brand’s “Tiger Nose” grille is site to a wider and more enveloping design that is accompanied by more streamlined LED headlamps.
The fog lamps are new and have been reshaped, while new design alloy wheels adds to its presence on road.
For all of its van-like silhouette, the Carnival is stylish rather than portly. This is a long vehicle, with a low profile and some chrome, and power sliding rear doors that make stepping into, and out of, a cinch.
Lavish, Executive Level Cabin
The Carnival’s not just a people mover—it’s all about the luxury of travel. Also on the inside, the cabin is more living room than car interior, if not quite as sumptuous as it might be.
Materials are high-grade throughout, including soft-touch panels, leatherette upholstery, and stylish wood-finish inserts on upper trims.
With 7, 8 or 9 seats, the Carnival targets family buyers and can even fit corporates. Standout is the VIP second-row seats on the 7-seater version that recline automatically and have leg rest, ventilation.
There is generous headroom, legroom and even shoulder room for all passengers and long drives are a comfort.
Tech and Connectivity
To keep pace with its premium tag, the Carnival has been loaded with modern tech by Kia. The dashboard is now a dual-screen layout, a 12.3-inch screen for the digital instrument cluster and another 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
It’s compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Kia’s connected car features like remote climate control, vehicle status and geofencing.
The rear passengers are not forgotten, either. Certain versions feature rear-seat entertainment screens, USB-C ports for all seating rows and even voice commands for climate and infotainment control.
Silky Diesel Power and Ride Quality
The Carnival retains it’s trusty 2.2-litre diesel that makes about 200 PS and 440 Nm with 8-speed automatic transmission. Whether you’re in city traffic or cruising on the highway, the engine just feels smooth and refined.
Power delivery is linear, there’s enough torque on hand for overtaking when fully loaded.
What really impresses is the quality of the ride. The suspension itself is more focussed towards comfort, soaking up bad roads/undulations without managing to filter it into the cabin. NVH, too, is decent, with a hushed cabin even at highway velocities.
Safety Features You Can Trust
Kia has not forsaken safety, either. Now, the Carnival comes standard with 6-airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), front and rear parking sensors and hill-start assist.
The higher offerings include ADAS features, including lane keep assist, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
You’re also given added confidence in close quarters, thanks to a 360-degree camera and blind-spot view monitor.
Mileage and Price Range
With the amount of the vehicle and the amount of power it develops, the Carnival gives you a fuel economy figure of about 13 to 14 km/l — more than adequate for a large MPV. It will be priced from Rs. 30 lakh onwards (ex-showroom) and can go upwards of Rs. 40 lakh for the top-end variant.
Pros:
Top Notch Cabin Room: Excellent for all passengers, including the 3rd row.
High-Quality Interiors: Soft materials, contemporary tech, and mood lighting.
Smooth and Powerful Highway Cruiser: Sophisticated diesel engine.
Premium Quality features: ADAS, ventilated seats, sunroof and more.
Superb Ride Comfort: Comfortable suspension and hushed cabin.
Cons:
Expensive: The Price Is Too High for The Average Purchaser.
Big: Not always easy to get around crowded city streets.
Diesel-Only: No petrol or hybrid version as of yet.
No AWD or Off-road: It is just the road focused family MPV.
Kia Carnival Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kia Carnival is made for those who prioritize comfort, space, and technology over ruggedness or off-road ability.
From carting around the suits to cheer on the Blues to the extended family road trip, was there a people mover that could do what the Carnival could? It does not come cheap, but for the luxury it delivers, I find it entirely worth it.