Kia recently launched the 2024 Carnival in the Indian market at a price tag of Rs 63.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
Since its first introduction in India in 2020, the Carnival has always stood out in the premium MPV market. This latest version has raised the bar even higher, making it a go-to choice for those who crave comfort, style, and space.
With its bold facelift, state-of-the-art features, and a focus on backseat luxury, the 2024 Kia Carnival is all about pampering its passengers while maintaining a smooth driving experience.
News18 recently had the chance to take the 2024 Kia Carnival for a spin, and let us tell you, it was quite the experience. As someone who has followed the journey of Kia in India closely, we were eager to see how this new Carnival, after all the anticipation, would hold up.
Let us walk you through our experience with this updated MPV.
Design
The first thing that strikes you about the new Carnival is its massive size. It’s over 5 meters long, and you can feel that the moment you step inside. The exterior design is bold, with the iconic ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and LED headlights giving it an SUV-like vibe. The elongated bonnet and stretched-out rear make it look grander than before.
The rear, too, has undergone a nice facelift with vertical LEDs and a wide-opening tailgate. Although the sliding door rail is still visible, the overall design feels modern and sophisticated.
Dimensions
You should be mindful of the vehicle’s dimensions, as it’s not only long but also quite wide. It measures 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,775 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,090 mm. While this size poses no issue on highways, navigating city roads might require extra caution. However, the 360-degree camera with a 3D view makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. Additionally, the turning radius is impressive. Despite its large size, taking U-turns is surprisingly effortless.
Features
The Kia Carnival features a spacious seven-seater cabin with luxurious captain’s chairs in the middle row. The second-row seats are manually adjustable and can slide side to side for easier access to the third row. They are powered, heated, and ventilated, providing ample legroom when pushed back. Passengers in the second row can enjoy even more legroom by using the ‘boss mode’ to adjust the front seat, and there’s an ottoman for resting your legs.
The third row is suitable for two adults or three children, and with the second row adjusted properly, there’s plenty of legroom for everyone. The low floor and dedicated step boards make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle.
Kia has introduced a dual 12.3-inch screen setup that not only looks futuristic but is also user-friendly. Additional amenities include dual sunroofs, ambient lighting, a wireless charging tray, and multiple USB-C ports.
In terms of safety, the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive range of features, including eight airbags, ADAS Level 2, and a heads-up display. The powered sliding doors add to the convenience, while the wide tailgate opens up to a huge 627-litre boot, which expands to an impressive 2,900 litres with the seats folded down.
Engine Specification & Handling
Under the hood, the 2024 Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces 193 bhp and 441 Nm of torque. The ride remains stable even at high speeds, and the 8-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly, though it could be quicker to respond when overtaking.
For a more hands-on experience, you can use the paddle shifters for manual control. The Carnival features three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. You can also choose the Smart mode, which automatically adjusts between these three settings.
What stood out to us during the drive was the comfort. The suspension is tuned for a smooth ride, and the Carnival handles bumps with ease. However, a slightly higher ground clearance would have offered more peace of mind, especially for driving in a country like India. The electric power steering makes it easy to maneuver this big vehicle, whether you’re parking or cruising on the highway.
Verdict
Starting at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the 2024 Kia Carnival comes with a higher price tag than before, but its luxury and comfort make it worth the investment. The Carnival truly excels in ride comfort, allowing you to cover long distances without fatigue, thanks to its top-notch quality-of-life features.
This vehicle is designed for those who enjoy being chauffeured, offering all the premium amenities you’d expect from a high-end car. However, if you’re on a budget, have a small family, prefer an SUV body type, or are looking for a sportier driving experience, the Kia Carnival may not be the right choice for you.
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