2024 Kia Carnival: New look revealed, Australian timing confirmed

The facelifted 2024 Kia Carnival has debuted in full, ahead of its local launch expected in the first quarter of next year.

As detailed in October, the revised exterior sees the addition of Kia’s ‘opposites united’ design language said to combine “sophistication and SUV-like strength”, with vertical headlights, ‘star map signature lighting’ daytime running lights, and a wider front grille.

The rear features a new-look tail-light design similar to the Seltos small SUV with a full-width light strip, along with a lowered licence-plate position and hidden door handle for a cleaner look.

A blacked-out Gravity trim has been introduced in Korea, along with new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs.

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Joining the existing 3.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, Kia has introduced a 183kW/367Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km in Korea – compared to 7.6L/100km for the diesel and 11.1L/100km for the petrol V6 in that market.

In Australia, the diesel claims 6.5L/100km, while the petrol is listed at 9.6L/100km.

A specific 18-inch alloy wheel design and ‘navy grey’ interior option are offered for the hybrid model.

A Kia Australia spokesperson said the local arm is "keen" for the Carnival hybrid, but it is still in discussions with Korea to confirm the powertrain for our market.

Kia said ride comfort and quietness are improved with improved shock absorbers borrowed from the luxurious High Limousine version and reinforced sound-absorbing materials.

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Inside, the Carnival follows the updated Sorento, adding a new-look dashboard with a curved display panel featuring dual 12.3-inch displays running Kia’s latest ‘ccNC’ infotainment system.

It also has a switchable climate/audio touch panel like the EV6, Niro and Sportage, and configurable ambient lighting that extends from the dashboard into the door panels.

The updated infotainment suite features over-the-air (OTA) software updates and a 'Streaming Plus' service to enhance the in-vehicle entertainment experience.

Kia's Digital Key 2, USB-C charge ports throughout, remote smart parking assist, seat buckle lighting, 'multi-zone voice recognition', and the Hey, Kia' wake-up command are also new for the facelift.

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In Korea, the Carnival is available with twin 14.6-inch rear-seat entertainment screens running a version of the ccNC software, with online video from downloaded applications available to view independently.

Newly added active safety systems include oncoming vehicle detection, evasive steering assist when overtaking, semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist 2, and intelligent speed limit assist.

It is now fitted with a front-centre airbag to help prevent head clashes in serious side impact collisions, taking the airbag count to eight.

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There is a UV-C sterilising armrest storage box – as seen in the new Hyundai Santa Fe – and an air conditioner photocatalyst sterilisation system, both Kia firsts.

In Australia, the facelifted Carnival will likely receive missing features already available overseas, including a full-digital instrument cluster, rain-sensing wipers, a blind-spot view monitor, and Kia Connect.

The 2024 Kia Carnival is expected in Australia between January and March.

BELOW: The existing Carnival design

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