Photo: Jaco van der Merwe
Much more fitting for the Kia Carnival is the US term ‘minivan’. It offers van-specific features such as proper legroom and headroom across all three rows, sliding rear doors, and versatile space.
Yet it looks, feels, and behaves like a posh SUV, making it perfect for those caught between a large SUV and a van. Surprisingly, it is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
The Kia Carnival, previously known as the Grand Sedona, was locally introduced under its new nomenclature three years ago. A few months ago, it received its first update in the form of styling and tech enhancements and a streamlined model line-up.
Smashing good looks
After starting life with four models, the range is now down to just two: the entry-level EX and the flagship SXL. After a few adventures in the pre-facelift model, we recently sampled the new EX, which at R1 049 995 is R250 000 more affordable than the SXL.
Right off the bat, the updated Kia Carnival sports new, square touches up front, giving it a far more modern look. It features new LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running diodes and a Tiger Nose grille. Below, the fog lamps are integrated into the lower air intake.
At the rear, a new bumper and light cluster are connected by a horizontal light bar. The tailgate grab handle has been removed, with the button relocated next to the reverse camera.
The side profile reveals 18” alloy wheels, two-tone side mirrors, and brushed aluminium roof rails.
Tech-fest inside
The Kia Carnival EX’s cabin has also received significant upgrades. The analogue dials in the instrument cluster have been replaced by a 12,3” screen alongside a 12,3” infotainment display, as in the Sedona.
The row of digital buttons that doubles as a climate-control and infotainment panel, first seen in the Sportage, has also been introduced to the Carnival. A redesigned centre console swaps the rotary gear selector for a traditional gear lever.
The rest of the interior is largely unchanged, with two-tone leather, soft-touch finishes, and imitation alloy inserts creating an elegant cabin.
Practical boot space
The biggest party trick is found in the rear, where the theme is acres of space. With both rows of three-seaters upright, the boot offers an enormous 1 139ℓ of space. This is not a typo, but the result of generous cubic capacity, from the deep cavity at the bottom right up to the roof.
Fold down the third row and only a van can match the Kia Carnival in terms of cargo space. We were slightly miffed that the boot does not have an electric tailgate, a feature reserved for the SXL.
Standard safety features on the EX include seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, hill start assist, and electronic stability control. More advanced driver assist systems are reserved for the SXL.
The carried-over 2,2ℓ turbo-diesel, mated to an eight-speed torque converter transmission, is only getting better with age. It is little surprise that it is the sole powertrain choice for the Carnival and Sorento, as well as sister brand Hyundai’s Staria, Palisade, and Santa Fe.
Bulletproof oil-burner
The blown four-pot oil-burner sends 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque to the front wheels, with Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart driving modes on offer.
Whether you’re undertaking a 1 000km road trip to the Lowveld, as we did a few years ago in the pre-facelift version, or racking up 407km in city traffic over the course of a week in the updated model, piloting the Kia Carnival is a pleasure. It handles and manoeuvres exceptionally well for a vehicle measuring 5 155mm in length and weighing 2 157kg, delivering road-holding dynamics a van can only dream of.
What’s the verdict?
In US culture, minivans are about as mundane as it gets, typically driven by suburban middle-aged men with 2,4 kids whose idea of excitement is watching the game with the neighbours over a few beers.
Because the Kia Carnival is so niche over here, it comes across as far cooler than a run-of-the-mill Chrysler Pacifica ferrying a miserable Buddy and his teenage daughter to soccer practice in Oklahoma.
It can comfortably take eight occupants and their luggage on holiday, something only vans can do, yet it drives and offers a level of plushness similar to that of top-end SUVs. Those, however, offer less space and do not have sliding side doors.
Whichever way you slice it, in South Africa, the Kia Carnival is one of a kind.
Vehicle fast facts
Price: R1 049 995
Engine: 2,2ℓ turbo-diesel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 148kW
Torque: 440Nm
Fuel consumption (tested): 9,3ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 2 157kg
Towing capacity: 1 588kg
