Kia Carnival: carsales Car of the Year 2021 finalist

The fourth-generation Kia Carnival stormed into showrooms early this year, sporting a bold new look, segment-first technology and a smarter, more spacious cabin.

There are eight variants across four trim levels – S, Si, SLi and Platinum – and two engines: a new 3.5-litre petrol V6 and a revised version of the familiar 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Every 2021 Kia Carnival comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. Petrol models pump out 216kW/355Nm, while the diesel – our pick of the pair – delivers outputs of 148kW and 440Nm.

The new Carnival is larger in all key dimensions and carries segment-first features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction turn assist, Safe Exit Assist and Rear Occupant Alert.

It’s already based on a winning formula, sharing the same platform and much of its technology with the Kia Sorento, which was last year judged carsales’ 2020 Car of the Year.

Let’s see if Kia can make it two in a row, with Carnival lining up for Car of the Year in 2021, proudly presented by Bingle.

People-movers have always been a niche market Down Under, with many Aussie buyers instead opting for the fewer seats and larger boot of an SUV or the versatility of a dual-cab ute.

Of the few people-movers on sale today – including the Honda Odyssey, Volkswagen Multivan, LDV G10 and the just-released Hyundai Staria – the Kia Carnival is the top-seller, proving to be the most popular MPV for large families and commercial people-moving duties alike.

It wouldn’t be a full carsales Car of the Year field without a proper family hauler, with the Kia Carnival – assessed here in top-spec Platinum guise – presenting the ultimate in style, comfort and tech for eight humans and their luggage.

Those who might’ve dismissed previous-gen Carnivals as a ‘soccer mum’ car will be shocked at how far the three-row wagon has come.

Even with all eight seats in use, a generous 627-litre cargo area is on offer, extending to an even more impressive 2785 litres with the third row’s sinking seats tucked away.

Although it’s tailor-made for large families, the Carnival will also appeal to smaller families preferring a roomier cabin with easy access and extra seating on occasions.

Small business owners who need to carry equipment on weekdays and take road trips away on the weekend are also a prime target.

The Kia Carnival range opens at $46,880 plus on-road costs in entry-level S grade with a petrol engine, while the diesel-powered Platinum tops the range at just under $67K plus ORCs.

Petrol-powered Carnival grades are more affordable, with diesel variants commanding a $2000 premium per variant but bringing better combined fuel consumption ratings of 6.5L/100km, compared to the V6’s 9.6L/100km.

Standard equipment for the Kia Carnival Platinum includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual LED headlights, exterior chrome garnishes, a rotary-style gear selector, leather-appointed seats and smart entry with push-button start.

Platinum grades also get a dual sunroof, fancier 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging pad, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard seats in the second row and sunshades for the second and third rows.

Kia’s generous seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty also comes standard.

For what was once known as a cheap and cheerful minivan, the all-new Kia Carnival is almost unrecognisable next to its predecessors.

Not only is it actually rather attractive for arguably the first time, its more upmarket feel, heightened equipment levels and improved powertrain and dynamics makes it much more appealing to Aussie buyers.

Blossoming into a vehicle fit for even the Queen of England, as Ali Lawrence suggested in her launch review, the fourth-gen Carnival attracted more than a few sets of eyeballs during a road trip up the NSW coast earlier in the year.

The people-mover’s on-road manners have also transformed with time, as Ali found out, with a gloriously tight (11.7m) turning circle, car-like steering and supple suspension with a full load of passengers and gear on board.

Helped along by a pair of trusty engines shared with sister brand Hyundai, the new Carnival is a winning formula for families and commercial buyers alike.

But now’s the time to determine whether it can set a precedent as a people-mover winning the carsales Car of the Year title for 2021, proudly presented by Bingle.

Kia Carnival Platinum Diesel at a glance:
Price: From $66,980
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 148kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.5/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 170g/km (ADR combined)