Spied Kia Carnival facelift gets Sportage, Picanto lighting clusters

The current-generation Kia Carnival may have just arrived in the country last year but it is already over three years old. This is why the Korean automaker is already working on a facelifted version, and one example was spotted out in the open in South Korea without camouflage.

Refreshed Kia Carnival out in the wild [Photo: Autospy]

Looking at the revised front fascia shared by Autospy, we kind of see a pattern here. It is similar to the ones in the refreshed versions of the Seltos and Picanto, particularly the shape of the daytime running lights (DRLs). The minivan also comes with a new grille that features a more open look compared to the current design.

Likewise, spy pics show that its rear section again, reminds us of the rear ends of the Seltos and Picanto. The update is underscored by the new taillight design that now extends down to the middle portion of the tailgate.

The new updates make the minivan look more modern [Photo: Autospy]

While the distinct silver accent on the C-pillar is still present, the facelifted Carnival rocks a new wheel design reminiscent of the ones used by the Kia EV9. It features square-shaped motifs with a two-tone finish. Apart from this, the side profile should still look familiar to those who have seen the current fourth-gen iteration.

No interior shots were spied and the engine specs likewise remain a mystery. However, reports suggest the Carnival could get the same hybrid system present on the Sportage and Sorento in other markets. Locally, the go-to for the Philippine-spec Carnival and Sorento is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel good for 199 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque.

The rear looks like the one in the new Seltos [Photo: Autospy]

If this version makes its way to the country, it will compete against the Hyundai Staria in the people-hauler segment. Both are distinctively styled, with Kia appearing to integrate its current design language into more of its models.

But we have yet to see the final production model, which could arrive in the first half of 2024. 

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