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.
Get the latest car updates at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Kia Carnival 2024
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a seven-seater minivan. It is now in its fourth generation, and it has two different variants for the Philippine market.
These include the Carnival SX AT, and the Carnival EX AT. Its prices range from Php 2,888,000 to Php 3,368,000.
Under the hood of the all-new Carnival is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel mill that can generate up to 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. Both variants are front-wheel-drive, and both use an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Size-wise, the new Carnival is 5,115mm long, 1,985mm wide, and 1,740mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,060mm.
Locally, the 2025 Kia Carnival rivals the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Grand Starex, and GAC GN8, among others.
>>> New and used Kia Carnival 2025 for sale in the Philippines
Kia Carnival Launch
The Kia Carnival’s first-gen model was initially introduced as the Kia Sedona back in 2001. Later on, it reached other markets around the world as the Kia Carnival, Kia Grand Carnival, Hyundai Entourage, and the Sedona.
For the Philippine market in 2022, it was now known as the Kia Carnival. It replaced the old third-gen model, and it came in two different variants.
Kia Carnival Exterior
On the outside, the new Carnival 2025 offers a sophisticated-looking design with SUV-like qualities. It sports the new Kia logo, classy-looking C-pillars, and a pair of sharp-looking headlamps. For the EX, it rides on a set of 18-inch wheels. The SX meanwhile, gets a larger 19-inch set.
Kia Carnival Interior
At most, the 2025 Kia Carnival Philippines can comfortably seat up to seven occupants. It features captain second-row seats with leg rests, a wide bench-type third-row seat, and plenty of cargo space. The front seats for the driver also come with electronic adjustment. All the seats are then clad in leather or leatherette.
Access to the vehicle is also made easy with power sliding doors, and a power tailgate. Other features found inside the new Carnival are a sunroof, and a 3-zone automatic climate control system, among others.
The driver is then provided with cruise control, a push-to-start button, and a digital gauge cluster.
Technology & Safety Features
Safety-wise, the Carnival Philippines gets a total of six airbags, a rear camera, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, front and rear parking sensors, stability control, ISOFIX anchors, and hill-start assist, among others.
Those standard safety features are then supported by blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, and lane keep assist.
Entertainment is handled by an eight-inch headunit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system. The top-spec SX trim also comes with a wireless smartphone charger.
Platform & Chassis
The all-new 2025 Kia Carnival rides on the N3 platform which it shares with the Kia Sorento. For suspensions, it uses a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link type for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. It also uses an electronic parking brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the new 2025 Carnival is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine capable of producing up to 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the model’s front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Locally, the 2025 Kia Carnival has a total of three different color options. These include Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, and Aurora Black Pearl.
The Kia Carnival has shaped up to become one of the more feature-rich and high-tech the Korean brand offers locally. And yes, it also has a very comprehensive safety kit, which rivals other locally available premium models. Power-wise, it also gets a diesel engine, which we all know is used sparingly in other vehicles of its class. Well, at least in the Philippines.
Kia Carnival 2025 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Kia Carnival 2.2 EX Diesel AT | ₱2,888,000 |
| Kia Carnival 2.2 SX Diesel AT | ₱3,368,000 |
Kia Carnival Pros & Cons
Pros
- Diesel engine
- Loads of features and on-board tech
- Roomy
- Macho but elegant styling
Cons
- Its size might intimidate new drivers
₱ 2,640,000 - ₱ 3,088,000
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