2022 Kia Carnival: Variants analysis

Officially launched in Malaysia in CBU form earlier this year, the fourth-gen Kia Carnival has recently been reintroduced in the country as a locally-assembled model. The CKD Carnival comes in two different seating configurations - 7 & 8-seater, unlike the imported version that houses 11 seats. But does it mean the end of the road for the CBU model? No, as Dinamikjaya Motors, the new official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, confirms that it will continue to be sold alongside the latest form.

Thus, the 2022 Kia Carnival is offered in a total of four variants in Malaysia, viz.

2022 Kia Carnival Variants	Price  (on-the-road without insurance)
11-seater	RM 196,341
8-Seater Mid	RM 231,229
8-Seater High	RM 247,229
7-Seater High	RM 261,229

Let’s now discuss all the variants in detail, starting with 11-seater model -

2022 Kia Carnival 11-seater 

While it is the only imported Carnival on offer, it remains the most affordable with a price tag of RM 196,341 due to the commercial vehicle classification, which attracts lower taxes. For this price, you get a stunning four-row SUV, which features a more sophisticated design and SUV-style elements over its predecessor. It comes equipped with the following exterior features - 

• Chrome radiator grille
• Automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs
• Bulb Rear combination tail lights
• LED front fog lights
• Dual power sliding doors 
• Smart power tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Roof rails
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Inside, you get the comfortable seating space for 11 passengers (2-3-3-3 configuration) with leatherette upholstery. The key features comprise - 

• 12.3-inch infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
• Analogue instrument panel with a 4.2-inch multi-info display
• Triple-zone automatic air-conditioning (dual-zone front and single-zone rear), with four roof-mounted vents 
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 2-way lumbar adjustment and memory function for driver
• Qi wireless charger
• Six speakers
• 360-degree camera system
• Seven USB ports
• Rotary electronic gear-selector knob
• Electronic parking brake

Powering the 11-seater Kia Carnival is a 2.2-litre Smartstream D2.2 four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which generates a maximum power of 202 PS at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of  441 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

In terms of safety, the MPV comes packed with seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill start assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.

2022 Kia Carnival 8-Seater Mid

Next on the 2022 Kia Carnival variants list is the new 8-Seater Mid CKD, priced at RM 231,229. It is powered by the same mechanical setup but comes with three rows of seats in a 2-3-3 layout, offering better legroom and comfort to the occupants. The 40:20:40 split-folding second row is also detachable and can be repositioned to face rearwards if required. 

The locally-assembled version also has a sizable boot space measuring 627 litres with all seats up. It can be expandable up to 2,785 litres by packing the third row. However, upon removing the second row, you can enjoy a van-like cargo hold.

In terms of features, the 8-seater Mid variant mimics the imported model with few differences. It omits the memory drive seat function and comes with a reverse camera instead of a 360-degree unit available with the latter. However, on the exterior, we see an upgrade in the form of the new LED rear combination lights replacing the bulb-type combination ones.

2022 Kia Carnival 8-Seater High

Moving up the ladder, we get the 2022 Kia Carnival 8-Seater High trim retailing at RM 247,229. It brings on board the following upgrades -

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 360-degree surround-view monitor
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• LED interior lighting
• Dual power sunroof
• Memory function for the driver seat

The 8-Seater High variant also gets the Kia Drive Wise advanced driver assistance suite as an important enhancement. It comprises the following safety gears -

• Autonomous emergency braking with junction turning support
• Smart Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Driver attention warning
• High Beam Assist

2022 Kia Carnival 7-Seater High

Sitting on top of the 2022 Kia Carnival variants list is the locally-assembled 7-Seater High. Priced at RM 261,229, the top-spec model sets itself apart from the 8-Seater High with seven seats positioned in a 2-2-3 layout with individual “Premium Relaxation” captain chairs in the middle row.

These business class-style seats are cushier and come with armrests, a powered seat back and height adjustability feature, a powered ottoman, and a one-touch recline button. These are wrapped in leather upholstery. 

All the Kia Carnival variants come with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and a complimentary scheduled maintenance programme. As for colour options, shades available for the CKD are Astra Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Grey, Jet Black, and Snowflake White Pearl. However, the older CBU can be purchased in either Astra Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal, or Flare Red.

Also read: Kia Malaysia opens a new 3S Centre open in Selangor