Looking For Business Class-Level Style? You're Going to Want to Have the All-New Kia Carnival

Last February, Kia Philippines. Which is Under the Ayala-owned AC Motors, said the brand is faring well and attributed its above industry performance to the introduction of new models. One of these is the all-new Kia Carnival, one of Kia’s top-selling and most recognizable nameplates. 

We got to try out the fourth generation Kia Carnival recently on a road trip during Holy Week. The Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV), as what Kia calls it, is the Korean brand’s answer to competitors’ popular executive vans like the Toyota Alphard and Honda Odyssey.  

Photo by Kia.

Outside, what is striking about the profile is what Kia calls its “island roof” design, which is supported by a C-pillar that creates a unique sculpted and cantilever-like profile. Inside, the premium feel and cavernous cabin capacity, which comes with van-like qualities, is ideal as a daily family ride. Its well-appointed interior and spacious layout are designed as a desirable executive express or for leisurely weekend drives. The vehicle actually syncs perfectly with Kia’s “Movement that inspires” philosophy.

Our 4-hour trip to La Union was very pleasant, thanks to the Carnival’s roomy and plush interior. For passengers, the seven-seater Carnival’s two captain seats were very relaxing and cozy, deal for a quick nap, business class-style, while cruising along the highway. The eight-inch touchscreen audio system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity gave us hand-free accessibility with voice control. 

Photo by Kia.

We never had battery anxieties since there is also a wireless mobile phone charger available for the SX variant. Seating comfort can be fine-tuned for the driver and front passenger seat, thanks to the power seats, which come with a memory function (for the driver seat), while passengers at the back were protected from the harsh summer sun with sunshade blinds. The three-zone automatic climate control functions kept everyone inside cool.

Navigating along the whole stretch of NLEX and TPLEX was a breeze, thanks to the Carnival’s new SmartStream 2.2 VGT CRDi engine that is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination offers the optimal balance between fuel efficiency and power.

Photo by Kia.

Aside from the vehicle’s performance, we felt very safe even driving during nightfall, thanks to the Carnival’s suite of safety features called the Kia Drive Wise. The SX variant’s Dual LED Headlamps also provided great visibility while cruising at night. Safety features also include a number of innovative intelligent safety functions with the use of autonomous driving and assistive capabilities: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, which adds an extra layer of protection against frontal collisions; the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which makes reverse maneuvers easier; while Lane Keep & Following Assist automatically adjusts the steering with the help of lane marker sensors.

Photo by Kia.

The topline SX variant features a Collision-Avoidance System while these additional standard safety features are found in all variants - LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming interior mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, blind spot warning, and cruise control. The new Carnival also comes with seven airbags, although we hope no one has to use it.