Kia published the first photos and information about the facelifted Carnival ahead of its market launch in Korea next month. The flagship minivan inherits Kia’s latest design language and adopts a hybrid powertrain option three years after the debut of the fourth-generation model.
The highlight of the exterior is the redesigned nose, which mimics the recent facelift of the mechanically related Kia Sorento SUV. The vertically mounted headlights with the slim horizontal LED strips are combined with a larger tiger-nose grille and a single lower bumper intake. On the other hand, the bonnet and front fenders appear to be carried over from the pre-facelifted model, as with the profile.
The rear end has also been tweaked with the addition of vertical elements on the full-width taillight cluster. The license plate has moved downwards on the redesigned tailgate, while the new rear bumper has SUV-style cladding contrasting the shiny skid plate that has grown larger.
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Kia also announced a new Gravity trim with a unique grille pattern, different alloy wheels, and dark metallic exterior accents for a more stealthy appearance. Finally, there are new options for the wheels similar to the automaker’s EV range, and the color palette has been expanded with the addition of the new Ivory Silver shade, next to the existing Snow White Pearl, Astra Blue, Aurora Black Pearn, Pantera Metal, and Ceramic Silver.
The company didn’t publish photos of the interior, but it is safe to assume that the Carnival will inherit the curved digital cockpit with the dual 12.3-inch screens found in other Kia models, in combination with new upholstery options and the same 7-seater or 8-seater layout.
Despite sharing its underpinnings with the Sorento, the Carnival was one of the last remaining Kia models without an electrified version in its lineup. This changes with the facelift that has been confirmed to be offered with a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid, alongside petrol and diesel powertrain options.
Kia will reveal more information about the specifications and the market availability of the facelifted Carnival next month, including Korean pricing and the start of pre-orders. The updated minivan will likely arrive in the US for the 2025 MY as the existing model is carried over for the 2024 MY.
