2021 Kia Carnival MPV Heads Down Under With Two Engines, Four Trim Levels

Kia is only a day away from launching the new Carnival in Australia, five months after the official unveiling in Korea.

Based on the brand’s mid-size platform, which is shared with the latest Sorento, the 2021 Carnival is 40 mm (1.5 in) longer than its predecessor and has a 30 mm (1.1 in) extended wheelbase for a more spacious interior.

Related: The New 2021 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine Isn’t Your Typical Minivan

Depending on the market, the Carnival is offered with three or four rows of seats, offering space for seven, eight or even eleven occupants. In seven-seat configuration, it has 2,905 liters (102.5 cu-ft) of cargo area. Some of the amenities inside include a touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, each one with a 12.3-inch display, smartphone integration, weather forecasts, live traffic info and others.

Australians will be able to choose between two engines, the 3.5-liter GDI V6 petrol, rated at 216 kW (294 PS / 290 HP) and 355 Nm (262 lb-ft) of torque, and the 2.2-liter CRDI diesel, producing 148 kW (201 PS / 198 HP) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft). Both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are offered solely with front-wheel drive.

The 2021 Carnival range will comprise of four trim levels, named the S, Si, SLi and Platinum. Pricing starts at AU$50,390 (US$38,760) for the S when equipped with the petrol engine, and AU$52,390 (US$40,299) with the diesel. The Si can be had from AU$55,790 (US$42,914) and AU$57,790 (US$44,452) respectively, while for the SLi, customers will have to pay at least AU$60,290 (US$46,375) with the petrol engine and AU$62,290 (US$47,914) with the diesel. The range-topping Platinum starts at AU$67,990 (US$52,298) and goes up to AU$69,990 (US$53,837) when ordered with the oil burner.