Unveiling the All-New Kia Grand Carnival: The Ultimate Family MPV

Introduction

Kia held an exclusive and lavish drive event for the media, showcasing the all-new Grand Carnival (Check out prices and specs). The Carnival has received the Grand treatment, as Kia believes this can be THE choice for families on long trips. Available in an 11-seater version, the new Carnival addresses the challenges of family travel, competing against the Toyota Innova and surprisingly the Toyota Fortuner. It is marketed as a CUV with MPV characteristics, although a simpler comparison could be made with the Toyota Previa and Honda Odyssey.

Exterior Design

The first thing you notice is the not-so-MPVish styling. The Carnival looks good for an MPV, lacking the dull and uninteresting appearance typically associated with this category. MPVs are generally designed for one purpose: to transport passengers from point A to B. This explains the long routes taken during the event, traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and back. The Carnival is not meant to be tested like a traditional motoring journalist's vehicle; instead, it is designed for a calm and composed driving experience. For that, this MPV scores excellent marks.

Interior Features

The interior is the Carnival's unique selling proposition (USP). It is a comfortable space, featuring high-quality materials, a generous amount of cream-colored leather, and a soft suspension that provides the best ride quality in the segment. With multiple add-ons such as navigation, blind spot detection, cameras, smart cruise control, and more, this vehicle offers significant value for the price range. Although official prices have not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the top model will cost less than 140,000 AED. When comparing ride quality and luxury features, the Carnival stands up well against the Mercedes Viano and other premium MPVs.

Performance

The drive experience is straightforward, as the Carnival is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 270 BHP, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The steering is light with minimal feedback. Due to the vehicle's extra weight, the engine struggles when acceleration is required, but the driving experience is designed to be simple and user-friendly—perfect for a vehicle that is primarily about convenience.

Space and Comfort

The Carnival can comfortably carry 7 to 8 passengers, with ample legroom across all three rows, though headroom is average. Folding the third row requires some effort due to its heavy mechanism. However, once folded, the cargo space is generous enough to accommodate large items. While Kia executives suggested that the Carnival can fit 11 adults, I would advise caution, as the fourth row may feel cramped, even for children. Kia's spacious center console is also noteworthy; it is capable of fitting a laptop, making it a practical feature for families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kia has successfully executed the basics right with the all-new Grand Carnival, achieving an excellent balance of looks, comfort, and space. For these reasons, I would consider buying it—though I need to have a family of my own first.