Kia Carnival facelift launched in Malaysia, RM188,888-11-seater, RM248,888-7-seater, CKD 2.2 diesel

Two variants, both locally assembled, both diesel, both front-wheel drive

For Malaysia, the new Kia Carnival is offered in two locally assembled (CKD) variants, the 2.2D 11-seater and the 2.2D 7-seater.

Both use the same 2,151 cc Smartstream 2.2-litre turbo diesel (D4HE) with an eight-speed automatic (listed as “e-Shift” in the spec sheet), sending drive to the front wheels. 

The engine delivers 199 hp at 3,800 rpm  and 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The takeaway for this venerable powerplant is the same, this is a torquey, long-distance-friendly diesel setup rather than a quick off the line hybrid play. 

The claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.5 l/100 km (NEDC), and the Carnival runs a 72-litre tank, which will surely come in handy if you do a lot of interstate miles

On the hardware basics, you are looking at ventilated front discs, solid rear discs, MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear, plus MDPS steering. Turning circle is listed at 5.84 m. 

The new Carnival remains properly large at 5,155 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,775 mm tall, with a 3,090 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is listed at 172 mm and maximum kerb weight at 2,129 kg, so yes, it is still a big, heavy MPV, just one that is trying harder to look crisp and modern. 

We especially like the ground clearance, because if you compare it with a lot of other MPVS in its class, it has one of the highest ground clearance.

Wheel size depends on variant, the 11-seater runs 18-inch alloys (235/60 R18), while the 7-seater goes up to 19-inch (235/55 R19). 

Design update, Star Map lighting and a cleaner rear

The facelift’s headline styling cues are Kia’s newer “Star Map” lighting signatures and a more squared-off, high-tech face. Up front, it gets a wider grille and a cleaner bumper shape, plus that vertical headlamp cluster and the Star Map DRL graphic.

Round the back, the licence plate area has been moved lower on the tailgate for a cleaner look, and the Star Map tail lamps tie it all together.

Cabin and seating, the 7-seater is the “premium” one

Inside, and just like before, Kia is pushing the “minimalist, modern” approach, led by a curved panoramic display that combines dual 12.3-inch screens which supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 

Both variants also get the family-useful stuff as standard, smart keyless entry with remote start, dual power sliding doors (left and right), a power tailgate, parking sensors, roof rails, wireless charger, and dual-zone front climate control with a separate rear system. 

Where the two versions really split is seating layout and “nice-to-have” equipment:

• 11-seater (2-3-3-3) goes for maximum capacity, including a fourth-row bench (pop-up and sinking seats). Seat trim is listed as leatherette. Boot space with all seats up is a tiny 56 litres (as you would expect with that many seats in play). 

• 7-seater (2-2-3) is the more executive-friendly one. It adds second-row relaxation seats with long/lateral sliding, plus leather upholstery, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and a driver seat with memory. Boot space is listed at 627 litres with all seats up. 

Audio also tracks that “premium” positioning, the 11-seater is listed with six speakers, while the 7-seater upgrades to a 12-speaker Bose system. 

Safety, 8 airbags standard, but ADAS only on the 7 Seater

There are eight airbags, including a centre-side airbag, and lists a full suite of driver assistance features on the 7 Seater. The usual stability and braking systems (ABS/EBD/BA, ESC, traction control, hill start assist, multi-collision brake control, auto hold, ISOFIX, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, and parking distance warning is standard on both variants.

The advanced safety tech items marked for the 7-seater, include high beam assist, blind spot collision-avoidance assist, blind spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, and lane following assist. So if active safety is a priority, the 7-seater looks like the safer bet on paper.

Colours, warranty, pricing

KSM lists four exterior colours: Meteor Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Astra Blue, and Jet Black. Every new Kia Carnival comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty.

Speaking at the launch event, Kia Sales Malaysia President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim said, “The launch of the new Kia Carnival represents more than just a product introduction – it reflects our long-term commitment to Malaysia. At Kia Sales Malaysia, our strategy is centred on offering the best-fit products for local customers, combining quality, relevance and long-term ownership value. The new Kia Carnival is a clear embodiment of this philosophy and an important milestone as we continue to strengthen Kia’s presence in Malaysia.”

Kia Sales Malaysia Managing Director, Emily Lek explained further, “This launch is our first introduction to the market to get to know us again. The question “Kenapa Pilih Kia?” is the question that ignites this new era of Kia in Malaysia. This is the new Kia: thoughtful in design, purposeful in innovation and made to inspire in every journey.”

The new Kia Carnival facelift will be at Desa Park City Carpark 3 this weekend 16 - 18 January 2026. They welcome all to come and view the freshly launched Carnival.

 Also Read: Kia’s all-new Seltos is here, bigger, smarter, but the big question is, will Malaysia get it?