New 8-Seater Kia Carnival launched in Malaysia - CKD, starts from RM 238,888

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia Sales Malaysia has expanded the Carnival MPV lineup, with the launch of a new 8-seater variant. Positioned between the 7- and 11-seater variants, the 8-seater Carnival features a 2-3-3 seating layout, catering to evolving customer demand for greater flexibility and practicality. 

2026 Kia Carnival 8-seater: Price 

Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the all-new 8-seater Kia Carnival is priced at RM 238,888, which is RM 10k less than the range-topping 7-seater trim. Included in the price is a 5-year / 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) against manufacturing defects. 

2026 Kia Carnival 8-seater: Key highlights

Flexible seating with premium comfort

The new Carnival variant features a 2-3-3 seating layout, offering increased practicality without compromising passenger space. The second-row seats have 40:20:40 split functionality and long-sliding with a detachable seat option. 

Its middle seat can be individually configured to face forward or backwards, while the outer seats can be reversed by switching their positions. This makes it a versatile MPV perfect for family travel, business use, or chauffeur-driven applications.

If we talk about the space, the new variant offers the same generous legroom and headroom as the 7-seater variant. 

As for the third row, you get a 60:40 split with user-friendly pop-up and sinking seats for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements.

Refined cabin with advanced technology

With seats wrapped in soft, plush leatherette upholstery, the Kia Carnival 8-seater delivers similar levels of refinement and technology as the 7-seater model. The ambient lighting spans the width of the dashboard to enhance the overall vibe. Parts of the feature kit are - 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment unit
• 12-speaker premium Bose audio system
• Eight airbags with a centre-side airbag
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Highway Drive Assist 2
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Occupant Alert 

2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel engine 

Powering the new Carnival MPV is a 2.2-litre Smartstream four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces a maximum power of 202 PS at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The drivetrain promises to offer smooth and confident performance with excellent efficiency, rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km (WLTP). The MPV can travel over 900 km with a full tank of fuel.

Upon introducing the new model, Kia Sales Malaysia President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim, said, “The introduction of the Kia Carnival 8-seater demonstrates our commitment in adapting to evolving market demand. It reinforces our resolve to offer right-fit products for the Malaysian market, leveraging our local assembly operations and the Malaysian automotive supply chain.”

Kia Sales Malaysia Managing Director, Emily Lek, said, “With the new 8-seater variant, the Kia Carnival adds a thoughtful new dimension of flexibility and practicality while maintaining comfort across all rows, making it suitable for larger families as well as corporate and fleet applications.”

“This time, we answer the question of “Kenapa Pilih Kia?” with a direct response to customer feedback, incorporating the utility of an SUV in our outstanding large MPV,” added Lek.

To make ownership more appealing, KSM is offering buyers the option to enjoy a competitive 1.98% per annum interest rate for up to 9 years of financing or RM 6,000 worth of fuel credits in their TNG eWallet as part of its ‘We Fuel You’ initiative. 

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