Finally, a hybrid version of the Kia Carnival Hybrid. But, is it better than the old diesel?
Kia’s flagship family mover, the Carnival, has finally caught up with Kia’s hybrid lineup. With the diesel now a distant memory, Kia is throwing down the gauntlet for spacious, eco-friendly transport.
But does the new Carnival Hybrid offer the efficiency we’ve all been waiting for, or is it more style than substance?
Looks like that mean business
Traditionally, the Carnival’s SUV-inspired styling (Kia calls it a GUV, or Grand Utility Vehicle) has kept it relevant in a world veering more toward SUVs than minivans.
Post-facelift, this new model feels like it’s embracing its MPV identity, albeit in a slick, sci-fi kind of way.
The ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is draped in a striking black, framed by sleek LED light strips and sharp, cuboid-shaped main beams. The look is futuristic, aligning it neatly with Kia’s updated Sorento and EV9 designs.
More good news on the inside too
The outgoing Carnival was already pretty premium, and this new hybrid continues that trend. A 12.3-inch touchscreen takes centre stage with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia’s streamlined controls keep things simple, with touch-sensitive buttons for volume, climate, and tuning controls, alongside faster USB-C charging for passengers.
The Carnival Hybrid’s interior is as practical as they come. Clever design choices like the fold-flat third row and nicely appointed captain chairs, alongside big door pockets and well-thought-out cupholders all contribute to a great occupant experience.
At 178cm, I had no trouble hopping in the back, and even the third row has room to spare, complete with cupholders and sunshades for added comfort.
With all three rows up, the boot still offers a generous 627 litres of space, more than most competing MPVs. Drop the third row, and you’re looking at a whopping 2,827 litres, enough for a full IKEA run and then some.
The Carnival Hybrid may just be the most practical eight-seater in the country.
Under the hood
Here’s where things get interesting. The Carnival Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 54kW electric motor, offering a combined 180kW (241bhp) of power and 366Nm of torque.
Compared to the V6 petrol (216 kW) and diesel (440 Nm), it’s not quite as beefy but is perfectly balanced for the kind of smooth, efficient drive you’d want in a family mover.
With a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery under the second row, the Carnival Hybrid does away with a spare tyre (it comes with a repair kit instead). Fuel economy is rated at 15.3km/litre, and I got close with an average of 14.2km/litre. Impressive for a mammoth-sized MPV.
The hybrid’s advantage shows in range: a full tank gets you about 1,058 km, well above the petrol V6’s 580 km and even edging out the diesel’s 1,028 km. For those doing long drives, it’s a convenience worth considering.
Smooth operator
The Carnival Hybrid transitions seamlessly between petrol, hybrid, and full EV modes, with the engine humming to life only when needed. It’s surprisingly quiet at low speeds, thanks to the EV mode.
The six-speed automatic gearbox is integrated with the electric motor, ensuring there’s no lag as the car shifts modes.
In city driving or with a carload of passengers, power delivery is smooth, thanks to the torque from the electric motor, and the engine’s ready to rev without complaint when you’re fully loaded.
I spent most of my drive in Eco mode, where the hybrid’s performance is more than enough for daily errands. In Sport mode, it’s zippier, calling on the petrol engine more often for a bit of extra push.
On the highway, it settles into EV mode at cruising speeds, creating a hushed cabin atmosphere perfect for long drives. Road noise sneaks in on rougher surfaces, but for the most part, it’s a serene ride.
Kia’s tweaks to the shock absorbers and steering have created a stable, composed drive, though the weight is noticeable over bumps.
Packed with tech, the Carnival Hybrid includes a surround-view camera with an augmented reality display to help you park. Blind-spot cameras activate when you indicate, giving you a full view of what’s lurking in your blind spot.
This is worth the splurge
The only foreseeable challenge the Kia Carnival Hybrid has is its price. At $287,999 for the 8-seater, it’s slightly on the pricier end of the spectrum.
But, for those who value space, prioritize a quieter and cleaner drive, plus plan to put the Carnival’s impressive range to good use, this new Hybrid variant is an appealing choice for large families.
I loved it back when it launched in 2021, and I love it even more now.
Technical Specifications
Kia Carnival Hybrid
Engine: 1.6-litre Smartstream Turbo Hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 180 kW (241 bhp)
Torque: 366 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 15.3 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$287,999 (8-seater) / S$295,999 (7-seater) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kia Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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