We recently had the chance to test the Kia Carnival, and one thing became clear: if we were to choose a people hauler, this would be it. Blending SUV-inspired design with minivan practicality, the Carnival turns heads while pampering passengers with premium tech and comfort. With its growing presence on Manila’s streets, the question is—does it have what it takes to win over Filipino families who live for road trips?
Design: 5/5
The Kia Carnival is a stunner, effortlessly drawing attention with its futuristic “tiger-nose” grille, sleek vertically stacked headlights, and SUV-like stance. Its side profile strikes a balance between subtlety and strength, featuring clean lines and a distinctive silver fin accent on the C-pillar, adding a touch of flair. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and bold vertical brake lights tie the design together seamlessly. Unlike some vans with awkward rear proportions, the Kia Carnival’s tailgate integrates smoothly, making it look more like a premium SUV than a traditional minivan—perfect for dads who want style along with space. Short of nitpicking personal preferences, Kia nailed this design.
Equipment: 4/5
Most vans prioritize function over luxury, but the Carnival shatters expectations with first-class amenities. The second-row captain’s chairs are a highlight, featuring power-adjustable ottomans, reclining, and sliding functions—perfect for VIP passengers. Families will appreciate the USB-C ports, privacy shades, and dual sunroofs, ensuring comfort on long drives.
For the driver, the Kia KCarnival feels like a tech showcase: a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and an intuitive climate control system. The wireless charger and ample USB-C ports keep everyone connected.
Safety is equally impressive, with 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. From collision avoidance to comfort-driven tech, the Kia Carnival leaves little to be desired, though a rear-seat entertainment system would’ve been the cherry on top.
User Experience: 4/5
If you’re riding in the second row, you’re in for a treat—executive-level comfort with moonroof views, plush seating, and stretch-out legroom. The “Premium Relaxation Seats” elevate the passenger experience with built-in leg rests and full recline. The cabin also benefits from triple-zone automatic climate control, keeping everyone comfortable, regardless of seating row.
The third row is surprisingly spacious (unlike cramped SUV alternatives) and offers 60:40 split-folding flat seats, enabling flexible cargo configurations.
However, for the driver, this nearly 5.2-meter long minivan could present a bit of a challenge. Maneuvering this long, wide minivan demands extra caution, especially in tight city streets. Thankfully, the advanced parking assist system, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and 360-degree cameras help take the stress out of urban driving.
After a few days with the Kia Carnival, one thing was clear: the second-row experience is unmatched. If Kia offered captain’s chairs in the third row (since most buyers won’t max out seating), it’d be near-perfect for families prioritizing comfort over capacity.
Value: 4/5
At PHP3.368 million, the Kia Carnival 2.2 SX Diesel AT sits in a sweet spot—more affordable than luxury rivals but packed with features that shame pricier options. The good news? Kia also offers a top-tier hybrid variant locally, addressing the demand for fuel efficiency. The bad news? It commands a hefty premium over the diesel model, which might give budget-conscious families pause.
For a market increasingly drawn to hybrids, a more aggressive price cut would make the Kia Carnival Hybrid an unbeatable choice. Still, if you’re weighing long-term savings and convenience against upfront price, the hybrid’s tech, eco-friendly edge, and coding exemption could justify the splurge. Either way, the Kia Carnival delivers rare value for a minivan this premium—it’s just a matter of how badly you want that hybrid badge.
Conclusion
Filipinos’ love for family road trips makes the Kia Carnival an ideal fit. While its price may give pause, its SUV-like design, unmatched comfort, and hybrid option set it apart from generic people-movers. For those who value space, tech, and style, the Kia Carnival isn’t just a minivan—it’s a statement. Now, if only my wallet agreed…
Reviewed by Gian Derek Bambico
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 11 Issue