Kia Carnival 2021: A Closer Look

The Kia Carnival, or Kia Sedona in some markets, looks like what happens when a Kia Soul and a Toyota Alphard get together. That does not mean it is a bad car. Read on to know more!

Introduction

Hitting the roads in 1998, the Kia Carnival has been sold across the world under many d

ifferent monikers. The current model is in its third generation, with Kia looking to introduce the next-gen minivan for MY 2021.

Kia is all set to launch the Carnival in the UAE, where it will go up against a variety of competition. not falling in a specific bracket, the big minivan will take on the Toyota Innova, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Honda Odyssey, and Maxus G10.

Exterior

For the 2021 model year, Kia has dropped the curves and sharpened the Carnival's edges. Viewed head-on, the minivan could be mistaken for something like a Cadillac XT6. The third-generation Carnival's front fascia is totally revised to an angular design. Kia has also chosen to move away from traditional minivan styling, giving the Carnival some SUV flair. Add LED signature lights to the package, and you have less of a minivan and more of a luxury barge in the Carnival.

At the rear, Kia has given the Carnival quite an eye-catching chrome C-pillar that starkly contrasts with black A and B-pillars. the floating roof effect adds to the car's premium appeal as well. Viewed from the rear three-quarters, the 2021 Kia Carnival is beefier than its outgoing counterpart.

Interior

Longer, taller, and with a longer wheelbase than the current model, the new Kia Carnival provides a cosseting cabin to the passengers. There is still lots of space to spare for cargo. After all, Kia calls the car a 'Grand Utility Vehicle'. The current model can be specified in either seven, eight, or nine-seater options. We can expect the new Carnival to offer the same combinations of seating, space, and luxury.

The UAE-bound Kia Carnival 2021 will offer either or both of its global petrol powertrains. Starting things at the bottom end is a 3.3-litre Lambda II MPi V6 good for 270hp and 319Nm. The same engine provides slightly higher output under the GDi badge. The numbers stand at 290hp and 345Nm.

Verdict

The Kia Carnival will launch this year in the UAE for MY 2021. While prices aren't out yet, we can safely assume the luxury minivan to rival or undercut the Honda Odyssey. In the UAE, Juma Al Majid Group of Companies is the exclusive importer and distributor of Kia cars. More information about the minivan can be found at your nearest Kia dealer.