New Models / 11 August 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Kia Carnival goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Kia has officially launched the updated Carnival in South Africa.

The Carnival is the fourth Kia model to receive a facelift this year, joining the new Picanto, Seltos, and Sorento.

It is now available in two specifications with prices starting at R1,049,995.

Engine

Both versions of the Kia are fitted with a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel (CRDi) engine, which produced 148kW and 440Nm.

Gear changes are handled by an eight-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox, which sends power down to the front wheels.

As a result, the people carrier achieves an average fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km.

Features

The revamped Carnival has a distinctive new look that follows the same design elements we’ve seen on other Kia models like the Seltos and Sorento.

At the front, there’s a new studded grille flanked by LED headlights and a set of slim daytime running lights that run both horizontally and vertically along the nose of the car.

It also has a new set of 18 or 19 inch alloy wheels (depending on the trim level), new taillights, and a more prominent rear bumper.

The three-row MPV is also available with either seven or eight seats, depending on the model selected.

The EX comes with eight seats in a 2+3+3 arrangement, whereas the SXL features a “Slide-Flex” seating system that allows owners to arrange the two chairs in the second row into multiple configurations.

When all the seats are up, the Kia has 1,139 litres of storage space, bit this can be expanded to an impressive 4,110 litres if the second row is removed and the third row is folded flat.

Standard equipment on the EX includes automatic LED headlights, a Smart Key, electric sliding doors, a leather multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, an electric driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather upholstery, six speakers, four USB ports, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upgrading to the SXL will then add a wireless phone charger, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a heads up display, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dual sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and blind spot monitors that project an image onto the touchscreen when the indicators are used.