2024 Kia Carnival Facelift Spied: Comprehensive Design Overhaul and New Features

The Kia Carnival, Australia's leading people mover, is gearing up to showcase its revamped design, drawing inspiration from Kia's latest electric vehicles. This anticipated makeover has been spotted undisguised on South Korean roads, possibly during a photo shoot, as images surfaced on social media platforms, including the online forum Cochespias.

The Carnival's mid-life facelift, which follows its 2021 introduction, prominently features the front-end design that's becoming a hallmark across Kia's range. This design, first seen on the EV9 electric SUV, has now been incorporated into other models like the Picanto city hatch and the Sorento seven-seat SUV. The new design is characterized by vertical headlights and distinctive daytime-running lights.

Further enhancing its exterior, the lower front bumper mirrors the base EV9's design. Additionally, the broad LED tail-lights seem to borrow elements from the Seltos small SUV. The Carnival also sports newly machined alloy wheel designs.

Inside the Carnival, there's a notable tech upgrade. It's set to feature Hyundai and Kia's latest 'ccNC' infotainment software. This includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, both capable of receiving over-the-air updates. Interestingly, an earlier version of this 12.3-inch instrument display has been available in international markets since the Carnival's last launch, but it hasn't been introduced in Australia until now.

With this facelift, the Carnival will finally introduce the widescreen instrument display to the Australian market. This is in addition to other features that were previously exclusive to overseas models, such as rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot cameras.

A significant addition to the Carnival lineup will be a hybrid model. This model is expected to combine a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. However, there's a catch: it's anticipated to be produced in left-hand drive initially, which means its Australian debut might be delayed.

The 2024 Kia Carnival is slated for an official unveiling in the upcoming months, with its Australian launch expected early next year. Moreover, orders for the V6 petrol versions, which were paused in August 2023, are likely to resume with this facelift. This is in addition to the diesel versions, which continue to be available and in ample supply.