Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2020 Kia Carnival MPV revealed

Kia’s latest seven-seat MPV gets a bold new SUV-inspired design – but it won't be sold in the UK

Kia has released the first official images of its fourth-generation Carnival people carrier. The refreshed model will go on sale in Korea towards the end of summer, sporting new SUV-inspired styling. The US and Asian markets will follow, but it won’t come to the UK.

Styling changes over the outgoing model are plentiful. Up front, there’s a stylised version of the company’s trademark Tiger Nose radiator grille and pair of fresh wrap-around LED headlamps. The outgoing car’s boxy dimensions have been retained, although the MPV’s profile has adopted a more SUV-like appearance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best MPVs and people carriers on sale now

To complement the new SUV shape, Kia has added a range of styling features borrowed from the Sorento SUV. The Carnival shares a similar chrome fin on its C-pillar, near-identical LED daytime running lights, fresh running boards and new front and rear skid plates. 

Kia has also moved the Carnival’s A-pillar rearwards, lengthened its bonnet and shortened its front overhang. The MPV’s wheelbase has increased, too, which the company says has improved the amount of available passenger space.

Kia is yet to reveal details on the new Carnival’s platform and powertrains and interior. However, the previous-generation model shared the same underpinnings as the outgoing Sorento SUV, and we expect Kia will adopt the same tactic with this new model. 

As such, buyers will likely be offered the same 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder diesel engine along with a detuned version of the V6 petrol found in the Stinger GT-S – as they’re the engines which sell the best in the US and Asian markets. Kia has also hinted that the new Carnival is unlikely to feature either a hybrid or PHEV powertrain.

We’re also expecting the new Carnival to adopt some of the technology found on the fourth-generation Sorento. The range-topping model should feature leather upholstery, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and adaptive cruise control, along with Kia’s latest 10.25-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

The second-generation Carnival was known as the Sedona in Britain. It was sold between 2006 and 2014, but it was pulled from the UK market in 2012 due to declining sales figures. Despite this, the Carnival performed well in other markets, with more than two million examples being sold globally since the model’s introduction in 1998.

Would you want to see the new Kia Carnival go on sale in the UK? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Kia Tasman pick up set for radical overhaul after reveal of new Weekender Concept
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis standing next to the Kia Tasman Weekender

Kia Tasman pick up set for radical overhaul after reveal of new Weekender Concept

Production Tasman was widely panned, but latest pick-up is a whole lot cooler, with a hint of Ford Ranger Raptor to it
News
23 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025