Kia Carnival 2005–2014 car dimensions: 4810 mm long, 1985 mm wide and 1815 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,168 kg. Braked towing is 2,000 kg.
The cabin seats seven or eight across three rows of individual seats that fold and remove for flexibility. Multi-zone climate control is standard with automatic versions on higher grades. Cruise control is standard. Rear parking sensors appear only on top trims or packages. No factory touchscreen, reverse camera, or advanced driver aids like automatic braking, blind-spot alerts or lane keep.
Boot space starts at 214 litres behind the third row. Folding or removing seats expands it to 1068 litres behind the second row and up to 3423 litres with all rear seats out.
Braked towing capacity reaches 2000 kg with unbraked at 650 kg. Payload sits near 720 kg based on typical kerb and gross weights. The van suits family and light work duties with removable seats creating a long flat load floor, but no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension is listed.
The cabin offers plenty of headroom and legroom for seven or eight passengers across three rows. Second-row captain's chairs and a fold-into-floor third-row bench provide flexible space for people or cargo. Higher grades add an eight-way power driver's seat and four-way power passenger seat. Optional leather upholstery includes heated front seats. Tri-zone climate control is standard to keep all rows comfortable. Large easy-to-reach controls and a conversation mirror help with family travel. Materials are mostly hard plastics with wood accents on upper trims. The ride smooths small bumps well but can bounce over larger ones, with some wind and tire noise at highway speeds.
US V6 models rate 16 city / 23 highway mpg.
Oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
NHTSA five-star frontal and side ratings, four-star rollover.
Euro NCAP four-star adult occupant rating.
Standard six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, traction control, and TPMS.
IIHS Good ratings for moderate overlap front and side impacts.
Fuel use for the 3.8-liter V6 sits at 16 mpg city and 23 highway in US testing. European diesel versions achieve combined figures of 7.8 to 10.7 liters per 100 km depending on transmission. Regular unleaded is fine for the petrol engines, though premium can unlock full power on some V6s. Expect higher consumption when fully loaded with passengers or towing.
Servicing follows the owner's manual with oil changes at 7,500-mile or six-month intervals under normal conditions. Air filters, brake fluid, and coolant need attention at longer intervals. Early models had campaigns for sliding door cables and switches. Check for timing chain tensioner noise on cold starts and lower control arm corrosion in salt-belt areas.
Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags for all three rows as standard. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, active front headrests, and a tire-pressure monitor come standard. NHTSA awards five stars in frontal and side tests with four for rollover. Euro NCAP scores four stars for adults. IIHS rates the structure Good in moderate overlap and side tests but Poor for roof strength.
The long warranty of five years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and ten years/100,000 miles powertrain supports ownership. Flexible seating and cargo space make it practical for families. Watch power sliding door motors and rear brake hoses for issues. Regular fluid checks and underbody inspections help longevity, especially in harsh climates.
Length 4810 mm, Width 1985 mm, Height 1815 mm, Wheelbase 2890 mm (Carnival 2005–2014)
Sources: manufacturer data, Kia maker brochure, SA 2014 and MN).