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January 16, 2026 ,KUALA LUMPUR – Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM), officially unveiled the new Kia Carnival, a flagship MPV designed for enhanced safety, everyday confidence, and lasting peace of mind for Malaysian families. The launch marks KSM’s first model introduction since its establishment.
For the Malaysian market, the new Kia Carnival is available in two locally assembled (CKD) variants – the 2.2D 11-seater and the 2.2D 7-seater – offering versatility to meet the needs of both large families and executive-oriented users.
Emily Lek-MD of Kia Sales Malaysia ,Kiseok Ahn-President & CEO Kia Asia Pacific, Hyung Ho Kim – President & CEO, Kia Sales Malaysia , and Faiz Bahruddin-Product Manager- Kia Sales Malaysia officiated the launch of the New Kia Carnival at Desa Park City.
Reinforcing Kia’s people-first design philosophy, the latest iteration of the Kia Carnival combines a more commanding exterior presence with a refined interior environment and upgraded technology and convenience features. Every element has been carefully considered to create a safer, more reassuring driving and passenger experience, strengthening its position in Malaysia’s large MPV segment.
Hyung Ho Kim-Kia Sales Malaysia President and CEO, said, “The launch of the new Kia Carnival represents more than just a product introduction – it reflects our long-term commitment to Malaysia. At Kia Sales Malaysia, our strategy is centred on offering the best-fit products for local customers, combining quality, relevance and long-term ownership value. The new Kia Carnival is a clear embodiment of this philosophy and an important milestone as we continue to strengthen Kia’s presence in Malaysia.”
Emily Lek-MD of Kia Sales Malaysia , explained further, “This launch is our first introduction to the market to get to know us again. The question “Kenapa Pilih Kia?” is the question that ignites this new era of Kia in Malaysia. This is the new Kia: thoughtful in design, purposeful in innovation and made to inspire in every journey.”
Powering both variants is Kia’s proven 2.2-litre Smartstream four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, delivering 202 PS at 3,800 rpm and a robust 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, providing smooth and responsive performance. This well-balanced powertrain also delivers strong efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 km.
Guided by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the new Kia Carnival adopts a bolder and more contemporary visual identity. The redesigned front end features a wide front grille paired with a cleanly sculpted bumper that enhances aerodynamic efficiency, complemented by a harmonised skid plate for a modern, chiselled presence.
The distinctive Star Map daytime running light (DRL) signature, combined with a unique vertical headlamp cluster, underscores the Carnival’s high-tech and sophisticated character.
At the rear, the new Kia Carnival delivers a more refined and progressive appearance. Repositioning the licence plate housing to the lower tailgate creates a cleaner, more seamless surface, while the bold Star Map tail lamps integrate effortlessly with Kia’s latest design language.
Step inside the new Kia Carnival to experience a cabin shaped by minimalism, thoughtful amenities, and modern functionality.
Available in a 2-2-3 seating configuration for the 7-seater and a 2-3-3-3 layout for the 11-seater, the Carnival is designed to accommodate a wide range of lifestyle needs. The 7-seater variant is equipped with Premium Relaxion Seats featuring a lateral slide function in the second row, elevating overall passenger comfort. Fold-flat, sinking third-row seats further enhance versatility by freeing up additional cargo space when required.
The 11-seater variant, meanwhile, incorporates central folding jump seats in both the second and third rows, enabling easier access for rear passengers.
Ambient lighting that spans the width of the dashboard enhances the sense of openness, while the horizontally aligned infotainment and climate control panels create a sleek, uncluttered visual flow. Ambient lighting also extends to the crash pad and door trims, allowing occupants to personalise the cabin atmosphere for a more refined journey.
Dominating the cockpit is a curved panoramic display that seamlessly integrates dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a luxurious and intuitive visual centrepiece.
Usability is further enhanced by the inclusion of physical controls for infotainment and climate functions, ensuring ease of operation while driving. Enlarged, deluxe-size cup holders accommodate larger beverages with ease, reinforcing the new Kia Carnival’s thoughtful, family-friendly design.
Safety is at the heart of the new Kia Carnival, offering a total of eight airbags, including a new centre-side airbag that prevents secondary collision between front-seat passengers in the event of an impact.
All variants come equipped as standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, underscoring Kia’s commitment to occupant protection and everyday driving confidence. These include:
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 (FCA 2.0)
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Highway Drive Assist 2 (HDA 2)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCTA)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
The new Kia Carnival is offered in four exterior colours: Meteor Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Astra Blue, and Jet Black. Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the new Kia Carnival is priced from RM188,888* for the 2.2D 11-seater, while the 2.2D 7-seater variant is priced from RM248,888*.
*Selling price for Peninsular Malaysia excluding insurance and road tax.
Every new Kia Carnival is backed by a 5-year / 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), providing added peace of mind.
