Kia has launched the 2026 Carnival with upgraded features and technology for its flagship RV (Recreational Vehicle) line, aiming to solidify its position in the high-demand family vehicle market. The 2026 model retains almost the same exterior design and dimensions and went on sale in South Korea on 18/8.
The 2026 Carnival offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine. Expanded standard features are available even on the base Prestige trim. This move underscores Kia’s efforts to enhance product competitiveness by meeting consumer demand for more premium features.
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The 2026 Kia Carnival went on sale in South Korea on 18/8. Photo: Kia
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The exterior design remains unchanged.
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The X-Line trim.
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Unlock and start the car using NFC or UWB via smartphone.
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The instrument cluster and infotainment screen are integrated into one display.
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Start the car with fingerprint recognition and personalized settings.
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USB-C charging ports are available for all three rows of seats.
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The vehicle is equipped with 8 airbags.
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When a rear passenger opens a door, the system will prevent the door from opening if an approaching vehicle is detected, helping to prevent collisions.
The Prestige trim now includes a smart power tailgate and a digital rearview mirror. The Noblesse trim adds multi-zone voice recognition and a digital key, while the top-tier Signature trim features LED taillights and turn signals.
The new multi-zone voice recognition technology allows the car to distinguish between different seating positions in the first and second rows and respond accordingly to voice commands, including the wake-up phrase "Hey, Kia".
Kia has also renamed the style-focused Gravity trim to X-Line, updating it with a black logo and dark gray wheel arch moldings for added flair. In addition, a premium Bose sound system is available as an option starting from the Signature trim.
In South Korea, the 2026 Carnival has the following pricing:
| Trim | Price (USD) | |
| 7-seater 3.5 gasoline | Noblesse | 30,820 |
| Signature | 33,500 | |
| X-Line | 33,880 | |
| 7-seater 1.6 Turbo Hybrid | Noblesse | 34,020 |
| Signature | 36,710 | |
| X-Line | 37,080 | |
| 9-seater 3.5 | Prestige | 26,270 |
| Noblesse | 29,410 | |
| Signature | 31,980 | |
| X-Line | 32,530 | |
| 9-seater 1.6 Turbo Hybrid | Prestige | 29,560 |
| Noblesse | 32,700 | |
| Signature | 35,270 | |
| X-Line | 35,820 | |
With the 2026 Carnival, Kia continues its strategy of combining practicality with premium upgrades, reinforcing its strong position in the competitive minivan segment in South Korea.
In Vietnam, the current Kia Carnival is the 2024 model, available with two engine options: a 2.2D and a 1.6 Turbo Hybrid. This MPV also offers two seating configurations, 7- and 8-seater, and does not have the 9-seater version available in South Korea. Prices start at 1.299 billion VND for the 2.2D Luxury trim and go up to 1.849 billion VND for the hybrid version.
My Anh (Korean Car Blog)
