Kia Sales (Thailand) has officially launched the new 2025 Kia Carnival, arriving nearly two years after its global debut. Better late than never, as the long-awaited facelift finally makes its way into the Thai market.
According to the folks over at Headlightmag, the 2025 Kia Carnival continues to be imported (CBU) from Malaysia, specifically from the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
Prices for the 7-seater variants start from THB 2,499,000 (~RM 323k) for the Premium variant, while the Luxury variant is priced at THB 2,699,000 (~RM 349k).
Watch: KIA Carnival 8-Seater Review in 2022 /// Why CKD more expensive ?
What’s new with the 2025 Kia Carnival?
First things first – the 2.2-litre turbodiesel that was once familiar with Thailand and Malaysia has been replaced with a new petrol-electric 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Said engine outputs 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm.
Then there’s the electric motor that does 75 PS and 304 Nm, allowing for a combined system output of 245 PS and 367 Nm of torque, with drive delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Visually, the 2025 Kia Carnival gets a redesigned front-end, incorporating Kia’s latest Opposites United design language, with the Kia signature Tiger Nose front grille flanked by a pair of L-shaped LED lights on each end. The Premium variant gets reflector LED headlights, while the Luxury variant offers projector LEDs.
The same Opposites United design language is carried over to the rear of the Carnival – out goes the straight-cut LED tail lights of the pre-facelift model, as Kia has revised the tail lights with extensions on each end, thus modernising this D-segment MPV.
A new set of 19-inch alloy wheels finished in dark grey colour complete the exterior of the new 2025 Kia Carnival.
Changes are more subtle as you step into the cabin. Both variants offer dual 12.3-inch TFT LCD displays – one that serves as a digital instrument cluster, while the other is the infotainment display. The difference is that the Luxury variant adds features like an 11.0-inch head-up display (HUD), 12-speaker Bose sound system, and ambient lighting.
Safety kit of the new 2025 Kia Carnival is largely identical to the model it replaces, though airbag count has increased to 8 with the addition of a new front centre airbag.
When will the 2025 Kia Carnival launch in Malaysia?
Since the 2025 Kia Carnival is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), its local launch is likely just around the corner.
For reference, the outgoing Kia Carnival is currently priced at RM 198,500 for the 11-seater variant and RM 245,888 for the 8-seater High variant.
Download brochure here:
2025 Kia Carnival Thailand Photo Gallery
2025 Kia Carnival Australia Photo Gallery
