Refreshed 2024 Kia Carnival launching in PH soon?

If there's one vehicle Kia is popular for when it comes to carrying people, it's the Carnival. Serving as the brand's premier MPV/people carrier, the all-new model first arrived in the country back in 2022. Moreover, the vehicle now features SUV styling cues, new and upgraded technologies across the range, and an updated 2.2L turbo-diesel engine.

Then in late 2023, Kia revealed the refreshed Carnival. Not only did it get a makeover both inside & out, but the automaker also introduced a hybrid variant that gets a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four that's assisted by an electric motor. It first made its ASEAN debut at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.

Fast forward to Q3 2024, Kia Philippines appears to be gearing up to launch the facelifted Carnival. This comes after a well-placed source confirmed with us that there are already units of the updated people carrier in the country.

No exact details regarding the specifications of the refreshed Kia Carnival are available just yet. However, Kia did receive regulatory approval for a passenger vehicle powered by a 2151cc engine. This translates to roughly 2.2 liters of displacement which likely means the updated Carnival will continue to be powered by the Smartstream 2.2L turbo-diesel. It makes 202 PS along with 440 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

We're also hoping that Kia Philippines brings the hybrid version of the people carrier. As mentioned earlier, it's powered by a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine that's assisted by an electric motor. In other markets, the electrified Carnival makes a combined 245 PS with 367 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, we can expect the updated Carnival to come with a pair of high-definition displays that both measure 12.3 inches, a new rotary-style gear selector, three-zone climate control, a power sunroof, an updated HVAC panel, LEB ambient lighting, and perhaps a 12-speaker Bose sound system on high-grade variants.

With no exact date yet as to when Kia will launch the facelifted Carnival, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled it will happen sooner rather than later.