Here are the two variants of the PH-spec Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is the brand’s entry into the country’s modern minivan segment.

The car looks pretty much like a sport utility vehicle (SUV) thanks to the styling and design cues adopted by the carmaker, which makes it more appealing to a wide variety of car buyers. On that note, we’re going to take a look at the two available variants of the Kia Carnival here in the Philippines to help those looking to drive home this minivan a better buying decision.

Variants

The Kia Carnival is available in two variants: EX and SX. The former is considered as the base model while the latter is marketed as the range-topping version. In addition, Kia Philippines is offering a special Pearl finish for the Carnival, which will set customers back a few more pesos.

Exterior

The base EX variant of the Kia Carnival dons a pair of LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED fog lamps at the front. The said lighting setup flanks the minivan’s large silver grille with a modern design. Below the said radiator grille is a standard skid plate.

Its side profile is highlighted by 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 R18 tires. Here, one will also find body-colored side mirrors, body-toned door handles, a standard beltline molding, blacked-out A- and B-pillars, and chrome appliques on the C-pillar.

The rear end of the Kia Carnival’s EX trim has a standard rear spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp, LED combination lamps, standard rear fog lamps, and a power tailgate. It also rides on 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/55 R19 tires.

Meanwhile, the SX grade does have all the aforementioned but swaps some features with more upmarket ones like dual LED projection-type headlamps, a satin chrome grille, and gets dual sunroof for added flair.

Interior

Inside, the Kia Carnival EX greets its owners with a four-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel, seats covered in leatherette material (with the second row boasting captain-style seats), and a gear shift knob wrapped in leather.

Past the aforementioned steering wheel is an instrument panel with a 4.2-inch multi-function display complemented by an eight-inch infotainment system with voice control, AppleCarPay, and Android Auto connectivity.

It gets standard map lamps, standard room lamps, and standard luggage compartment lamps.

Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival SX gets additional appointments such as leather-covered relaxation seats for second-row occupants. The seats come have power reclining features, cushions and leg rests, manual long and lateral sliding features, an armrest, and cooling technology.

In addition, the Kia Carnival SX trim gets map lamps, room lamps, and luggage compartment lamps all in LED.

The Kia Carnival’s SX variant also has a wireless charger.

Notable cabin features shared by the two minivans include an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a smart entry system with remote start technology, an illuminated push start button, standard scuff plates, a slew of cup holders, and a host of bottle holders.

Engine

Power for both the Kia Carnival variants come from the brand’s Smartstream Diesel 2.2-liter engine paired with Kia’s Smartstream eight-speed automatic transmission.

The two minivans both make 199 horsepower with 440 Newton-meters of torque.

Safety

The Kia Carnival EX has safety features like front, driver knee, side, and curtain airbags; seatbelts; an anti-lock brake system; electronic stability control; a multi-collision brake system; hill-start assist control; trailer stability assist; and an anti-theft system.

In addition, it also gets driver-assist technologies like cruise control, blind spot detection, a rear camera display with dynamic guide lines, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

On the other hand, the Kia Carnival SX packs more with blind spot detection with collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing

Kia Carnival EX – P2.640 million
Kia Carnival EX Pearl Color – P2.650 million
Kia Carnival SX – P3.088 million
Kia Carnival SX Pearl Color – P3.098 million

Photos from Kia 

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