Should you buy a used Kia Carnival?

GOOD FOR: Practical and plush cabin, Refined engine

LOOK OUT FOR: Door mechanism, Brake wear

If you have a large family and are looking to upgrade from your current car, the Kia Carnival may just be the one for you. Unfortunately, the carmaker is set to pull the plug on the Carnival with the new-gen model set to arrive at a later stage, but fret not as there’s plenty of Carnivals available in the used market at a decent price. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.  

The Kia Carnival was launched in India in 2020 at the Auto Expo. Kia’s luxurious and practical MPV can be had in three seating configurations – a 7-seater with a 2+2+3 arrangement, an 8-seater utilising a 2+3+3 design or a 9-seater employing a 2+2+2+3 layout with a fourth row of seats.

Kia Carnival powertrain and variants

Despite having a diesel engine, the Carnival is heavy and thirsty.

The Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 200hp and 440Nm, with transmission duties handled by an 8-speed torque-converter automatic. There are no other engine or gearbox options on offer. The MPV is available in four trims – Premium, Prestige, Limousine and Limousine Plus.

Kia Carnival interior and features

Standard safety equipment on all Carnivals includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, rear parking sensors and a rear camera. In terms of creature comforts, the entry-level Premium trim covers the basics well, with projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-sliding doors, three-zone auto climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and cruise control.

The mid-range Prestige variant adds electronic stability control, hill-start assist, side and curtain airbags, front parking sensors, LED projector headlamps and fog lamps, a powered tailgate, a dual-pane sunroof and power-folding wing mirrors. The 9-seater version gets exclusive leatherette upholstery as well.

The Limousine trim gets second-row captain seats with extendable leg support, Nappa leather seat upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. Other highlights include Kia Uvo connected car tech, 10.1-inch dual rear-seat entertainment screens, an air purifier, and a powered and ventilated driver’s seat.

Kia added a new top-spec Limousine Plus variant in 2021 and also updated the MPV with its new logo. It’s loaded with features like an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, an electronic parking brake, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with seat ventilation, premium wood garnish inside and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Furthermore, the dual rear screens, the powered and ventilated driver’s seat and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob – available on the erstwhile Limousine trim – were now reserved for this top-spec Limousine Plus variant.

The mid-spec Prestige trim strikes a good balance between price and features, and it’s the one we’d recommend. It’s also the only trim that offers nine seats, so if that’s a requirement, this is the variant for you. If budget isn’t a concern, you should opt for one of the top two trims as they provide you with that luxurious, lounge-like experience in the middle row.   

The Carnival, being a Kia, is a reliable car and its service centres are pretty well established across India. The cost of spare parts is on the higher side though. However, look to buy a late-2020 example or newer, as these models will still be covered under the manufacturer’s standard warranty, giving you that extra peace of mind.

What to look out for in a used Kia Carnival?

Sliding door mechanism

Kia recalled many Carnival models overseas due to a potential fault in the rear door mechanism.

While not a common issue, the Carnival is susceptible to issues with its electronically operated rear sliding door mechanism. Kia had recalled a large number of Carnival models overseas due to a potential fault with the rear door mechanism not latching correctly. While no models in India were affected, it’s best to ensure that the rear door latches on securely as replacing the mechanism won’t be a cheap affair.

Brake wear

The Carnival puts extra load on the brakes since it is a heavy vehicle.

Some owners have faced issues with the brake pads wearing out and discs warping prematurely. Being a heavy vehicle with an auto gearbox, it puts extra load on the brakes. Before purchasing, get the pads and discs inspected by a mechanic as this could turn out to be an expensive fix.

Also worth knowing

Despite having a diesel engine, it’s heavy and thirsty. While the ARAI-rated fuel efficiency is pegged at 13.9kpl, expect to get figures lower than that in the real world. This is worth knowing if fuel efficiency ranks high on your list when looking for a new car. 

Second-hand Kia Carnival price and resale value

Carnivals in the used market are still hovering around the mid to high Rs 20 lakh range. Depending on the variant you go for, look to pay anywhere between Rs 21 lakh-26 lakh. You can also negotiate to get the price down as the demand for used Carnivals isn’t high.

Also see:

Should you buy a used Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS?

Should you buy a used Kia Sonet?