I am quite familiar with the Kia Carnival after reviewing it for the third time. The highest range of this vehicle includes a 7-seater version, specifically designed to provide the most comfortable seating arrangement for executives. This version of the Carnival competes directly with models such as the Alphard and Vellfire. My current review will focus on assessing whether the 7-seater Kia Carnival can match up to the Alphard and Vellfire.
For the exterior, the 7-seater and 8-seater Carnival share the same exterior appearances, making it difficult to distinguish between them at a glance. Despite being able to see a few of it on the roads, the Carnival continues to draw attention from observers when parked roadside. Personally, I find the MPV to be quite aesthetically pleasing, which is unusual for me as I typically do not find this type of vehicle attractive. 
On the inside, the Kia Carnival features a dashboard similar to that of the 8-seater high variant. However, the main difference lies in the seats. It’s worth mentioning the driver’s seat before discussing the rear seats. While the 11-seater driver’s seat is comfortable, the 8-seater and 7-seater versions have a strange protruding structure in the center of the driver seat, which is especially noticeable when the lumbar support is deflated. It seems there may be some differences between the driver’s seat in the 11-seater Carnival and the 7 and 8-seater models. 
Moving to the 2nd row seats, it’s specifically designed for VIPs and bosses. These two seats are captain chairs that offer maximum comfort and luxury. Not only are they comfortable, but they also have the added convenience of being heated and cooled. These individual seats can be adjusted to suit the passengers in the second row, allowing them to move from side to side and front to back. Additionally, the seats are positioned far apart, creating a walkway for third-row passengers to easily access the back. While the third-row seats are comfortable, they offer slightly less legroom than the eight-seater variant due to the larger size of the second-row seats. 
Returning to the topic of the second-row seats, the two captain chairs offer more than just a place for passengers to sit. By adjusting the seats inward, they can be transformed into a comfortable lounge area. Kia refers to this as the “zero gravity” mode, which allows second-row passengers to partially recline and achieve the ultimate relaxation position. Additionally, by folding down the third-row seats and moving the second-row seats all the way to the back, the Carnival can even be converted into a luxurious limousine suitable for transporting important clients. Whether the third-row seats are up or down, the storage area in the back is remarkably spacious, which can come as a surprise to those who have not yet had the opportunity to experience this impressive MPV. 
Beneath the surface, the Carnival still relies on the 2.2L Smartstream turbodiesel engine that comes standard across the range. This particular engine can generate 190 hp at 3,800rpm and a maximum torque of 440 Nm between 1,750 -2,750 rpm. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine transfers power to the front wheels. From a driving standpoint, the Kia Carnival variant with this engine operates similarly to other variants. However, if you plan to chauffeur high-ranking individuals, this diesel engine may not be the best fit for the task. Despite being a pleasant MPV to drive, a luxury MPV would be better served by a petrol engine or a hybrid diesel engine. 
You can check out how the way the Carnival drive here:
The 7-seater Kia Carnival, just like its 8-seater High counterpart, is equipped with numerous safety and driver assistance systems that ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience. The vehicle is designed to help drivers overcome fatigue during long drives. In terms of safety, the Kia Carnival boasts features such as 7 airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Mulit-Collision Brake Control (MCB), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).
In addition to the comprehensive safety features, the Kia Carnival also offers a range of driver assistance systems that provide added convenience and help prevent accidents. These systems include High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC). With these advanced systems, drivers can enjoy a stress-free driving experience and be confident that they are operating a vehicle with cutting-edge safety features. 
With the 7-seater Kia Carnival, it provided an extra level of luxury to those seeking to ride in an MPV, much like its counterpart. However, I believe that the diesel engine may not be the best match for the 7-seater model, as it tends to generate excessive noise that may not be ideal for formal occasions. Instead, this engine is better suited for individuals who plan to use the Carnival primarily as a family car and drive it themselves. Despite its hefty price of RM 261,228.80, the Carnival still offers significant value as a people carrier.
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