Following the introduction of the locally assembled 11-seater Kia Carnival, Kia Malaysia has also swiftly updated the 7-seater and 8-seater variants. With this latest update, Kia Malaysia has removed the 8-seater Mid variant from the model lineup to make space for the local assembly of the 11-seater variant. In the updated 7-seater and 8-seater versions of the Kia Carnival, some new features have been added, while others have been removed, similar to the 11-seater. In this review, I will take a closer look at what has been added and what has been removed in this 2024 Kia Carnival.
Just like the 11-seater, the updated 7-seater and 8-seater Kia Carnival haven’t changed much in terms of the exterior. It still sports a handsome exterior design and remains quite eye-catching even after being on the market for a while. However, to set it apart from the 11-seater variant, the 7 and 8-seater versions of the Carnival receive a slight enhancement that the 11-seater doesn’t get: blacked-out 19-inch rims, which further enhance the elegant look of the MPV. These rims are wrapped in 235/55 R19 tires, and they look really good on such a large vehicle. 
Inside the MPV, both the 7 and 8-seater variants of the Kia Carnival now feature the same grey and black interior that was first introduced in the 11-seater variant. This is an interior that Malaysians will appreciate, as it is more durable when it comes to handling stains. Also similar to the 11-seater, the latest 7 and 8-seater variants of the Carnival receive the latest infotainment screen. This new infotainment screen not only has updated graphics but also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as seen in the 11-seater variant. This is still one of my favorite systems to use, especially for its user-friendliness. 
While the new features are welcome upgrades for the Carnival, some features have been omitted. Like the 11-seater, only the driver’s side window has a one-touch open and close function; the other windows have lost their one-touch capability. Additionally, Kia Malaysia has removed the ambient lights from the Kia Carnival. The ambient lighting was only available in white and wasn’t very eye-catching in the pre-facelift model. So even with their removal, the overall interior feel of the vehicle is not significantly affected.
In terms of its powertrain, the same 2.2L turbo diesel engine continues to power the Carnival, producing 199 horsepower and a peak torque of 440 Nm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. After getting behind the wheel of the Carnival again, it solidified its position as my favorite MPV on the market. The power is as strong as I remember, and keeping up with traffic in such a large vehicle is effortless. Apart from being powerful, the Carnival is also very fuel-efficient, which is not something you typically associate with a vehicle of this size. With a full tank, the Carnival has no problem reaching the 800 km mark, and it can even go further on long drives. 
With the larger rims, there is a small impact on the ride quality of the MPV. When driving over uneven roads, I can feel some of the road imperfections reaching the cabin. It’s actually very minor, but I can notice the difference. The 18-inch rims with thicker tires provided slightly better cushioning. Overall, the suspension is very well balanced, offering comfort without feeling too soft. When traveling long distances in this vehicle, the suspension absorbs all imperfections with ease. While tuned for comfort, the suspension never feels floaty, allowing the Carnival to travel on highways without causing discomfort to passengers. Moreover, the Carnival is very capable in corners, handling like a much smaller vehicle. The wide track of the vehicle ensures it feels planted in corners, and the steering provides the driver with confidence on twisty roads.
Even at RM 259,888 for the 7-seater variant and RM 245,888 for the 8-seater variant, the Kia Carnival is still considered affordable when you consider the size of the vehicle. With three different variants to choose from, it is also very flexible to suit the needs of different families. The 7 and 8-seater variants will appeal to those who want a more premium version of the Carnival, while the 11-seater is ideal for those who just want a large MPV. After so many years, the Carnival is still the MPV I would choose if I were looking for one.
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