2026 Kia Carnival Sport+ Auto MY26

The 2026 Kia Carnival Sport+ is a large, eight-seat people mover designed around adaptable passenger space and everyday usability. Its substantial cabin, sliding-door access and three-row seating arrangement make it a practical choice for carrying people and cargo, while the diesel powertrain is suited to covering distance with a stated combined fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km.

Power comes from a 2.2-litre turbo-intercooled diesel engine producing 148kW and 440Nm, paired with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. That combination gives the Carnival the mechanical specification expected of a full-size people mover, with selectable drive modes, active traction control and hill-start assist included among the listed equipment. A 72-litre fuel tank and published fuel-distance estimates further support its long-distance touring credentials, although actual consumption and range will vary with conditions, loads and driving style.

Access is a particular strength of the Carnival’s layout. Passenger sliding doors on both sides, including electric operation, simplify entry to the second and third rows and are useful in confined parking spaces. The eight-seat interior is trimmed in Taupe and includes electric seating, adjustable lumbar support, multi-zone climate control and a multifunction steering wheel. Privacy glass and roof rails add to its practical touring character, while proximity key access, remote keyless entry and push-button starting reduce the effort involved in daily use.

In-cabin technology is well covered by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, USB ports, voice recognition and GPS navigation. A digital instrument cluster, digital radio and an eight-speaker stereo provide a modern information and entertainment interface. These features are complemented by connected smartphone functionality, allowing the vehicle’s technology suite to better integrate with the driver’s existing devices.

The safety equipment list is extensive. The Carnival is listed with eight airbags and a five-star ANCAP rating from 2021, along with a reversing camera, parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, active blind-spot assist, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking add further assistance in traffic. Rear and front cross-traffic alerts, safe-exit warning, rear occupancy alert, driver alert functionality and reverse collision mitigation are also listed, helping provide additional awareness around the vehicle and its occupants.

With five doors, an eight-seat cabin and load capacity listed between 627 and 2,827 litres depending on configuration, the Carnival offers considerable flexibility when passenger and cargo requirements change. Its 2,000kg braked towing capacity and 750kg unbraked rating add further versatility. Finished in Panthera Metal with 18-inch alloy wheels, this new Sport+ combines substantial interior space with a broad suite of comfort, connectivity and driver-assistance equipment.

• 2.2-litre turbo-intercooled diesel engine with 148kW and 440Nm
• Eight-speed sports automatic transmission with front-wheel drive
• Eight-seat people mover configuration with electric sliding doors
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging and GPS navigation
• Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring
• Reversing camera, parking sensors and cross-traffic alerts
• 627 to 2,827 litres of listed load space, depending on configuration

Other highlights include Odometer: 9 km; Drive train: Front Wheel Drive; Engine or motor: Diesel Turbo Intercooled, 2.2L.