Last year, there was a rumor about the 2024 Kia Carnival would be coming as the fourth gen with a little updated look. At that time, no one was really paying attention because the idea of mid-cycle update seemed to be too early. However, it seems that Kia is seriously doing their work because the fourth gen model would get an updated look that would refresh the overall appearance and look. So, what to expect from the new Carnival, anyway?
The Updated Plan
The new Carnival would get an update, and the update seems to take inspiration from EV9. It’s pretty normal for one model to be inspired by another model. This ‘people mover’ ride was still wearing a camouflage, so the detailed elements would be difficult to reveal. However, some of the overall shapes and forms would be easy to spot. For instance, you can see the (distinctive) vertical elements as the extra elements to the conventional horizontal lights that are offered on the current model.
From this design alone, you can tell about EV9 concept as the hints and cues are basically all over the new suspected Carnival. In case you don’t know it, the new EV9 would make into production within this year. Based on the photos, the camouflaged prototype does have some changes happening on the back too, considering that it’s also being covered quite heavily.
Powertrain and Performance
According to some reports, the 2024 Kia Carnival would be running on a hybrid model – at least as one of the powertrain option. It means that there is a possibility that Kia will stop producing the Stinger because they need to use their Sohari manufacturing plant (in South Korea) to produce the hybrid Carnival. According to the manufacturing schedule, it should take place within the second quarter of 2023.
The hybrid powertrain would be sharing (electric) powertrain as Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid as well as Kia Sorento hybrid. This hybrid system would be running on petrol four cylinder turbocharged unit with 1.6 liter capacity that is coming with an electric motor and also li-ion battery. The petrol unit alone is able to generate 265 Nm of torque and 132 kW of power, while the pair of electric motor and battery can generate 264 Nm and 44 kW, placed between the auto 6 speed transmission and the engine. As a result, the entire output would be 169 kW and also 350 Nm.
Battery would be recharged through regenerative braking, while the full outputs would be transferred via the transmission (in parallel) to reduce energy loss in a quite significant manner. Carnival hybrid would likely be coming with only front wheel driving system.
Design and Layout
The current Carnival, which is the fourth gen model, was released in 2021. However, Kia themselves aren’t really happy and satisfied with the model because it misses out a lot of parts and elements. These elements may seem simply or unimportant, but they can affect the entire performance and look of the car. Expect to find new (and sophisticated) camera system with Blind Spot View Monitor, digital instrument cluster, and rain-sensing wipers. Kia was last not producing these parts because they would delay launch date as they were dealing with high supply and demand.
Final Words
Because of the limited information about the upcoming Carnival, we don’t know the exact launch date as well as the price range. But there is always a possibility that there would be an increase in the price, especially with the many updates and new (advanced) technologies being included in the new design. Hopefully, we should learn more about the 2024 Kia Carnival before the official launch date takes place.