Pros

  • Immense levels of practicality and space
  • Good-sized boot even with eight onboard
  • Smooth and refined power plants
  • Good reliability and longevity

Cons

  • Petrol engine can be thirsty
  • Very hard to shake the people mover image
  • Early examples levels of tech beginning to feel dated
  • Can suffer various electronic issues

Verdict

While the range of 7-seat SUV alternatives may provide more in terms of image and sex appeal, if you have the strength of character to look past these factors and have no desire to explore the depths of the wilderness with your entire family onboard, yes, you should buy a...

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It might subjectively be the least sexy category of car but it’s very hard to deny the Kia Carnival (or Sedona depending on your location) is one of the best people movers on the used car market.

Offering incredible practicality, a refined driving experience, excellent levels of safety and technology and near class-leading warranty and after sales support, the Carnival more than makes up for its lack of cool or desirability.

The third-generation Carnival/Sedona was launched in 2015, offering excellent levels of equipment and an ingenious use of space to provide incredible practicality.

2019 brought with it a mid-life update with the Carnival/Sedona receiving exterior and interior aesthetic treatments including a revised face with new LED headlights, revised tail-lights and ‘ice cube’ LED fog-lights along with various tech, equipment and safety revisions.

Mechanically, the 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing version’s six-speeder.

Kia also thoroughly overhauled the Carnival/Sedona’s base structure. The body shell’s rigidity was increased by 74 per cent while fresh soundproofing material in the wheel arches and under the bonnet provided better refinement.

It might subjectively be the least sexy category of car but it’s very hard to deny the Kia Carnival (or Sedona depending on your location) is one of the best people movers on the used car market.

Offering incredible practicality, a refined driving experience, excellent levels of safety and technology and near class-leading warranty and after sales support, the Carnival more than makes up for its lack of cool or desirability.

The third-generation Carnival/Sedona was launched in 2015, offering excellent levels of equipment and an ingenious use of space to provide incredible practicality.

2019 brought with it a mid-life update with the Carnival/Sedona receiving exterior and interior aesthetic treatments including a revised face with new LED headlights, revised tail-lights and ‘ice cube’ LED fog-lights along with various tech, equipment and safety revisions.

Mechanically, the 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing version’s six-speeder.

Kia also thoroughly overhauled the Carnival/Sedona’s base structure. The body shell’s rigidity was increased by 74 per cent while fresh soundproofing material in the wheel arches and under the bonnet provided better refinement.

It might subjectively be the least sexy category of car but it’s very hard to deny the Kia Carnival (or Sedona depending on your location) is one of the best people movers on the used car market.

Offering incredible practicality, a refined driving experience, excellent levels of safety and technology and near class-leading warranty and after sales support, the Carnival more than makes up for its lack of cool or desirability.

The third-generation Carnival/Sedona was launched in 2015, offering excellent levels of equipment and an ingenious use of space to provide incredible practicality.

2019 brought with it a mid-life update with the Carnival/Sedona receiving exterior and interior aesthetic treatments including a revised face with new LED headlights, revised tail-lights and ‘ice cube’ LED fog-lights along with various tech, equipment and safety revisions.

Mechanically, the 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing version’s six-speeder.

Kia also thoroughly overhauled the Carnival/Sedona’s base structure. The body shell’s rigidity was increased by 74 per cent while fresh soundproofing material in the wheel arches and under the bonnet provided better refinement.

  • Reports that the powered sliding doors can fail, get stuck or have issues
  • Central locking can fail or lock/unlock randomly
  • Early examples can suffer from faulty infotainment systems

It should be noted, thanks to Kia’s excellent 7-year warranty, any issues should have been resolved under warranty.

NOTE: The very first Carnivals missed out on the full 5-star ANCAP rating due to a technicality with a change to the rules surrounding the seat belts and also a front floor integrity issue. However, Kia sorted these issues out so all post-2016 Carnivals received the full 5 stars.

  • Reports that the powered sliding doors can fail, get stuck or have issues
  • Central locking can fail or lock/unlock randomly
  • Early examples can suffer from faulty infotainment systems

It should be noted, thanks to Kia’s excellent 7-year warranty, any issues should have been resolved under warranty.

NOTE: The very first Carnivals missed out on the full 5-star ANCAP rating due to a technicality with a change to the rules surrounding the seat belts and also a front floor integrity issue. However, Kia sorted these issues out so all post-2016 Carnivals received the full 5 stars.

  • Reports that the powered sliding doors can fail, get stuck or have issues
  • Central locking can fail or lock/unlock randomly
  • Early examples can suffer from faulty infotainment systems

It should be noted, thanks to Kia’s excellent 7-year warranty, any issues should have been resolved under warranty.

NOTE: The very first Carnivals missed out on the full 5-star ANCAP rating due to a technicality with a change to the rules surrounding the seat belts and also a front floor integrity issue. However, Kia sorted these issues out so all post-2016 Carnivals received the full 5 stars.

Body style:

  • 5-door people mover

Engines:

  • 3.3-litre V6 petrol
  • 2.2-litre turbo-diesel

Power:

  • 206kW (V6 petrol)
  • 147kW (turbo-diesel)

Torque:

  • 336Nm (V6 petrol)
  • 440Nm (turbo-diesel)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic
  • 8-spd automatic (from 2019)

Fuel use:

  • 7.6 – 10.8L/100kms (combined and depending on spec)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1740mm
  • Length: 5115mm
  • Width: 1985mm
  • Kerb weight: 2047kg – 2198kg

Body style:

  • 5-door people mover

Engines:

  • 3.3-litre V6 petrol
  • 2.2-litre turbo-diesel

Power:

  • 206kW (V6 petrol)
  • 147kW (turbo-diesel)

Torque:

  • 336Nm (V6 petrol)
  • 440Nm (turbo-diesel)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic
  • 8-spd automatic (from 2019)

Fuel use:

  • 7.6 – 10.8L/100kms (combined and depending on spec)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1740mm
  • Length: 5115mm
  • Width: 1985mm
  • Kerb weight: 2047kg – 2198kg

Body style:

  • 5-door people mover

Engines:

  • 3.3-litre V6 petrol
  • 2.2-litre turbo-diesel

Power:

  • 206kW (V6 petrol)
  • 147kW (turbo-diesel)

Torque:

  • 336Nm (V6 petrol)
  • 440Nm (turbo-diesel)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic
  • 8-spd automatic (from 2019)

Fuel use:

  • 7.6 – 10.8L/100kms (combined and depending on spec)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1740mm
  • Length: 5115mm
  • Width: 1985mm
  • Kerb weight: 2047kg – 2198kg

Warranty:

7 years / unlimited Kms
7 years roadside assistance.

Servicing:

12 months or 15,000kms. 7-years capped price service.

Model range, pricing and features

Kia Carnival-1

S (2015 - 2020)

Price when new: $41,490 - $45,690

Price used: $19,200 - $42,650

The base model Carnival isn’t short of standard equipment with an extensive range of features.

However, if the budget allows, we would recommend climbing up the Carnival food chain a little higher

Standard features:

  • Hydraulic power steering
  • 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode
  • 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode (From 2019)
  • Active eco
  • 17-inch steel wheels w/ temporary spare tyre (From 2019)
  • Poly-urethane steering wheel and shift knob
  • Tilt & telescopic steering wheel
  • 6-airbags (front dual, front side and curtain)
  • ESC (Electronic stability control)
  • TCS (Traction control)
  • ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
  • EBD (Electronic brakeforce distribution)
  • BAS (Brake assist system)
  • CBC (Cornering brake control)
  • ROM (Read-only memory)
  • HAC (Hill-start assist control)
  • Speed-sensing door locks
  • Impact-sensing door unlocks
  • Rear parking sensors
  • MFR type headlamps with LED light guide position lamps (4 LEDs)
  • Black bar type grille
  • Body coloured bumpers and door handles
  • Electrically-adjustable and heated outside mirrors
  • Chrome rear garnish
  • Roof rails
  • Rear spoiler w/ high mount stop light
  • Front and rear mudguards
  • Tinted glass
  • Power windows (front & rear)
  • Driver’s window auto up-down w/ safety
  • Cloth seats
  • 2nd row 40:20:40 split sliding seats (outer: stand-up, centre: removable)
  • 2nd row 60:40 split fold-flat sinking seats
  • Driver’s height adjuster (pump device)
  • Child anchor points (4 x top tether, 3 x ISO Fix)
  • Keyless entry with folding keys
  • Cruise control
  • Rheostat (cluster dimmer)
  • Sunvisor with vanity mirror and extension
  • Steering wheel mounted audio, bluetooth and cruise controls
  • Auto light control
  • 3 x 12V power outlets (Fr + Rr + Luggage Area)
  • Internal grip handles and entry/exit handle
  • Front floor console with armrest and cup holders
  • Sunglass holder and conversation mirror
  • Front seat back pockets
  • 10 cup holders + 4 bottle holders
  • Illuminated glove box
  • Luggage net hooks
  • Cargo lamp
  • CD player with MP3/USB/AUX
  • 6 speaker stereo
  • AUX input and USB charging
  • Bluetooth
  • Shark fin type antenna
  • Manual air conditioning (front and rear)
  • 17-inch steel wheels (from 2019)
  • Reverse parking sensors (from 2019)
  • Rear-view camera (from 2019),
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning
  • A 7.0-inch touchscreen with
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android auto compatibility
  • Four-speaker sound system

 

Si (2015 - 2020)

Price when new: $45,490 - $51,190

Price used: $21,300 - $47,850

While the Si offers even more equipment, like the S and if the budget allows, we’d recommend looking at higher specs.

Si adds:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
  • Front fog lamps
  • Solar glass (windshield, front windows)
  • Privacy glass (2nd/3rd windows, tailgate)
  • Front passenger & 2nd row windows auto up-down w/ safety
  • LED rear combination lamps
  • LED positioning lamps (20 LEDs)
  • OLED type instrument cluster
  • Chrome interior door handles
  • Hydro-graphics door inserts
  • Electric folding outside mirror
  • Vanity mirror illumination
  • Ignition illumination
  • Satellite navigation with 8-inch colour LCD touch screen
  • DVD player (playable while stationary)
  • Tri-zone climate control air conditioning with auto defog & clean air module
  • 20-LED running lights from 2019
  • Front fog-lights from 2019
  • Auto-folding mirrors from 2019
  • Solar glass front windows from 2019
  • Rear privacy glass from 2019
  • Premium steering wheel
  • Premium shift knob
  • Premium eight-speaker JBL audio system

SLi (2015 - 2020)

Price when new: $49,990 - $55,690

Price used: $23,600 - $52,200

The SLi is our sweet spot of the Carnival range. Aesthetically the extra design elements assist with the visual value and the added equipment is worth the slightly extra asking price.

SLi adds:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Front parking sensors
  • Chrome window surround
  • Black high-gloss + white chrome bar type grille
  • Cooling glove box
  • Driver’s power lumbar support (2-way)
  • Leather trim seats
  • Power sliding doors
  • Hands-free smart power tailgate
  • Power driver’s seat (8-way)
  • Smart key with button start
  • Electrochromic rear view mirror
  • Aeroblade type front wipers

Platinum (2015 - 2020)

Price when new: $57,490 - $63,490

Price used: $27,450 - $59,300

The top spec Platinum adds the full luxury suite of extra features. How much you need this level of added equipment is up to you and your budget but we’d recommend saving a few thousand dollars and finding an SLi in superb condition instead.

Platinum adds:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels (chrome finish)
  • Front cup holder cover
  • Black high-gloss + mesh type grille
  • Sunshade blinds (manual pull-type, 2nd/3rd rows)
  • HID headlamps with washer & auto leveling
  • High beam assist (HBA)
  • Driver’s memory seat (2 positions)
  • Driver’s power lumbar support (4-way)
  • Front passenger power seat (8-way)
  • Wood + leather type steering wheel with heating
  • LED portable lamp (luggage area)
  • Front ventilated/heated + 2nd row heated seats
  • 7-inch colour TFT supervision cluster
  • Blind-spot detection (BSD)
  • Smart cruise control (SCC)
  • Lane departure warning system (LDWS)
  • Forward collision warning system (FCWS)
  • Projection type front fog lamps
  • Surround-view camera
  • Alloy door scuff panels and luggage area transverse trim

While the range of 7-seat SUV alternatives may provide more in terms of image and sex appeal, if you have the strength of character to look past these factors and have no desire to explore the depths of the wilderness with your entire family onboard, yes, you should buy a Kia Carnival/Sedona.

With genuine luggage space even when fully loaded, a refined and enjoyable driving experience, excellent levels of safety, tech and features, the Carnival/Sedona may just be the best people mover on the market.

While the range of 7-seat SUV alternatives may provide more in terms of image and sex appeal, if you have the strength of character to look past these factors and have no desire to explore the depths of the wilderness with your entire family onboard, yes, you should buy a Kia Carnival/Sedona.

With genuine luggage space even when fully loaded, a refined and enjoyable driving experience, excellent levels of safety, tech and features, the Carnival/Sedona may just be the best people mover on the market.

While the range of 7-seat SUV alternatives may provide more in terms of image and sex appeal, if you have the strength of character to look past these factors and have no desire to explore the depths of the wilderness with your entire family onboard, yes, you should buy a Kia Carnival/Sedona.

With genuine luggage space even when fully loaded, a refined and enjoyable driving experience, excellent levels of safety, tech and features, the Carnival/Sedona may just be the best people mover on the market.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of July 30, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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