The new Carnival’s MPV-meets-SUV styling has now been infused with Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy. The result is a bolder look with redesigned front- and rear-ends. Upfront, the redesigned grille (still adorned with Kia’s trademark Tiger Nose Grille) now expands almost to the edge, giving it more visual heft than ever. Sandwiching it are the new headlights with the vertical drop Star Map design. At the back, the Carnival’s rear-end has been cleaned up. The exposed tailgate handle has been removed and the Kia logo moved from the top part to the middle. This emphasizes the new taillights also in the Star Map motif. At each corner are either 18- (EX) or 19-inch (SX) alloy wheels. Three colors are available for the Philippine market: Aurora Black Pearl (EX, SX), Snow White Pearl (EX, SX), and Ceramic Silver (SX only).

Inside, the horizontally-themed cabin gets a new panoramic curved display that blends two 12.3-inch screens. Kia’s next-generation infotainment system—ccNC—makes its debut bringing with it enhanced levels of usability and convenience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Like the EV6, the climate (with three zones) and audio controls share the same bank of controls. USB Type C inputs and a ventilated wireless charger (SX only) complete the list of tech features.

For both variants, the front row has power adjustment, but only the top-of-the-line SX has built-in heating and ventilation. Onto the second row, Captain’s Seats are standard issue. The seats not only recline and move fore and aft, but they can also be moved side to side. On the SX, a one-button Relaxation Seats simulate the feel of zero gravity along with built-in ventilation. Finally, when it comes to the third row, the seats, in a 60/40 split, sink into the floor creating an expansive cargo hold with a low loading lip. Occupants aboard the SX variant can enjoy the dual panel panoramic sunroof.

Both the Carnival EX and SX variants retain its tried-and-tested powertrain for 2025. The 2.2-liter Smartstream Diesel engine produces a healthy 202 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. An 8-speed automatic with cruise control (adaptive on the SX) drives the front wheels. Four-wheel independent suspension and a unibody architecture (Hyundai-Kia N3) also means high levels of NVH refinement.

In terms of safety, the new Kia Carnival has been updated with an 8-airbag system. This includes a center airbag nestled between the front seats keeping occupants in place during a side-impact collision. Front and rear parking sensors (with side sensors on the SX) and a 360-degree camera are standard. The SX variant also gets Kia’s advanced driver assist suite called Drive Wise.

The 2025 Kia Carnival is priced at P 2,888,000 for the Carnival EX 7-seater and P 3,368,000 for the Carnival SX 7-seater.