Kia Unveils 2024 Kia Carnival and Hybrid Option

The 2024 Chicago Auto Show may be open to the public starting February 10, but for the media and automotive journalism, Kia America couldn’t wait to unveil the 2024 Kia Carnival. New and improved with next-gen tech, the multi-purpose vehicle is blowing everyone away with a hybrid option. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive into the highlights.

Powertrain and Trims

The 2024 Kia Carnival lineup consists of five trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Releasing a hybrid version in the summer of 2024, the Carnival HEV will be available in four trim levels: LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The powertrain for the gasoline-only Carnival is still the same, a 3.5-liter V6 engine optimized with gasoline-direct injection (GDI), able to generate 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This model will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For the hybrid option, except a 2025 model year with a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, able to generate a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid also comes with some hybrid performance upgrades, such as aerodynamic 17” wheels exclusive to the Carnival HEV. An Eco/Smart mode increases the amount of regenerative braking with a three-level deceleration control, E-Handling increases the responsiveness of the vehicle, E-Ride keeps the ride comfortable no matter how many bumps are in the road, and E-Evasive Handling Assist is like an upgraded version of forward-collision warning plus, able to take control and move the vehicle out of an impending incident.

Style

Enhancing its presence for 2024, the Carnival still follows the Kia “Opposites United” design philosophy, boasting a modern and bold appearance for an SUV that is both elegant and sharp lines. The front fascia boasts a sculpted grille, cube-like headlamps, and Kia’s signature amber-colored Star Map daytime running lights that have been popping up in electrified models in recent years. With smooth surfaces, the rear is more flushed with the license plate housing moved to the lower part of the tailgate. To complete the exterior design, a wide and contoured skid plate in black will be available. Alloy wheel options will be available, ranging from 17- to 19 inches. For consumers who want more than a black skid plate, the Carnival Dark Edition is akin to a blacked-out appearance package, adding darker roof rails, C-Pillar garnish, side door garnish, tailgate garnish, exterior side mirror covers, front grille, and wheels, as well as the black skid plate.

“The Carnival has been a standout since its introduction, effortlessly blending SUV aesthetics with the utilitarian functionality of a family vehicle…As a brand that refuses to settle for the status quo, we’ve made impactful updates across styling, performance and technology, further allowing the Carnival to challenge stereotypes that family vehicles are uninspiring.” – Steve Center, COO and EVP

Inside, expect plenty of creature comforts, such as an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display, an optional full-color head-up display, built-in lights within the seat belt buckle, USB-C ports located throughout the cabin (standard), and even two power outlets and two 115V inverters for additional power sources while on the road. For those always busy and need to be on a laptop, no need to worry about losing power and needing to wait to get home to recharge. There is also the optional VIP Lounge Seat package, giving second-row passengers the option to recline their seatback and deploy footrests with a single voice command.

The dashboard is also flush and simplified with simple shapes and three-dimensional effects to create a spacious center console. Ambient lighting is available to light up the width of the dashboard. The “Hey Kia!” virtual assistant also returns with multi-zone voice recognition that can still hear the driver over loud music – isn’t that a nice feature the Amazon Alexa and Google Home seem to lack?

Tech

Keeping vehicles connected, the 2024 Carnival will offer Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system – software-defined vehicles, here we come! Kia’s new Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System will also be deployed to the 2024 Kia Carnival, available to keep rear passengers happy on long rides, made up of dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution. Both can stream media and connect their Bluetooth headsets for zoning out completely. What would all this high tech be without an available and advanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2 with an NFC-enabled smart card that can lock, unlock, and drive the car?

Safety also continues to increase with Kia vehicles. A suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are available to the 2024 Kia Carnival. These include standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, available Junction Crossing, Lange-change Oncoming, Lange-change Side, and Evasive Steering Assist. Keeping driving easy on the highway are Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Wow, the 2024 Kia Carnival is shaping up to be some MPV. Be sure to follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media so you can find out when it’s available to purchase a new 2024 Kia Carnival from Miami Lakes Automall.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media