The first look
The first thing that struck me was the Kia Carnival Limousine’s sheer size. The 2024 Kia Carnival Limousine wasn’t just an MPV—it was an imposing presence. It had that authoritative stance that commands attention wherever it goes. Kia had somehow managed to marry the dimensions of a luxury SUV with the elegance of a premium sedan, wrapped in the practical body of an MPV.
The design is stunning. This isn’t the boxy people-mover from years past. Instead, it boasts sleek lines and a modern, almost futuristic appeal. The tiger-nose grille, a signature Kia element, dominates the front fascia, accompanied by sharp LED headlights that seem to squint at you in a confident gaze. Chrome touches run along the sides, adding to the premium feel, while the sculpted body panels give it an aerodynamic look. I was particularly drawn to the new alloy wheels, large and stylish, giving the vehicle an athletic touch.
I couldn’t wait to get inside.
Stepping Into Luxury
Opening the door to the 2024 Kia Carnival Limousine felt like stepping into a world of luxury. The cabin welcomed me with open arms—an interior that screamed sophistication. The rich leather seats, soft to the touch and generously padded, were enough to make anyone want to sink into them and never get up. The quality of materials was immediately evident; everything felt solid and well-put together.
But what really caught my attention were the second-row VIP seats. Recliners, with leg rests that could extend to provide the ultimate comfort for passengers. These weren’t your regular MPV seats. These were the kind you’d find in a first-class airplane cabin. And they didn’t just look good—they had ventilation and heating, so whether you’re traveling in the sweltering Indian summer or during the colder months, you’re guaranteed a comfortable ride. There’s even a massage function, which felt like the icing on the cake.
As I made myself comfortable in the backseat, I noticed the dual sunroof that spanned nearly the entire length of the roof. It let in so much light that the cabin felt even more spacious than it already was. Combine that with the ambient lighting running along the sides, and the Carnival Limousine gave off a serene, calming vibe. It was the kind of space you could imagine spending hours in without feeling cramped or bored.
Tech and Connectivity
Of course, luxury these days isn’t just about materials and comfort—it’s also about technology. And Kia clearly understands this. The Kia Carnival Limousine is loaded with tech that enhances the overall experience, both for the driver and passengers.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen at the front. It was crisp, intuitive, and packed with features. From navigation to entertainment, everything was at your fingertips. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so whether you’re an iPhone enthusiast or an Android loyalist, your smartphone pairs seamlessly. And for the rear passengers, there are dual 10.1-inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats. These displays are perfect for long journeys, keeping everyone entertained with movies, games, or music.
Connectivity is another area where the Carnival Limousine excels. It comes with UVO Connect, Kia’s connected car tech, which allows you to control various features of the car remotely. Whether it’s starting the engine, setting the cabin temperature, or even tracking the vehicle’s location, all of it can be done via a smartphone app. It’s small touches like these that elevate the Carnival to a whole new level.
There’s also a premium Bose sound system that delivers crisp, immersive audio throughout the cabin. Whether you’re listening to your favorite songs or catching up on a podcast, the sound quality is nothing short of stellar.
Performance and Driving Experience
As luxurious as the Carnival is on the inside, it’s still a vehicle that needs to perform well on the road. Kia has ensured that the 2024 Carnival Limousine doesn’t just look the part—it drives like a dream too.
Under the hood is a 2.2-liter diesel engine that puts out a solid 200 PS of power and 440 Nm of torque having 8-speed automatic transmission. On paper, these numbers sound impressive for a vehicle of this size, but the real test is in the drive.
Safety Features
Luxury and performance are important, but safety is paramount, especially in a family vehicle like this. Kia has equipped the Carnival Limousine with a host of safety features that provide peace of mind.
It comes with six airbags as standard, ensuring that all occupants are protected in case of a collision. The car is also equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which ensure that you’re always in control, no matter the driving conditions. The 360-degree camera system is particularly useful for parking such a large vehicle, offering a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. There’s also Blind-Spot Detection and Lane Keep Assist, which work together to ensure that you’re always aware of other vehicles around you.
One feature that really stood out to me was the Smart Cruise Control. On long highway drives, this system can maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting the speed as needed. It’s a game-changer for anyone who does a lot of highway driving, taking much of the stress out of long journeys.
Space and Practicality
At its core, the Carnival is an MPV, and that means space and practicality are key. The middle-row captain seats, as I mentioned earlier, are nothing short of luxury, but the third row isn’t an afterthought either. Even tall adults can sit comfortably back there, thanks to the ample legroom and headroom.
And when it comes to cargo space, the Carnival doesn’t disappoint. Even with all three rows in place, you still get a generous amount of boot space. But if you need more, the third row can be folded down flat, giving you enough room to transport larger items. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a road trip with the family, the Carnival is more than capable of handling all your luggage.
Fuel Efficiency
Given the size of the vehicle, one might expect the Carnival to be a gas guzzler. However, Kia has managed to strike a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The 2.2-liter diesel engine delivers respectable mileage, especially for an MPV of this size. On the highway, can expect around 14-15 kmpl, which is pretty impressive. In city driving conditions, the figure hovers around 11-12 kmpl, depending on traffic. For a vehicle that offers this level of luxury and space, those numbers are more than acceptable.
Verdict A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Utility
As I sat in the showroom after my test drive, reflecting on the 2024 Kia Carnival Limousine, I couldn’t help but be impressed. Kia has managed to create something truly special here. It’s a vehicle that offers the space and practicality of an MPV while delivering the luxury and tech of a high-end sedan. It’s comfortable, stylish, and packed with features that make it an absolute joy to be in, whether you’re driving or being driven.
What’s more, it’s perfectly suited for the Indian market. With our growing preference for larger, more versatile vehicles, the Carnival Limousine fits right in. Whether you’re a family looking for space and comfort, or a businessperson who wants a luxury vehicle with room for meetings on the go, the Carnival Limousine checks all the boxes.
It’s clear that Kia isn’t just aiming for the typical MPV buyer with this one—they’re going after the luxury segment, and in my opinion, they’ve nailed it. The 2024 Kia Carnival Limousine is more than just a vehicle; it’s an experience, one that I can see many people falling in love with. And as I handed back the keys, I knew that this wasn’t the last time I’d be behind the wheel of this impressive machine.
