New Kia Carnival 2021 detailed: More premium interior revealed for Honda Odyssey rival

After revealing the bold exterior of its upcoming fourth-generation Carnival people mover, Kia has now detailed its interior.

Following on with similar elements to its Sorento SUV sibling, the new people mover will feature a Mercedes-Benz style panoramic panel, consisting of two 12.3-inch screens, which will span the driver’s digital instrument cluster to the multimedia system, as well as “best-in-class cargo space and storage areas”.

Also similar to the Sorento, the Carnival will move to a shift-by-wire transmission dial, paired-back dash elements and a semi-digital climate control module. It will also utilise the Sorento’s new multifunction steering wheel.

Kia confirmed that the fourth-generation Carnival will have a longer wheelbase, rear overhang, and a wider body to be 5155mm long and 1995mm wide. In overseas markets, it will be available with seating for 7, 9 or 11 people.

Cabin practicality items will include USB chargers throughout the cabin, storage nets and drawers, and specific storage areas for tablet devices. The brand says the extra length will grant the Carnival “best-in-class luggage space”. although it has not yet specified the volume.

The Carnival will significantly grow in size, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang.

The new Carnival is set to be powered by familiar engines, either a 206kW/336Nm 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6, or a 149kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder. A new dual-clutch automatic is set to be mated to the diesel option this time around.

In its home market of Korea, the new Carnival will hit the market in “the third quarter of 2020”, although we do not expect to see it locally until late this year at the earliest.