MPV of the Year
Kia Carnival Hybrid
The Kia Carnival isn’t just your run-of-the-mill MPV. It sports a strong and rugged exterior for one, and on the inside, build quality is remarkable. For the family, there’s features including cushy captain’s chairs and two sunroofs. The driver, meanwhile, is sure to appreciate the car’s safety features and smooth hybrid drivetrain. If you’re looking for an MPV that is both big and big on features, this Carnival is sure to fit the bill.
Special Features
Reviews
 
I've been driving the Kia Carnival for the past two months, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The car offers a perfect balance of comfort, space, and performance, making it ideal for both family trips and daily commutes. The ride is smooth, the features are well thought out, and the overall driving experience has exceeded my expectations.A special mention to Dom Wong, who provided exceptional service throughout the buying process. His professionalism, knowledge, and attentiveness made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. He was patient in addressing my queries, ensured a smooth handover, and went the extra mile to make sure I was fully satisfied with my purchase.Highly recommend both the Kia Carnival and Dom Wong for anyone considering this vehicle. Truly a five-star experience!
 
Lots of features, good insulation, smooth ride, tons of internal space. Car also looks good. Only issue is that it is very long and wide... Parking is a chore everytime in Singapore carparks, have to rely on a lot of safety sensors to park. Special shout out and kudos to Dom Wong of C&C Kia for his professionalism and friendly advices.
 
My Kia Carnival took delivery in 11/24.Performance & Driving ExperienceThe vehicle's power is impressive. Despite its large size, it doesn't feel underpowered, providing a smooth and confident driving experience. The car weighs 2.4 tons, yet it remains agile on the road.One pleasant surprise is that U-turns can be completed smoothly in a three-lane road, which makes maneuvering in urban areas much more convenient than expected.Size & ManeuverabilityThe car is quite large, which was initially intimidating to drive. However, the 360-degree camera system significantly enhances the driving experience, especially when parking or navigating through narrow roads. It provides excellent visibility and support, making tight maneuvers much easier.Recently, I took the Kia Carnival on a trip to JB, crossing both the SG and MY immigration checkpoints with ease. Initially, I was concerned that the checkpoints might be too narrow, posing a risk of scraping the sides. However, the clearance was sufficient, and passing through was stress-free. On the highway, the ride was smooth and stable, providing a comfortable journey. Passengers in the second and third rows also enjoyed a spacious and relaxing experience without feeling cramped.AccessibilityOne downside is the relatively high ride height, which makes it difficult for elderly passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. I am considering installing side steps to improve accessibility.Infotainment SystemThe in-car system has some issues. Occasionally, Apple CarPlay fails to connect, but after a few days, it automatically reconnects without any intervention. This inconsistency is a bit frustrating.AC SystemI typically set the AC to 24-25°C based on my usual preference. However, I've noticed that the AC sometimes stops working and doesn't cool properly at this setting. Strangely, at other times, it functions normally under the same settings. When I consulted C&C, they advised lowering the temperature to 22-23°C for more consistent cooling performance.Final ThoughtsOverall, the Kia Carnival is a well-performing, spacious, and comfortable MPV with great driving assistance features. The smooth ride, ample space, and stable handling make it an excellent choice for both city driving and long road trips. However, minor issues with the infotainment and AC system could be improved for a better user experience.
 
Picked up my new carnival hybrid after 4 weeks of driving my parents' Mercedes GLE and the Carnival can hold its own. The sound insulation, stability, ease of driving (even though the vehicle is big) is great and has made me and my family very happy. A big thanks to Dom Wong from C&C for all the advice and support given.
Verdict
The Kia Carnival Hybrid has been updated with new head lights and a new front grille but still looks as imposing as before.

Hop into its cabin and you'll find that the car also now makes use of two 12.3-inch screens housed within a single-piece panel. Also present here is a switchable LCD control panel, which makes accessing the car's infotainment and climate control setting a breeze.

Space for all in here is decidedly generous, and even with all seven seats in place, the MPV will still offer a commodious 627 litres of space in its boot.

But take the driver's seat and you'll find the Carnival feels light off the line, thanks to its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. A well-judged steering means most should find piloting the car a breeze, while a well-balanced suspension setup also means all seated within won't be disturbed, even if the car travels over pockmarked roads.

For offering a combination of bold design and high passenger space and comfort, the Kia Carnival takes the title of our MPV of the year.