Korean brand Kia has found success in the Philippine market as of late. This could partially be attributed to the release of the Stonic, which accounted for 37% of the brand’s total Philippine sales in 2021. However, the MPV segment in the country grows increasingly intense with fierce competition all around. Kia hopes to throw down the gauntlet with an all-new 2022 Kia Carnival, confirmed for a February 17 2022 launch date.
The current generation Kia Grand Carnival. Photos: Kia
To give a refresher course, the current (outgoing) Kia Carnival is a refreshed version of the 2015 model. It’s safe to say that this one was getting long in the tooth after 6-7 long years of use. This particular MPV is versatile, with some models offered in a 7-seater luxury configuration up to an 11-seat people carrier.
The incoming version will likely feature this flexibility as well, but which models exactly will be finding their way onto Philippine shores is something we have yet to discover.
An all-new interior. Photos: Kia
As of now, the leaked EX and SX models are both 7-seaters. Internationally there are 9 and 11-seat variants, but we’ll let you know if Kia gives updates on those models. Prices for the Carnival will start at Php 2,540,000 with no information as to how high this will go after add-ons. The photos look promising, with screens everywhere, comfortable seating, and cubbies to store a myriad of items.
The all-new 2022 Kia Carnival will be going up against industry favorites like the business-class liner Toyota Alphard, Japanese missile Honda Odyssey, van-from-the-future Hyundai Staria, and others. Whether it has enough to match or even surpass the packages those titans offer is something we’ll have to discover when we get our hands on one.
