Kia Sales Malaysia has officially introduced the 2026 Kia Carnival facelift, marking its first model launch since taking over distribution of the brand from Bermaz Auto towards the end of 2025.
However, strong speculation surrounding the arrival of a hybrid urban MPV variant, similar to what is available in Thailand, has been firmly put to rest. This is because Kia is offering the 2026 Carnival in diesel form only for Malaysia. That said, even without a new powertrain option, the Carnival receives significant upgrades, particularly in terms of design and technology.
2026 Kia Carnival price in Malaysia
For the Malaysian market, two variants of the 2026 Kia Carnival are offered, priced as follows:
- Kia Carnival 2.2D 11-seater – RM188,888
- Kia Carnival 2.2D 7-seater – RM248,888
Each Kia Carnival comes with a 5-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty.
2026 Kia Carnival specifications in Malaysia
The 2026 Kia Carnival is a locally assembled (CKD) model, produced at Inokom’s manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah. For reference, the same model has also been exported to Thailand since October 2025, where it is offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
2026 Kia Carnival Specifications for Malaysia
The 2026 Kia Carnival is a CKD (locally assembled) model, produced at Inokom’s manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah. For reference, the same specification has also been exported to Thailand since October 2025.
2.2D Turbo Diesel Remains the Backbone of the Malaysian Carnival
Powering this large MPV is a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder Smartstream turbo diesel engine, producing 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel efficiency is officially rated at 15.5 km/L. With a 71-litre fuel tank, a full refuel will likely cost over RM220, depending on diesel prices.
Fresher exterior design with Opposites United styling
The facelifted Kia Carnival brings a noticeably fresher look compared to previous iterations. Its design now aligns more closely with Kia’s electric models, adopting the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy first introduced on the Kia EV6 and later expanded to models such as the EV9.
Up front, the Carnival features new vertically stacked LED headlamps paired with Kia’s signature Star Map daytime running lights. At the rear, the taillights follow a similar design theme, with vertically oriented brake lights that extend horizontally across the tailgate, creating a wider and more modern visual presence.
12.3-inch ccNC infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Inside the cabin, the Kia Carnival receives several notable electronic upgrades. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment display are integrated into a single, seamless housing, giving the dashboard a cleaner and more modern appearance.
User interaction is handled via a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The centre console layout remains largely familiar, with the drive mode selector carried over from the previous model such as on the EV6.
As a family-focused MPV, the Carnival is equipped with multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, ensuring passengers can keep their devices charged on longer journeys.
11-Seater or Captain Seat 7-Seater Configuration Options
In terms of seating, the Kia Carnival continues to focus on versatility. Buyers can choose between 11-seat or 7-seat configurations, depending on their needs:
- 2-2-3 layout for 7 passengers
- 2-3-3-3 layout for 11 passengers
The 7-seater variant features Premium Relaxation Seats for second-row passengers, while the third-row seats can be folded flat to expand cargo space. For maximum passenger capacity, the 11-seater variant offers four rows of seating, with second- and third-row jump seats to ease access to the rearmost row.
Standard equipment across both variants includes power sliding doors, three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera system, and a power tailgate.
Astra battery for the 2026 Kia Carnival
The 2026 Kia Carnival uses a DIN80L battery. Below is the recommended Astra battery compatible with this model.
Get Astra batteries for all vehicle types
At Bateriku, we offer on-demand car battery delivery and installation services nationwide. With our comprehensive vehicle database, we can quickly identify your car model and recommend the most suitable battery for your vehicle.
Beyond battery replacement, Bateriku also provides a wide range of roadside assistance services, including jump-starts, emergency fuel delivery, car door unlocking, tyre repair and replacement, as well as towing services if your vehicle needs to be sent to a workshop.
View the full list of Bateriku services.
