🧓 Introduction: Old Charm ya New Overhype?
Pyaar hai na aapko Toyota Innova Hycross se? Par kahin na kahin wo proper luxury wali premium feel missing lagti hai? Toh suno bhai… ab aayi hai 2025 Kia Carnival — aur price sunke toh gaadi ka steering chhod doge!
On-road price? ₹75–80 lakhs! 😳
Yes, you read that right. Almost double compared to the older Carnival. Ab sawal ye hai:
Is this just a hyped-up van ya sach mein luxury on wheels?
Toh chaliye, desi style mein compare karte hain nayi 2025 Kia Carnival vs purani 2021 Carnival, taaki aap khud decide kar pao – upgrade worth hai ya skip karein?
Let’s compare the 2025 Kia Carnival with the old 2021 model and break down the changes, desi-style.
Table of Contents
🔍 2025 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Carnival – What’s Changed?
| Aspect | 2021 Kia Carnival | 2025 Kia Carnival |
| Price (On-Road) | ₹35–40 lakhs | ₹75–80 lakhs |
| Length | Shorter | Longer, better road presence |
| Engine | 2.2L Diesel | Same 2.2L Diesel (No hybrid yet) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed AT | 8-Speed AT |
| Looks | MPV-ish, simple grille | SUV-inspired grille, sleeker design |
| Headlamps | Standard projectors | LED, extended to grille sides |
| Tail Lamps | Plain | Connected LED bar |
| Interior Feel | Premium for price | Wide & spacious but lacks premium polish |
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital | Fully digital (basic UI) |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch | Larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Camera | Reverse only | 360° camera with good clarity |
| Sunroof | Dual | Front + Rear electric sunroofs |
| Seat Adjustments | Manual + Partial Electric | Fully electric + memory function |
| Second Row | Recliner seats | Ottoman-style lounge seats with ventilation |
| Third Row Access | Basic | Improved (but middle seats don’t tumble) |
| ADAS Features | None | ADAS Level 2 (Collision alerts, lane assist, etc.) |
| Boot Space | Large but limited with 3rd row up | Huge – flat-folding 3rd row seats |
🧩 What’s Good in the 2025 Kia Carnival?
- SUV-like looks with big road presence
- Lounge-like 2nd row comfort with ventilated seats
- 360-degree camera, heads-up display, ADAS Level 2
- Practical MPV layout with massive boot space
- Diesel engine is still smooth & refined
😐 Still Feels Meh in Some Areas?
Haan, Carnival ne kaafi upgrades diye hain – size, tech, comfort… but sab kuch perfect nahi hai. Kuch cheezein abhi bhi irritate kar sakti hain:
- Same old 2.2L diesel engine – no hybrid, no petrol option abhi tak
- 2nd-row seat ka electronic front-back adjust missing hai in some variants
- Hard plastic panels kaafi jagah – sachchi luxury wali feel nahi aati
- Body roll abhi bhi hai, especially sharp turns mein – after all, it’s still a tall MPV
- Steering feedback thoda numb lagta hai – driver ko thoda time lagega adjust hone mein
Latest MPV Reviews – Autocar India
🤔 Final Verdict: Buy or Skip?
Agar aap ek chauffeur-driven MPV chahte ho jisme boss-like comfort ho, aur price zyada matter nahi karta — then the new Carnival can impress. Leg space, road presence, and updated interiors – sab top-class hain.
Lekin agar aapko lagta hai:
- Engine thoda powerful ya hybrid hona chahiye tha,
- Price thoda zyada unreasonable hai (₹75L+ for a Kia MPV!),
- Aur aap already ek decent MPV own karte ho…
…toh you might want to skip it, ya atleast wait for price correction or a hybrid variant.
Let’s be honest – ₹75–80 lakh is a lot to spend on a non-luxury badge.
However, if you’re a family-first buyer looking for comfort, space, and diesel practicality, the 2025 Kia Carnival delivers. It fills a market gap left by overpriced options like the Innova Hycross (₹38L+), Toyota Vellfire (₹1.5 Cr!), and even MG Gloster (with reported reliability concerns).
Avoid These 5 Common Driving Mistakes
So, who should buy it?
- ✅ Families who need captain seats, comfort, and space
- ✅ Business class owners who prefer being chauffeur-driven
- ❌ NOT for those looking for sharp handling or SUV driving feel
If you want real-world comfort, lounge-style seating, and plan to be chauffeured — the new Carnival deserves a look. But if you’re behind the wheel and expect sporty driving or premium cabin finesse — this one might leave you wanting more.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – 2025 Kia Carnival India
What is the on-road price of the 2025 Kia Carnival in India?
The 2025 Kia Carnival is priced between ₹75–80 lakhs (on-road), depending on the variant and location. This makes it nearly double the cost of the previous generation.
What engine does the new Kia Carnival offer?
It continues with the same 2.2L diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, there’s no hybrid or petrol variant available as of now in India.
How is the 2025 Kia Carnival different from the old model?
Major upgrades include SUV-inspired styling, larger dimensions, ADAS Level 2 features, 360° camera, fully digital instrument cluster, and ottoman-style ventilated lounge seats in the second row. Boot space and comfort have also improved significantly.
Is the 2025 Kia Carnival a good choice for families?
Yes, it’s an excellent option for large families looking for chauffeur-driven comfort, spacious interiors, and practicality. The second-row lounge seats and flat-folding third row make it ideal for long-distance travel.
Does the new Kia Carnival offer ADAS features?
Yes, the 2025 model offers Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
What are the drawbacks of the new Kia Carnival?
Key limitations include lack of hybrid powertrain, some hard plastics in the interior, moderate body roll, and a steep price for a non-luxury brand. Also, it lacks electronic adjustment for some second-row seat movements.
Is the 2025 Carnival better than Toyota Innova Hycross or MG Gloster?
While the Innova Hycross feels more premium and the MG Gloster offers strong road presence, the Kia Carnival stands out in terms of second-row comfort, practicality, and boot space. It’s better suited for buyers who prioritize rear seat comfort over aggressive SUV styling or badge value.
Is there a long waiting period for the new Kia Carnival?
Yes, due to high demand and limited supply, there is currently a noticeable waiting period. Booking early through authorized Kia dealerships is recommended.
Blog by AutoAkhbar.com | Written with real-world Indian insights. Honest. Human. Helpful.
