The 2021 Kia Carnival’s Interior Borrows Design Cues From Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Jaguar!

• 2021 Carnival features a twin-screen setup a la Mercedes-Benz.
• Various seating layouts ranging from 7-seater to 11-seater options.
• Should continue to offer multiple sunroofs, connected car technology and electric sliding rear doors.
• It will be offered with both diesel and petrol engine options.
• India launch expected by 2022.

When Kia Motors revealed the exterior images of the 2021 Carnival, we were thoroughly impressed with its SUV-esque design and butch elements. Now though, the interiors of the upcoming MPV have been revealed for the first time. Does it create as strong a first impression as its exterior? 

Yes, indeed. The interior of the 2021 Carnival is premium, especially the twin-screen setup, which looks straight out of a Mercedes-Benz. The touchscreen infotainment system features haptic feedback and could come with Kia’s latest iteration of connected car technology. We also like the uniformly designed sleek AC vents which run throughout the dashboard a la the Audi Q7. Then there’s the rotary gear lever and wrap-around dashboard effect, which looks similar to Jaguar cars. Sweet!

Just like the existing Carnival, the upcoming MPV will be offered in layouts ranging from 7-seater and 9-seater to even an 11-seater variant. It’s also longer and Kia states there’s more legroom and luggage room for occupants. Here’s how the 2021 Kia Carnival fares in terms of dimensions:

In terms of features, the 2021 Carnival should come with electric sliding rear doors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, tri-zone climate control, rear seat entertainment screens, powered tailgate, premium sound system, and powered front seats with a ventilation function. On the safety front, it could come with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control. 

Kia is yet to reveal powertrain options for the upcoming Carnival. One can expect it to be offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. The India-spec Carnival comes with a 200PS 2.2-litre diesel engine that’s paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 

The 2021 Kia Carnival is expected to reach our shores by the end of 2022 and is likely to be priced above the current model which starts from Rs 24.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Its only indirect rival in the country is the Toyota Innova Crysta.