Kia has opened pre-bookings for the upcoming Carnival hybrid in India, ahead of its expected launch soon. The new powertrain will be offered in the Limousine+ trim, which is currently available with the diesel engine.
The Carnival hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain related to the unit used in the Sorento. However, it gets a more powerful electric motor, while the existing diesel version will continue alongside it.
Kia Carnival Hybrid Powertrain & Performance
The hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 180 HP and 265 NM with an electric motor developing 73.4 HP and 304 NM. The electric motor therefore produces 8.4 HP and 40 NM more than the motor used in the Sorento hybrid.
The system is paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the existing 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 193 HP and continues with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Carnival Hybrid Exterior Design
The Carnival hybrid largely retains the exterior design of the diesel-powered model. The main visual distinction is a new HEV badge on the tailgate.
It continues with a tiger-face grille, vertically stacked LED headlights with DRLs, powered sliding doors, 18-INCH alloy wheels and connected LED tail-lamps. No major exterior redesign has been introduced for the hybrid version.
Interior & New Features
The cabin layout also remains unchanged from the diesel-powered Carnival. However, Kia has added a virtual engine sound system for the hybrid, along with retractable, height-adjustable seat-back tables that incorporate wireless phone chargers.
Other equipment includes dual 12.3-INCH screens, 3-zone climate control and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The Carnival hybrid gets 8 airbags and Level 2 ADAS. The safety package also includes disc brakes on both axles and a 360-degree camera.
The hybrid therefore retains the key safety and driver assistance equipment offered with the existing Carnival, while adding the new powertrain without major changes to the overall cabin layout.
Kia Carnival Hybrid Prices In India
Kia has not announced the official price of the Carnival hybrid yet. It will be offered in the Limousine+ trim, which currently costs Rs 59.65 lakh for the diesel version.
The hybrid is expected to carry a premium over the diesel variant. Final pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
| Variant | Powertrain | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Limousine+ | 2.2-litre Diesel AT | Rs 59.65 lakh |
| Carnival Limousine+ Hybrid | 1.6-litre Turbo-Petrol Hybrid AT | To be announced |
Rivals In India
The Kia Carnival occupies the premium MPV segment in India. It offers a larger cabin and three-row seating layout compared with conventional SUVs and MPVs in lower price brackets.
With the addition of a strong-hybrid powertrain, the Carnival will provide an alternative to its existing diesel configuration while retaining the same Limousine+ positioning.
Verdict
The Kia Carnival hybrid adds a strong-hybrid powertrain to the existing Limousine+ variant without significant exterior or interior design changes. Its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine is paired with a more powerful electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
With pre-bookings now open, the main details still awaited are its official price and launch date. The existing diesel powertrain will continue alongside the hybrid.
