Launched: 2026 Kia Carnival Facelift – 2 CKD Variants, From RM188,888

The face-lifted 2026 Kia Carnival has finally entered Malaysia today under new principal-led entity Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM).

The face-lifted fourth-generation Kia Carnival has finally entered the Malaysia. Launched earlier today by new principal-led Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) distribution arm, the firm presented two locally assembled (CKD) variants – 11-seater and 7-seater guises.

Revealed globally in late 2023, Kia Malaysia had already begun assembling this face-lifted Carnival model at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah for some time now, exporting these unit to neighbouring Thailand since Oct 2025 even.

Unlike when the model was offered by past distributors BAuto (Bermaz Auto), KSM first streamlined things to just two variants initially – 7- and 8-seater. Today, KSM made another change by launching the face-lifted Carnival in 7-seater and 11-seater guises.

KSM elected to retain the premium 7-seater option and reboot the 11-seater choice below which. Axed now is the 8-seater guise previously offered.

Straight into prices and KSM have tagged the 2026 Kia Carnival 7-seater at RM248,888, whilst the 2026 Kia Carnival 11-seater commands RM188,888 instead. Included in said prices is the new 5-year or 150,000 KM warranty coverage announced by KSM prior.

As detailed from its global debut, the face-lifted fourth-gen Carnival now sports a new front-end mirroring its flagship all-electric cousin the EV9. Key touches here are of course the distinct ‘Star Map’ LED DRLs, and its new vertically stacked LED headlights.

The rear end sees a repositioned licence plate housing – it’s now in the lower tailgate. These now match the bolder-looking ‘Star Map’ taillights cluster. Setting both guises apart from the outside are their wheel sizes – 19-inch (7-seater) and 18-inch (11-seater).

Visually, the new front-end mirrors the EV9 flagship EV SUV - note the new 'Star Map' LED DRLs and vertically-stacked LED headlamps.

Underneath, both variants have retained the pre-facelift model’s tried-and-tested powertrain. The package consists of a 2.2-litre -4cyl turbo-diesel lump that outputs 199 hp and 440 Nm, as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission.

As before, the 7-seater – 2-2-3 layout – continues to be the positioned as the range-topper thanks to its adoption of second-row powered captain seats – Kia calls it ‘Premium Relaxion’ seats. This brings lateral slide plus seat heating and ventilation functions.

We’ll also add that this variant gets posher leather seat upholstery. Furthermore, the 7-seater is also brimmed with a fold-flat sinking third-row bench. When stowed away, it expands standard cargo space in this variant from 627 litres up to 2,827 litres.

The range-topping 7-seater continues to boast second-row 'Premium Relaxion' seats.

As for the rebooted 11-seater guise, it brings a 2-3-3-3 seating layout across four rows, all upholstered in leatherette instead too. This setup brings a central folding jump seat for the second- and third-row seats to grant easier access.

As for cargo space, the added fourth-row does shrink standard capacity down to just 56 litres with all seats up, or up to 2,689 litres with the last row folded. Before you ask, both dual-powered sliding doors and powered tailgate functions are brimmed across both.

On the subject of sharing, both guises also share plenty of kit. Highlights include the dual 12.3-inch digital displays, multi-zone automatic climate control, up to seven USB charging ports, as well as surround view monitor function, amongst many.

Apart from seating layouts and some luxuries, both the 7-seater and 11-seater share plenty of common kit.

However, the 7-seater does benefit with more premium amenities such as a 12-speaker Bose audio suite plus a head-up display (HUD). The 11-seater makes do with just a standard six-speaker audio setup instead with no HUD brimmed.

Critically, the 7-seater ups the ante further with the inclusion of up to nine key advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) functions – Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go included – to enable Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

The 2026 Kia Carnival facelift is now opened for bookings priced at RM248,888 (7-seater) and RM188,888 (11-seater).

Nevertheless, basics continue to be covered well through the presence of eight airbags lining the cabin, followed by ISOFIX childseat anchors, ABS with EBD and BA, both traction and stability control (TCS & ESC) suites, and more.

Lastly, the face-lifted 2026 Kia Carnival range sees four exterior paint hue options available – Meteor Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Astra Blue and Jet Black. Bookings can now be placed at authorised showrooms nationwide.