Kia Carnival V6 petrol orders paused, updated model due next year

The Australian division of Kia has confirmed it has paused orders for V6 petrol-powered versions of the 2023 Kia Carnival people-mover, as the South Korean car-maker prioritises production of the 3.5-litre engine for overseas markets.

Kia Australia says it has temporarily removed the ability for customers to order the V6 petrol Carnival Special Edition from its website, and plans to soon follow suit across the model’s line-up.

A spokesperson for Kia Australia told Drive the popularity of the petrol engine in North America means the region is being prioritised ahead of Australia, where the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is most popular among local buyers.

The decision to pause orders for the Kia Carnival’s petrol variants comes amid long wait times for the 3.5-litre V6 – which is $2000 cheaper than the turbo-diesel people mover across its four grades – and minimal delays for the turbo-diesel.

A facelifted Kia Carnival is also due to be unveiled in the next few months – with looks inspired by the new EV9 large electric SUV – ahead of production starting in South Korea in the first quarter of 2024 (January to March inclusive).

While Kia Australia does not expect to have any backorders from the current-generation Carnival leftover when the updated model arrives, it has confirmed customers with orders in the queue will be given the choice of paying extra for the updated people-mover or have their deposit refunded in full.

Kia is yet to set a date for the new-generation Carnival’s unveiling, though it has confirmed there will be no Special Edition variant at launch.

A hybrid version of the new Kia Carnival has been all but confirmed for South Korean showrooms, but there are no confirmed plans to produce it in right-hand drive.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is priced from $51,690 drive-away in petrol ‘S’ guise and $53,690 drive-away for the turbo-diesel S.

Prices top out at $69,890 drive-away and $71,890 drive-away for the flagship Platinum models with petrol and turbo-diesel power, respectively.

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