Kia Carnival wait times: up to eight-month wait for petrol variant, diesels available sooner

Those interested in buying a petrol-powered Kia Carnival will need to take into account an average eight-month wait time

The recently renewed Kia Carnival three-row people mover remains the most popular model in its segment with 5862 examples sold during 2021, that’s 2212 up on its 2020 figure.

Kia sold almost five times more Carnivals than Honda did of the now-defunct Odyssey and the LDV G10 wagon.

Such dominance in a relatively small segment means V6-powered Carnival variants will have buyers waiting an average of eight months, but if a diesel is on your wishlist, wait times are significantly shorter.

The 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel variants of the Kia Carnival have a wait time of only two-three months according to Kia Australia.

Kia Carnival SLi 2021 Rear 3/4 — The Kia Carnival is the best selling people mover in Australia

The Kia Carnival begins at $47,480 driveaway for the entry level S variant which features a 216kW/355Nm petrol V6 engine.

At the top of the pile is the Carnival Platinum diesel automatic which is priced at $67,580 driveaway.

For those interested in a Kia Carnival, the time to order would be now considering that a decent wait is ahead, however as always, waits vary from state to state so speak to your local dealer.

Key points: Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is available in S, Si, SLi and Platinum trim levels, with each variant available with either a petrol V6 engine or a turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

The 3.5-litre petrol V6 produces 216kW of power and 355Nm of torque and is mated to a eight speed automatic transmission.

Kia Carnival SLi 2021 Interior — This is the SLi interior which is second from the top of the range

The turbo-diesel engine is a 2.2-litre unit that produces 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque and is mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features on the Carnival S include 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and LED headlights and DRLs.

Stepping up to the Si model gives the buyer extras including a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, premium steering wheel and gear shifter, dual zone climate control and front parking sensors.

Kia Carnival Platinum 2021 diesel engine — The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel has more torque than the petrol V6 engine

With SLi examples, owners will gain smart key access, hands-free smart power tailgate, power sliding doors, leather appointed seats and a 360-degree camera.

The top of the range Platinum petrol and diesel models get a dual sunroof, 19-inch black alloy wheels, dual LED headlamps, BOSE premium sound system with 12 speakers, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging and rear occupant alert.