● Selling over 6,000 units each month... Why do people still choose the Carnival?

● Even in the SUV boom, it remains strong... The Kia Carnival equipped with high-limousine and hybrid options

● Has Hyundai moved in response to the Carnival's dominance? What does the emergence of the Palisade high-roof mean?

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Hello.

I am Uniji (Yukapost), an automotive influencer.

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The Kia Carnival has earned the nicknames 'Dad's Car' and 'People's Car' for good reason. As Kia's flagship RV vehicle, the Carnival remains at the center of the family car market in South Korea. With a diverse lineup that includes high-limousine, hybrid, and options for 7 to 9 passengers, the Carnival also offers versatility based on its special vehicle platform while appealing to luxury. Even in a booming SUV market, the Carnival's strength remains formidable.

In 2024, Kia expects to sell 82,748 units of the Carnival in the domestic auto market, ranking second in sales behind the Sorento (94,538 units). Even in 2025, the Carnival maintains steady monthly sales of 6,000 to 7,000 units, showing unwavering demand in an SUV-centric market. This popularity stems from its flexible seating configurations (7 and 9 passengers), spacious interior, and various derivative models like the hybrid and high-limousine. Its optimized design for daily commutes, school runs, and long family trips continues to attract many consumers.

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Meanwhile, Kia officially launched 'The New Carnival Hybrid' in November 2024, announcing the evolution of the Carnival lineup. This eco-friendly model debuted alongside the facelifted version 'The New Carnival,' marking the first update since the fourth generation Carnival's release in August 2020. Kia's strategy aims to capture both fuel efficiency and quietness in the family minivan market. The 1.6-liter gasoline turbo hybrid engine combines with an electric motor to produce a system output of 245 horsepower, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 31 mpg (7-passenger standard, 17-inch wheels), which is over 40% better than the previous gasoline model. The quiet driving experience at low speeds and lower fuel costs compared to gasoline provide significant advantages for urban drivers. Thus, the Carnival Hybrid has emerged as a choice that combines not just 'eco-friendliness' but also reduced maintenance costs and a sense of luxury.

● Noblesse 46,350,000 won (approximately $35,000 USD)

● Signature 50,160,000 won (approximately $38,000 USD)

● Gravity 50,960,000 won (approximately $39,000 USD)

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Another popular lineup is the high-limousine version of the Carnival. With its elevated roof structure, this model features luxury amenities such as limousine-specific seats, a large monitor, ambient lighting, and an air purification system. It serves not only as a family car but also as a vehicle for corporate VIPs, celebrity transport, and official events, maintaining steady demand due to improved rear-seat comfort and the ability to create a mobile office within the vehicle. The high-limousine model stands out not just as a vehicle type but also as a premium brand strategy model.

● 3.5 Gasoline 9-passenger Signature 66,090,000 won (approximately $50,000 USD)

● 3.5 Gasoline 7-passenger Signature 68,340,000 won (approximately $51,000 USD)

● 3.5 Gasoline 4-passenger Signature 92,390,000 won (approximately $70,000 USD)

● 2.2 Diesel 9-passenger Signature 68,040,000 won (approximately $51,000 USD)

One reason the Carnival has such diverse applications and market expansion potential is the active involvement of domestic special vehicle manufacturers. Thanks to its high-limousine-based structure, which allows for various applications like ambulances, campers, VIP shuttles, and mobile meeting rooms, specialized brands are expanding their product lines based on the Carnival. The Carnival has now achieved a new status as an expandable mobility platform rather than just a completed vehicle.

Another interesting point is that Hyundai has officially entered the 'high-roof' market. At the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai unveiled a new high-roof model based on the Palisade (LX3), marking a world premiere. This model demonstrates the potential for expansion into special vehicles for business, official events, and medical use, based on its increased height and expanded interior space. The fact that a complete vehicle manufacturer has directly introduced high-roof vehicles signifies a major acknowledgment and entry into the existing special vehicle industry.

Currently, SUVs dominate the domestic auto market. However, within this trend, the Kia Carnival still stands out as a unique minivan that encompasses practicality, expandability, and luxury. By satisfying diverse user needs through hybrid, high-limousine, and special vehicle ecosystems, the Carnival is evolving beyond being just a 'Dad's car' to become the center of mobility in South Korea. This trend has continued with the introduction of Hyundai's high-roof Palisade. The fact that complete vehicle brands are starting to pay attention to the special vehicle ecosystem indicates that the market pioneered by the Carnival has already become a trend. Given this, the Kia Carnival is likely to hold onto its title as the 'People's Car' for some time. We would appreciate your valuable feedback in the comments, and we wish you a joyful and happy day as we conclude this post.

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