2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D KX Review

In Malaysia's seven-seater SUV and MPV market, spacious and highly practical vehicles have always been the first choice for family users. An 11-seater layout goes even further to meet the special needs of large families or business receptions—this is exactly where the 2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D KX is positioned. As an E-Segment MPV, it not only offers the rare 11-seater layout in its class but also comes with diesel power and rich features. In this test drive, we focus on its space performance, dynamic capabilities, and everyday practicality to see if it truly balances family and business scenarios.

The Grand Carnival takes a stable and enduring approach to exterior design, avoiding overly aggressive styling while maintaining enough distinctive details. The front features a large vertical-slat grille adorned with chrome accents, which connects to the LED daytime running lights on both sides, visually widening the front view. The side profile is straight-lined with a recessed design at the bottom of the door to avoid the bulky feel common in MPVs; the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels are properly sized and proportionate with the 5115mm length and 1985mm width of the car. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED tail lights and a chrome decorative strip under the rear bumper adding a touch of refinement. Overall, the design aligns with its dual-purpose positioning for both family and business use.

Opening the door reveals an interior design that leans towards practicality. The dashboard features a symmetrical layout and primarily uses soft-touch plastic materials, accented with silver trim. While it doesn't exude a strong sense of luxury, the build quality feels solid. The 8-inch infotainment screen is positioned at the top of the dashboard, with decent resolution and support for Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Its operations are straightforward and easy to learn. The instrument cluster is an Electroluminescent Analogue type, displaying clear information including RPM, speed, and fuel consumption. In terms of features, it comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, with independent controls for the rear rows. All three rows of seats have air conditioning vents; the front seats are manually adjustable but offer good support and comfort for prolonged sitting. Storage spaces are another highlight: the central armrest box in the front row is very spacious, door side pockets can hold two bottles of water, and there are also small storage compartments on the sides of the second and third-row seats, convenient for passengers to place their phones or cups.

Space is the Grand Carnival's core advantage. The 3060mm wheelbase allows it to easily accommodate 11 seats, arranged in a 2+3+3+3 configuration (three seats each in the first three rows, and two seats in the last row). The seating space in the first two rows is relatively generous, with over a fist of headroom and legroom for passengers who are 175cm tall. The third row is slightly more compact but adequate for short trips, while the last row's two seats are better suited for children or smaller adults, though sufficient for occasional use. Notably, the second and third-row seats support split folding, and when folded down, the trunk volume can expand from 359L to much larger, making it very practical for transporting large luggage. Additionally, the interior is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, making it convenient for rear passengers to charge devices or use small appliances.

In terms of power, the Grand Carnival is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine that delivers a maximum power of 200PS and a peak torque output available between 1750-2750rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response at start-up is not aggressive, but the low-end torque advantage of the diesel engine is evident, allowing the 2150kg body to move effortlessly with a light push of the accelerator. Daily urban driving or initial acceleration is handled with ease. Acceleration in the mid-to-late range is stable, and when accelerating again to overtake at 80km/h, the transmission downshifts responsively, delivering sustained power output, making highway cruising at 120km/h effortless. The transmission has clear shift logic and offers good smoothness with almost no noticeable jerkiness.

In terms of handling, as an MPV, its steering wheel is relatively light and not very precise in direction, but it makes everyday driving very easy, and parking or turning around doesn’t feel laborious. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension, which filters out most of the small vibrations when dealing with bumpy roads. When crossing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the bumpiness in the rear is not too pronounced, showcasing good comfort. However, given its length of over 5 meters, body roll is quite noticeable when cornering at high speeds, so speed control is needed during driving.

The fuel consumption performance of the diesel engine is worth noting. The official combined fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km, while during real-world test drives, the fuel consumption in congested urban conditions is around 8-9L/100km, and it can drop to approximately 7L/100km when cruising on highways. For an 11-seater MPV, this level of fuel consumption is considered reasonable. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise can be heard inside the cabin during high-speed driving, but the noise of the diesel engine is well suppressed. At idle, the diesel sound is almost inaudible, and the everyday driving quietness meets expectations.

Overall, the 2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D KX has some prominent core advantages: the 11-seat layout, which is rare in this segment, solves the pain points of multi-person travel; the balance between low-end torque and fuel efficiency of the diesel engine is impressive, and the rich configuration (such as dual-zone air conditioning, rear independent air conditioning, and 220V power supply) enhances practicality. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Alphard or Honda Odyssey, its price (RM 179,888) is more affordable, and it offers greater space flexibility; when compared to the Proton Exora, its power and configuration are a notch higher.

This car is best suited for multi-member family users — such as families with elderly and children who frequently travel together; or small businesses using it for corporate receptions or employee commuting. It doesn’t aim for ultimate luxury nor feature flashy technological configurations, but it excels in practical space, reliable power, and sufficient configurations, making it an MPV that truly addresses the needs of “carrying people and goods.”

In conclusion, the Grand Carnival 2.2D KX is a “pragmatic” MPV. With its 11-seat capacity, diesel powertrain, and balanced configuration, it precisely meets the core needs of family and business scenarios. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can accommodate both multi-person trips and daily use, it is a good choice.