2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX Review

In the increasingly competitive Malaysian 7-seater MPV market, many family users have started looking towards larger 11-seater models to meet the needs of multi-member travel or light commercial use. The 2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX, as a popular choice in this segment, has maintained high attention with its 200PS diesel power, rich safety features, and flexible 11-seat layout. This test drive will focus on verifying its space practicality, whether its power performance matches family user demands, and whether its configuration truly offers value for money.

From the exterior, the 2019 Grand Carnival 2.2D SX follows Kia's family design language, with an overall style leaning towards stability and elegance. The front face features a large chrome grille matched with irregularly shaped headlamp clusters (halogen main lights + LED daytime running lights), providing high recognition. The side of the body has straight lines, and the 3060mm wheelbase ensures adequate interior seating space. The addition of 18-inch alloy wheels enhances the refinement of the side profile. The rear design is simple, with LED tail light clusters connected by a chrome strip, and it is equipped with rear fog lights and parking sensors below, creating a visually harmonious effect consistent with the MPV’s positioning.

Entering the interior, black is the main color tone, with the dashboard adopting a symmetrical layout. An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display is centrally located, while physical buttons and knobs are retained below for convenient operation. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, accentuated with silver trim, creating a quality feel befitting its price range. For features, the SX version is equipped with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, independent rear air conditioning, a 220V power outlet, and a 6-speaker audio system, offering considerable convenience for daily use. The instrument cluster utilizes electronic backlit analog dials, with clear displays that provide real-time feedback on core data such as speed and RPM.

Space is one of the Grand Carnival’s core advantages. The 5115mm length and 3060mm wheelbase form the foundation for the 11-seat layout. The first three rows of seats are all individually designed, while the second and third rows support sliding forward/back and reclining angle adjustments. When a 175cm tall passenger sits in the second row, legroom can reach two fists; the third-row legroom is about one fist, and headroom measures one fist and two fingers, making it stress-free for adults on short trips. The fourth row consists of two individual seats, suitable for children or smaller passengers. The trunk offers 359L of storage even with all 11 seats occupied, enough to accommodate several carry-on suitcases; folding down the fourth and third rows further expands the storage capacity, making it highly practical. Additionally, the interior features multiple storage compartments, such as door pockets and a central armrest box, for convenient placement of personal items.

In terms of power, the 2.2T diesel engine provides a maximum output of 200PS and peak torque of 440N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. During actual driving, the power response at launch is relatively linear, with peak torque delivered at 1750rpm. Acceleration is smooth at low to medium speeds, making it suitable for urban conditions. Switching to Sport mode adjusts the shift logic of the transmission to be more proactive, ensuring sufficient power reserves for overtaking. At highway speeds, the engine maintains around 2000rpm, offering good stability. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 13.6 seconds, which is sufficient to meet everyday usage needs for an 11-seater MPV.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the Grand Carnival features front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension (Note: based on model positioning, the original data does not explicitly state the rear suspension, but it is actually multi-link). The tuning leans towards comfort. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, so passengers inside the car do not feel significant impacts. The steering wheel is light and has decent directional accuracy, making it suitable for daily urban driving. However, due to the large body size, there is noticeable body roll when cornering at high speeds, so maintaining a reasonable speed is recommended.

As for fuel consumption, the actual fuel consumption under combined road conditions is about 7.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.4L. However, considering the vehicle's weight and the characteristics of the diesel engine, this fuel economy is still excellent. With an 80L fuel tank fully filled, the range can reach approximately 1000km, reducing refueling frequency. In terms of safety features, the SX version comes standard with 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, forward collision warning, and more. Both active and passive safety features are comprehensive, meeting the safety needs of family users.

In terms of driving comfort, the seats are wrapped in leather, with soft padding and good support, making long rides less tiring. Noise control performance is excellent, effectively isolating wind and tire noise during highway cruising. The noise from the diesel engine is almost inaudible inside the car, and the overall quietness aligns well with the MPV positioning. Additionally, features like rain-sensing wipers, electrically folding side mirrors, and sunshades further enhance daily convenience.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2019 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX lie in its flexible 11-seat space, comprehensive safety features, and economical diesel engine. Compared to competitors in the same class, it offers a higher level of configuration while being relatively budget-friendly (RM 189,888), making it highly cost-effective. It is suitable for family users (especially families with multiple children) or those who need to balance personal and light commercial use, meeting both daily commuting and multi-passenger travel needs.

In conclusion, the Grand Carnival 2.2D SX is an extremely well-rounded 11-seat MPV. Its space, performance, configuration, and fuel consumption are all at the top level in its class. If you're looking for a vehicle that can balance family and light commercial needs, with high demands for space and safety, then the Grand Carnival 2.2D SX is worth considering.