2020 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D Review

For Malaysian family users, a 7-seater SUV might already be the limit for most people. However, when the family has more than 7 members or needs to frequently transport multiple people, an 11-seater MPV becomes a more practical option. The 2020 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D is precisely targeting this niche market, offering spaciousness, high configurations, and diesel-powered fuel efficiency as its main selling points. Our main objective in this test drive is to determine whether it can meet the daily commuting and long-distance travel needs of large families.

In terms of appearance, the Grand Carnival 2.2D adopts a stable and practical design. The vehicle dimensions are 5115mm in length, 1985mm in width, and 1755mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3060mm. This large MPV shape inherently has strong recognition. The front face uses Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, paired with a combination of halogen and LED headlights, along with fog lamps below. The overall design is simple yet elegant. The side profile features straight lines without excessive complex waistlines, which is more conducive to maximizing interior space. At the rear, the horizontal arrangement of the tail lights aligns with the width of the body, and the rear fog lights and reversing radar enhance rear safety. The overall exterior design is not overly decorative, with practicality being the priority.

Sitting inside, the interior style leans towards a warm and family-friendly feel, with materials mainly consisting of soft plastics and fabrics, offering a relatively comfortable touch. The center console layout is straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen placed on the upper part of the dashboard. The operation logic is simple and user-friendly. The instrument cluster features an electroluminescent analogue design, displaying all the necessary daily-use information, including speed, RPM, fuel levels, and other core data. In terms of configurations, the Grand Carnival 2.2D performs well: dual-zone automatic climate control ensures the comfort of front-row passengers, while independent rear air conditioning caters to the rear passengers. The availability of 220V/230V power sockets is convenient for charging electronic devices during long trips. The front seats support manual adjustments; while the wrapping is average, the support is adequate. The standard rear sunshades effectively reduce the interior temperature under Malaysia's strong sunlight.

Space is the core strength of the Grand Carnival 2.2D. The 11-seater layout follows a 2+3+3+3 configuration. The space in the first two rows is spacious, and for a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row, there’s ample headroom and legroom. The second and third rows also provide sufficient space, and even when fully seated with adults, it doesn't feel overly cramped. The fourth-row seats are relatively compact, making them more suitable for children or adults on short trips. As for storage space, the trunk offers a volume of 359 liters in the 7-seat configuration, which is enough for daily shopping items. If the third and fourth rows of seats are folded, the storage space further expands, meeting the needs of carrying large items. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments inside the car, including door storage slots and a central armrest box, which make it convenient to store small items such as phones and cups.

In terms of power, the Grand Carnival 2.2D is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine with a maximum horsepower of 200PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 1750-2750rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During actual driving, the power response feels slightly sluggish when starting, but once the RPM exceeds 1750rpm, the torque output becomes abundant, providing enough confidence for acceleration and overtaking. There are two driving modes available: Economy and Sport. In Economy mode, the power output is smoother, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the throttle response is more aggressive, suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

In terms of handling, due to the large body size, the steering wheel feels slightly vague, with a greater dead zone compared to sedans, but this setup leans more toward comfort, which is typical for MPVs. The suspension system uses front MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is non-independent (specific type not mentioned, but actual performance favors comfort). It can absorb most minor vibrations on bumpy roads, ensuring comfortable rear-seat passenger experience. However, when cornering, the body roll is quite noticeable, requiring speed control. The braking performance is stable, with the brake pedal providing a linear feel, and the braking distance is normal among large MPVs.

Fuel economy is a major advantage of diesel engines, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km. During our test drive, which included urban congested roads and highways, the actual fuel consumption was around 7.5L/100km. Considering the vehicle's weight and 11-seat configuration, this fuel consumption performance is quite decent. Regarding noise control, the diesel engine is slightly noisy at idle, but once in motion, wind and tire noise are well-controlled, and the cabin's quietness meets daily usage requirements. As for seat comfort, the first two rows are well-padded, offering good support for long journeys without causing fatigue. The rear seats are slightly less comfortable, but this isn't an issue for short trips.

In summary, the 2020 Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D's core strengths lie in its spacious 11-seat capacity, rich practical features, and the fuel efficiency of its diesel engine. Compared to other MPVs in the same class, its price of RM 179,888 offers excellent value for money, especially with the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty that provides added peace of mind for consumers. Overall, it is suitable for families with a large number of members, particularly those who frequently need to carry many people for outings. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it can handle the task.

Overall, the Grand Carnival 2.2D is a practical large MPV. It doesn't focus on gimmicks and instead centers on fulfilling the real needs of family users. If you have a large family and need a spacious, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient MPV, the Grand Carnival 2.2D is worth considering.