Hyundai · 1998–present
Hyundai Entourage
The Kia Carnival (Korean: 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia since 1998, formerly marketed as the Kia Sedona in North America and several other markets. The first-generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short- wheelbase version. Second-generation models were marketed (2006–2014) in short and long wheelbase variants. A rebadged variant of the second generation was offered in North America as the Hyundai Entourage (2007–2009). Beginning in 2010, the second-generation model received updated equipment, including Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, as introduced by its then-new design chief, Peter Schreyer. Kia introduced its third-generation minivan in 2014, solely in a long-wheelbase format. The fourth-generation model was introduced in 2020, and Kia adopted the "Carnival" name in North America for the 2022 model year.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Predecessor: Hyundai Trajet
All Hyundai Entourage data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
First generation (KV-II; 1998)
The first generation model was manufactured and marketed differently for specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, as well as the Naza Ria in Malaysia. In Indonesia and the Philippines, both Carnival/Sedona names were used. Initially introduced as the Carnival in 2001, from 2003 onwards, it was renamed as the Sedona. Markets. ==== Australia ==== In Australia, the Kia Carnival went on sale in 1999, with a standard 5-speed manual and 2.5 L V6 producing 132 kW (179 PS; 177 hp). A 4-speed automatic was optional. In 2001, it outsold the Toyota Tarago, becoming the top-selling minivan in the country. It was a sales leader again in 2004 and 2005 when sales peaked at 5,259 units. Europe. In Europe, the first generation was available only with Rover's 2.5 L KV6 engine 24V petrol with 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) and Euro 2 standard emission level and the 2.9 L turbo-diesel engine with 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp). From 2001, Kia Motors introduced the 2.5 L KV6 Euro 3 with 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) and the 2.9 L CRDi common rail diesel engine with 144 PS. North America. In North America, the Sedona came equipped with a 3.5 L Hyundai V6 engine making 195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) and a 4-speed (later 5-speed) automatic transmission. Imported from South Korea, the first generation Sedona was little more than a nameplate-engineered Carnival II model and was offered only in an SWB format. As such, it didn’t offer equipment that many of its competitors had introduced, such as power sliding doors and liftgate, fold flat third row seating, navigation system, rear-view camera, or backup/parking sensors. Early Sedonas were rated at 15.6 L/100 km (15.1 mpg) (city) and 10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg) (highway), but the numbers improved slightly to 14.8 L/100 km
Second generation (VQ; 2005)
Kia introduced the second generation Carnival/Sedona worldwide in 2005–in short (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) models – with a 2-inch-wider front track, 3-inch-wider rear track and reduced turning radius than the first generation. The SWB model shares its platform with the Kia Magentis – and was specially designed for the European market, where it falls in the large MPV class. With a lighter engine, greater use of high-tensile steel in the body, and a lighter transmission and rear suspension, the second generation model weighed approximately 400 lbs less than the first generation. In certain markets, Kia offered the minivan in both wheelbases (e.g., in North America, Australia) or in other markets, simply as the short-wheelbase configuration (e.g., UK, France). Globally, the minivan was offered with four engines as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Equipment content varied widely by market–including such features as six airbags (front, front side and air curtain), Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) & Brake Assist System (BAS), dual or tri-zone heating and cooling, "walk through" aisle between the front seats with fold-down tray, tilt/height adjustable steering wheel, Isofix anchor points, rear side sliding doors with "hold open" locking feature (to prevent an open door from inadvertently closing), second row power roll-down windows, third row 60/40-fold-in-floor seat (LWB only), power sliding doors and liftgate, backup sensors, and in-dash navigation. In European and Asian markets, the SWB models offered a full range of options and available equipment, with a 2+3+2 seating configuration (an essential format in a large MPV for Europe). By contrast,
Third generation (YP; 2014)
The third generation Carnival/Sedona debuted in April 2014 at the New York International Auto Show for the 2015 model year. For the United States market, the Sedona features the Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 206 kW (276 hp) and 336 N⋅m (248 lb⋅ft), six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. For the South Korean market, it is available only with the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine which produces 147 kW (197 hp) and 440 N⋅m (320 lb⋅ft). Markets. ==== Australia ==== In Australia, the Carnival is available in S, Si, SLi and Platinum trim levels with the choice of either the Lambda 3.3-litre GDI V6 or the R-Series 2.2-litre I4 Diesel mated to a 6-speed automatic, while models from 2018 came standard with an 8-speed automatic. Since its Australian debut in February 2015, the Carnival has consistently been Australia's top selling people mover averaging around 500 sales per month, while for the year of 2019, 6,493 Carnival's had been registered. India. Kia India launched the Carnival in India on 5 February 2020 at the Auto Expo 2020. The Indian version is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine, mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. The Carnival is available in three variants, which are Prestige, Limousine and Limousine+. This model sold more than 14,500 units before it was withdrawn in 2023. Indonesia. In Indonesia, the Grand Sedona was launched in August 2016 at the 24th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in petrol variant. The diesel variant and facelifted version of the Grand Sedona was launched at the 26th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in August 2018. Malaysia. The third generation Carnival was launched in Malaysia in March 2017 as the Grand Carnival as a fully imported vehicle. In January 20
Fourth generation (KA4; 2020)
The fourth-generation Carnival debuted in June 2020. Using Hyundai-Kia's new mid-size platform, the fourth-generation Carnival's length has grown by 40 mm (1.6 in) and the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm (1.2 in). Sales in South Korea began in September 2020. Facelift. The exterior design of the facelifted Carnival was revealed in South Korea on 27 October 2023. Changes include new front and rear fascias as part of the brand's Opposites United design language, redesigned headlights and taillights, the deletion of the visible handle for the tailgate release, a revamped interior with an updated centre console and new switchgear, new interior features and the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain. Markets. ==== Africa ==== South Africa. The fourth-generation Carnival was launched in South Africa on 25 January 2022, with four trim levels; EX, EX+, SX Limited and SXL. In South Africa, it comes in 7- and 8-seater configurations and with the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine. The facelifted Carnival was launched on 8 August 2025, with two variants: EX (8-seater) and SXL (7-seater), powered by the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine. Asia. ===== China ===== The fourth-generation Carnival was introduced in China in September 2020 as an imported model, it is equipped with the 3.5-litre GDi petrol engine. It is locally assembled since September 2021 by using imported knock-down kits. The locally assembled Carnival is equipped with the locally built 2.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine. India. The fourth-generation Carnival was launched on 3 October 2024 along with the EV9. It is available in two variants: Limousine and Limousine Plus; both variants comes in a 7-seater configuration and are powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine. Prior to its launch, Kia received 2,796 bookings for the model. Indo
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Kia Carnival
- Manufacturer
- Kia
- aka
- Kia Sedona (1999–2021)
- Production
- 1998–present
- Model years
- 1999–present
- Class
- Minivan
- Body style
- 5-door minivan
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q489053CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_CarnivalCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376037825 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:07-Hyundai-Entourage.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.
