Latest news with #KiaCarnival
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I drove the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid for a week — here's my pros and cons
The design of the minivan has remained constant for as long as I can remember. One that sticks out from my childhood was the woodgrain trim accented Dodge Caravan throughout the 90s. Yup, Minivans have this reputation of looking uncool, but the Kia Carnival changes my perception. While most minivans stick to the same boxy-esque designs we've all come to expect, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige I drove for a week looks more SUV than minivan — and that's a good thing. Aside from the design, it's also packed with premium features that make your passengers feel like they're living it up in first class. Best of all, you'll be floored by the fuel economy I got out of this minivan, which makes it a long distance marathon champ that eliminates range anxiety. All of this proves to me it's a a best electric car contender, given the amount of utility it offers and its price. 2025 Kia Carnival LXS 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige Engine 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System Fuel Economy (mpg) 34 city / 31 highway / 32 combined 34 city / 31 highway / 32 combined Fuel Tank Capacity 19 gallons 19 gallons Horsepower 242 hp 242 hp Wheels 17-inches 19-inches MSRP $40,990 $53,090 Price Tested N/A $57,255 I didn't think I'd drive the Kia Carnival as far as I thought I would initially, but the 417.2 miles I put on it was still way short of the 600+ miles of range it's rated for. That number is the stuff that even the most efficient electric vehicles could dream of, so knowing that a minivan of all things achieves that is impressive. What's even more impressive is the 36.9 mpg fuel economy I got from driving the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige for a week. If it were to sustain that average until the fuel tank is empty, it means that the Carnival would actually reach 700 miles on a full tank. Again, it's worth pointing out that's the combined average I got. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. However, I was able to get up to 51.9 mpg with mostly city driving — but achieving this average requires gentle acceleration and trying to sustain it in EV mode. That's when the vehicle's propelled only by the electric motor, indicated by the 'EV' icon on the driver's display. For its size, too, I got upwards of 38.4 mpg with mostly highway driving, which again is impressive given its size. 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige Total miles driven 417.2 miles Average fuel economy 36.9 mpg Best long distance fuel economy 38.4 mpg Best short range fuel economy 51.9 mpg Most people are hard pressed to drive minivans because they're so ugly. Believe me, I wouldn't want to be seen on the road driving one, but Kia designs the Carnival in such a way that it looks more like an SUV. Instead of the boxy design that minivans are known for, like the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV I previously tested, the Carnival looks more like an elongated SUV from the side. It almost looks like some full-sized SUVs on the road with 3-row seating, but this purposeful design choice makes the Carnival stand out from most minivans. The only one I think that looks better is the Volkswagen but the price difference is substantial. While the front seats are spacious and comfy, it's the 2nd-row where you truly feel like being in first class on a flight thanks to the captain's chairs that are there. I think they're comfier than the front seats, due in part to how they can be reclined. Additionally, you can activate the footrest to lift you up even more while seated. Usually third row seats are cramped, but that's not the case for the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige. I'm surprised by the amount of legroom it offers for passengers, which has enough room to stretch out your legs. Even better, this extra room doesn't compromise the trunk space. The trunk is deeper than what I expected it to be. Since the Kia Carnival has a lower clearance than your typical SUV, there's actually a decent amount of trunk space even with the third row seating in there. I was able to easily stow away my JackRabbit OG2 Pro micro bike and my electric scooter without having the need to fold down the third row seats. If you need more room, you can always collapse the rear seats to make even more room inside to carry stuff. Another reason why passengers will drive in style with the Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige is because of the extra option you can add on that provides entertainment for the rear passengers. The Rear Seat Entertainment Package tacks on an additional $2,500 to the cost, but it adds two screens to the back of the front seats. I really like the touch interface, which runs Android TV that I'm familiar with. Meaning, I can set up all of my favorite streaming services and have the passengers watch shows in comfort. It's great for the kids who need to be preoccupied for those long drives. Kia's very generous when it comes to adding premium features in its vehicles and the Carnival is no exception. It includes a head-up display, dual sunroofs, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, blind spot camera monitors, and support for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. These are all helpful in making the drive safer and smoother, but it's even better knowing you get all them in a vehicle that's under $58,000. I've already touched on it in the testing summary, but its fuel economy deserves recognition because big vehicles such as this aren't known for their range. Thanks to its hybrid power, though, you'll wait longer in between fill ups with the Carnival Hybrid. Sure, you could save more money by going with the base model, which starts at $36,990, but it's a gas guzzler with its 21 mpg combined fuel economy. By going with the Carnival Hybrid, you'll not only save more money on gas costs, but you won't have to fill up as frequently. The only thing I don't like about the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige is how it underperforms in sport mode. I was hoping for a little more kick and response from its hybrid power engine, but even with its 242 hp performance, it's rather slow with the pickup from a complete stop. Then again, hybrids aren't known for their 0 to 60 times. If you have a large family in your household, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige is an excellent choice to carry them around — and it's perfect for long distance drives and vacations. Kia definitely makes driving a minivan cool because it adopts a design that's similar to most SUVs, while still adding a ton of premium features that I think validate its cost. As much as I love PHEVs, they're in no man's land because of how they're priced. From other models I've tested so far, they're generally between $5,000 to $8,000 less than their all-electric counterparts. This is why hybrid vehicles like the Kia Carnival make so much sense because you'll still have bigger savings in the long run with fuel costs, while still having the utility of a minivan.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
MG M9 first drive review: A new era for luxury MPVs
MG M9 is the largest in its segment. It is expected to slot between the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire. Notify me When luxury MPVs started arriving in the Indian market, no one thought that they would become a success. For the longest time, the Toyota Vellfire has dominated the segment. Then came the first gen Kia Carnival, which was priced at a significantly lower price and did really well. Then came the 2nd-gen Kia Carnival, which was priced around ₹ 63 lakh ex-showroom. Most people thought that it would not sell. But again, people were wrong; it was sold out. Now, JSW MG Motor India is trying their hand out in this segment. The brand showcased the M9 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, and now the brand is preparing to launch it in the Indian market. It will be the company's first product that will go on sale through their new MG Select stores. What makes it unique is that it is the only limousine in the Indian market that is electric. So, how does it perform? What are the highlights of the MG M9? We got to spend a couple of hours with the new electric limousine in Goa and here's our first drive review. MG M9: How is the design? The M9 stands out on our Indian roads because of its sheer size. It measures 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and the wheelbase is 3,200 mm. This makes the M9, the largest luxury limousine in the Indian market. Up-front, there is a trapezoidal grille that also helps as an air dam to cool down the electronics, then there is a chrome strip that runs throughout the width of the car and the headlights, which is what gives that imposing look to the M9. On the sides, there are 19-inch alloy wheels but again a chrome strip has been given that justifies how long the M9 actually is. At the rear, there are thin LED tail lamps with swiping animation for the turn indicators along with another chrome strip that runs throughout the width of the car. JSW MG Motor India will sell the M9 in three colour schemes - Metal Black, Concrete Grey with black roof and Pearl Lustre White with black roof. MG M9: How are the rear seats? The M9 will be bought by the people who will spend most of their time in the second row and it is the place where you should be. There are two Ottoman seats for the second row that are 16-way adjustable. They are heated, ventilated and have a massaging function as well. All of this is controlled via a small screen placed on the armrest. There is also a boss mode to adjust the front passenger seat from the second row itself. The rear occupants can also recline their seats fully to take a nap. MG also offers a leg rest that is just like a cherry on top. The second row is an amazing place to be in, you can rest, take a nap or just travel in peace with the sunshades up. There is also a screen on which the customers can attach a device using an HDMI port or play content from a streaming service. One thing that MG missed with the rear seats is the addition of the tray table that could have been quite useful considering people who buy such luxury limousines end up working while they are travelling as well. Then there are the third row seats which can be accessed simply by walking through the middle of the second row. The third row is surprisingly spacious. Even a 6-foot-1-inch person was able to sit comfortably in the third row which was quite a surprise. The third row occupants get a USB port, mobile holder and a cup holder as well. MG M9: How is the ride quality and the drive? The suspension of the MG M9 is on the firmer side. You can feel every minor undulation of the road inside the cabin. This is what robs the experience. Now, this firm setup does help the EV in having a composed and stable ride when doing triple-digit speeds out on the highways. In fact, even in the corners, the M9 stays flat without any major body roll. It was quite a surprise by how much we loved spending our time in the driver's seat. The acceleration is linear even when you are in the Sport mode. The brakes do require some effort as in you really have to press the pedal to make this behemoth come to a halt. However, you do get used to it. Once again, MG has calibrated the regen very smoothly. It kicks in gently and there is not jerk that any of the passengers can feel. The steering weighs Speaking of MG doing things again, they have incorporated almost all the controls into the infotainment system. Now, this will really need some learning because the menus can also be confusing. Then there is the instrument cluster for the driver, it is a different unit from the Windsor and the Comet and it looks a bit cluttered and does not show a battery percentage. Instead, it has a battery icon just like on the smartphone and an estimated range indicator. Now, the issue with this is that we know that the range indicator on MGs is not the most reliable and it does not adapt to the vehicle's conditions in realtime. MG M9: What is the range and battery specs? JSW MG Motor India is using a massive 90 kWh battery pack that can charge from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, if you can find a suitable fast charger. It has a fast charging capability of up to 160 kW. The AC fast charger takes 9.5 hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100 per cent. The electric MPV will come with a 3.3 kW portable charger. As of now, the brand has not revealed the driving range of the MG M9. MG M9: Who should buy it? There is no denying the fact that the MG M9 is a bold new take on luxury mobility. As of now, we do not know about the price of the M9 but we expect it will slot between the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire. The M9 does make sense for people who will be chauffeur-driven within city limits. The second row is the highlight of the M9 because of how supremely comfortable the seats are. If that stiff suspension does not bother you, then the M9 does make a great buy, considering the quality and the supreme comfort it offers. First Published Date: 11 Jul 2025, 09:59 am IST
India Today
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
MG M9 review, first drive: An all-electric alternative to the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival?
I'm not afraid to admit that I love a good van. The politically correct word here would be an MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle. Interestingly, it's a market segment in India that appears to be on the rise, piping the sedans, which honestly, feels a little sad. However, I have more compassion towards MPVs than I do towards some of the 'SUVs' in our market. That's because there's an honesty in their approach towards a consumer. It's meant to be a people carrier for paved roads, a crusader for commuters. MG's done a good job with the M9's front-end design. advertisementBut, as is the case with most things, some MPVs are equal than others. I'd broadly fit the Kia Carnival, Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM in said category. Now, there's a new player added to the mix, and if the Windsor is anything to go by, they know a thing or two about EVs. What's more, there are diesel, hybrid and now electric offerings, which means the spoilt are spoilt for choice. So, what's the M9 all about and what does it have to offer? Let's kick things off with the design it look good?There's no denying the fact that the M9 is a large vehicle. In terms of dimensions, it's 5,270mm long, 1,840mm tall and 2,000mm wide. The wheelbase measures in at 3,200mm, which, as I said before, makes it big, bold and beautiful. There's understatedness to the overall design language, with minimal chrome inserts around the front, sides and rear. Up front, there's a significant trapezoidal grille, along with the radar for the Level 2 of ADAS present on the M9. There are sleek DRLs as well with the headlamps mounted down below, which is almost the norm of sorts these days. The M9 is a big car, big by even SUV standards, and its sleek design language is complementary. However, it's at the rear where things feel most well-settled in terms of looks. The waterfall-inspired design for the rear LED tail lamps looks lovely, and so does the 'M9 EV' badge. Also, there's a decent amount of boot space with all three rows up, and there's a neat 55-litre frunk, which happens to be a segment first. It's from the side that the M9 makes its presence felt. Those large electrically-operated doors make ingress and egress easy, and there's a large grab handle to aid this process. Since we're on the topic, let's first talk about the third row of third row?Once again, it's easy to get into the third row, thanks to the healthy space between the second row of captain seats. Underthigh support isn't great, and this is strictly a two-seater at the back, since there isn't a headrest for the middle seat. On the plus side, there is some distance between the headrests and the rear windshield. The third row of seats can swivel front and back with the help of a large handle. In terms of amenities, there are Type-A charging points, cup holders and phone storage spaces on each side, along with speakers. I would've appreciated a sun blind here as well, maybe a hinge-operated opening for the window itself like the Toyota Innova, which is another stalwart of the MPV space in India. All in all, it is compromised, as most third-row seats are, but it isn't too bad at are those ottoman seats?Time, though, for the real business end of the M9 - the second row. These are ottoman seats, which are 16-way adjustable, come with heated, cooled and massaging functions. There are eight different types of massage settings, which is great. What's not so great is the fact that the screen is rather tiny, and it, like a smartphone, has this swipe gesture to unlock, which gets cumbersome after the third or fourth time. The overall quality of the screen felt like a bit of a letdown. It also sits flat, making it difficult to use if the seats are reclined, and not very legible under direct sunlight. Also, the screen itself feels quite tiny, but one can always slide their armrest over it, which is a clever addition. That being said, there's plenty of control built into it, and that does make things better. In this case though, an arched system like the Vellfire works best. The ottoman seats offer great support and comfort. There were a few hits and misses though. advertisementThat neatly brings us along to the other issue, manual sunblinds, which honestly feels like a big miss for a big car like the M9. Its operation feels flimsy, and a discerning customer surely isn't expected to operate it themselves. That's pretty much it, though, everything else the M9 does with grace and panache. The brown leather feels upmarket, and the suede finish is a chef's kiss in my opinion. Small inserts in and around the cabin go a long way in enhancing the overarching feel significantly. There's also a foldable storage space for a wallet or a smaller phone in the armrest, along with Type-A and C charging points, too. The front passenger seat gets controls for 'boss mode'. advertisementThe M9 doesn't lack when it comes to storage spaces either. There's one under the 220V charging point, which will come in handy when storing magazines or other knick-knacks. Just like the third row, there are phone folders in the seat along with a fold-out cup holder, as well. The bottle holder on each of the doors felt it might not be able to hold a larger bottle. Apart from this, there's also an overhead console to control the sunshade and the fairly large dual-pane sunroof, along with the HVAC controls. Overhead console can be a bit of a reach if the seats are reclined. advertisementI also love the fact that there is a single-pane sunroof for the front passenger and driver as well. However, the 64-ambient lighting choice feels a bit gimmicky to me, and so does the panel on the roofliner. On the whole, the second-row experience is a luxurious one and won't disappoint most buyers looking for a comfortable, well-equipped MPV. There is one more aspect that needs attention, though. We're speaking about the experience from behind that pretty two-spoke steering it like to drive?Let's be honest for a moment, this isn't a driver's car, and the whole point is to be chauffeured around, but the seats are heated and cooled, and the driver's seat is 12-way adjustable, while the passenger here is 8-way adjustable. Both seats get a massage function as well, and there's loads of space here in the centre to store all kinds of things, and there's a wireless charger too, along with two Type-A ports. I also like the fact that there's a separate sunroof up in the front here, and the whole leather and suede treatment. What could've been larger is the 7-inch digital instrument console, but the 12.3-inch touchscreen is fine by me, although there are still some controls, like adjusting the drive modes or even regen. There's a 90kWh battery pack, which is a nickel-manganese-cobalt unit, meaning it should offer good energy density in a relatively small package. MG claims a range between 500-550km; there isn't an official figure yet, but what I've seen is that MG usually gets pretty close to what it claims. Power is sent to the front wheels via a motor mounted on the front axle capable of producing 245bhp and 350Nm of torque. Healthy numbers, especially considering that this weighs upwards of 2.5 tonnes. Still, though the push is good, especially in sport mode, and there are levels of regen and driving modes. Now, because this is electric, it elevates the premium quotient. Although this is a big thing to lug around, the turning radius is superb. It also feels stable and planted on the move, especially on the highway, but the ride at lower speeds does feel stiffer than I would've wanted in my luxury MPV. On the plus side, though, the fact that M9 is an electric only ups the premium quotient of the overall experience. Purely from a design standpoint, I love the minimalist and elegant layout for the dashboard, it's devoid and clutter and I appreciate that. Overall, I would give the driving experience a solid 8/10, which is pretty awesome for a large luxury tacks first. MG hasn't launched the M9 in the country yet, but bookings are open for an amount of Rs 51,000. This luxury EV MPV will be sold through MG Select, which will be a more elevated and premium showroom experience from the regular MG dealerships. The other car MG will sell from this new showroom format will be the Cyberster, which is on the cards, as well. Since this will be a CKD model, I expect pricing to be closer to the Carnival than the Vellfire, which is a good thing. I feel it should be a no-brainer for high-end fleet and hotel cabs, as charging it and running it will be more cost-effective. But, again, price will be a major factor. It's a great start for MG Select, though, imagine having an M9 for the work weekdays and Cyberster for letting loose on the to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Mint
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
The MG M9 EV limousine launches soon. Here are 5 things you should know about it
The MG M9 EV, an all-electric luxury limousine from JSW MG Motor, is poised to redefine premium people movers in India. First showcased at Auto Expo 2025, the M9 EV marks MG's entry into the electric three-row luxury van segment and will be the brand's fifth EV for the country. (Also check out: Upcoming cars in India) Bookings are already underway for an amount of ₹ 51,000, with pricing expected to fall between ₹ 65–70 lakh (ex-showroom). Here's a breakdown of five standout features of this upcoming flagship. At 5,270 mm in length and 3,200 mm in wheelbase, the M9 outclasses competitors like the Kia Carnival and Toyota Vellfire in size. Its sleek, modern styling includes a closed-off trapezoidal grille, connected LED DRLs, and electric sliding doors. At the rear, the connected LED taillamps and electric tailgate add to its premium appeal. The M9 EV rides on 19-inch self-healing Continental ContiSeal tyres, reinforcing its luxury credentials. MG is launching the M9 EV in India only in its top-spec Presidential Limo variant, which offers a rich natural leather and suede interior finished in cognac brown. Notable comforts in the limousine include electrically adjustable 16-way adjustable seats in the second row with heating, cooling, and massage functions. The seats offer great levels of comfort and multiple cubby holes for storage. This seat's occupants also get individual entertainment screens, a three-zone climate control system and a Chamois-wrapped dual-pane sunroof for an airy and upscale cabin feel. The second-row seats feel well put together and offer a good amount of support. The extendable leg rests also add to the overall comfort quotient. (Also read: MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Which premium MPV would you like to be chauffeured in) The MG M9 EV is powered by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 241 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It boasts an impressive claimed range of up to 500 km on a single charge. The M9 EV can charge fully in 8.5 hours using an 11 kW AC charger. Additionally, DC fast charging support enables a 30–80 per cent top-up in just 30 minutes, making it practical for both city and inter-city commutes. The front cabin features a minimalist, premium layout with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. A floating centre console houses essentials like a wireless charger, cupholders, and storage space, while touch capacitive controls manage HVAC settings. Both front seats come with 4-way lumbar support and ventilation, underscoring the MPV's chauffeur-driven comfort ethos. Safety in the MG M9 EV is on par with global standards. It comes equipped with seven airbags, ABS, ESP with auto hold, TPMS, and a 360-degree surround view monitor. The M9 EV also includes a full suite of ADAS features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Speed Assist. It has received five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Which premium MPV would you like to be chauffeured in
The MG M9 is the latest entrant into the premium lexury MPV segement which is currently dominated by the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire Check Offers MG Motor is preparing to launch the MG M9, a full-electric luxury MPV, in India. Known internationally as the MIFA 9, the upcoming model will join a limited set of large MPVs in the country, competing most closely with the Kia Carnival. While the Toyota Vellfire occupies a higher price segment, the M9 and Carnival are likely to attract a similar customer base. Here's a look at how the M9 compares with the Carnival on paper. MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Dimensions The MG M9 has a length of 5,200 mm, width of 2,000 mm, and height of 1,840 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,200 mm. The Kia Carnival is ever so slightly shorter at 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm wide, 1,775 mm high, and a 3,090 mm wheelbase. The M9 provides slightly greater cabin room on paper with its larger footprint and longer wheelbase. Both cars are mounted on multi-spoke alloy wheels, though the M9 is equipped with 19-inch wheels while the Carnival has an 18-inch setup. Also Read : MG M9: Here are 5 key things to know before you book the upcoming MPV MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Specs The MG M9 is powered by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 245 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It has a claimed WLTP range of 430 km, though real-world range in Indian conditions may vary. The Kia Carnival, in contrast, uses a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, delivering 190 bhp and 441 Nm through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles are front-wheel drive. Given the difference in fuel types—electric vs diesel—the two models cater to different user requirements. The Carnival may suit buyers focused on long-distance usability and fuel availability, while the M9 brings an alternative in the electric segment. MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Features The MG M9 focuses on rear-seat comfort with features like three-zone climate control and second-row ottoman seats offering heating, cooling, and massage functions, all operable via a touchscreen on the armrest. Rear passengers also get individual entertainment screens and a dual-pane Chamois-wrapped sunroof that adds a sense of space. Up front, the cabin includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and touch-sensitive HVAC controls. The floating centre console houses cupholders, a wireless charger, and storage. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with ventilation and 4-way lumbar support. Also watch: Kia Carnival 2024 | Does it command a business-class like price tag? First drive review On the safety front, the M9 is equipped with seven airbags, ABS, ESP with auto hold, TPMS, and a comprehensive ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, speed assist, and a 360-degree camera system. While Bharat NCAP results are pending, the model has secured a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and ANCAP. The Kia Carnival is also well-equipped, offering powered seats (without massage), ADAS, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and rear-seat entertainment, though with a smaller sunroof configuration. Both models support 7-seat layouts, and the M9 also offers an 8-seater option globally, though local availability remains unconfirmed. MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Price The Kia Carnival is priced at ₹ 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom) currently. MG has not released the official price of the M9, although estimates put it around a starting price of ₹ 65 lakh. Pre-orders for the MG M9 have commenced, with official launch in July 2025. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 08 Jul 2025, 11:00 AM IST
