I bought the GT Line diesel so I am watching this as confirmation bias that I made the right decision 😂 I do love the idea of a hybrid though. Thanks for mentioning the size of the car. It was actually a bit of a shock to me even coming from a Honda Odyssey. It feels like the size of the Titanic. But the steering, driver assist, camera and sensors all help. Never take them into a tight multi storey city carpark though. I made that mistake once, won’t happen again 😳 Thanks for a great review.
I've said this in other videos. If you get the entertainment package and you don't have the power seats in the second row, when you pull the lever to bring the seats forward they come with so much velocity that they will crash into the screen. Check it out for yourself. If you're not holding with both hands that seat whips forward.
Today, I went for a test drive for the Hybrid version, FYI: I already own 2023 Kia Carnival Platinum Diesel, I came solely to compare the driving experience, but was disappointed. I dislike my diesel one due to it's being loud and vibrating a lot and Hybrid tackles that issue, it's very quite and almost no vibration even when the petrol engine kicks in, but at what expense? torque!! there is no torque on this car (Hybrid), no lag, but also no torque, which feels so weird to drive. In my opinion, V6 is the best to drive but very thirsty, Diesel 3.0 engine is the second best and with Diesel is very cheap now it's probably the cheapest to run, Hybrid is not great, feels like it's working very hard, especially if you tow something. Also, look at the 4th year service cap fee, over a grand. Crazy!
Great review! I live in Las Vegas & do Lyft/Uber driving. I have a 2016 Kia Sedona. Solid car, but thirsty~ 19mpg & fuel cost takes 1/3 of my profits. 1.6 liters seems very small for a van this size, but it seems to work. Does this hybrid give you the same feeling of power that the 3.5 gas engine does?
Viewer from Malaysia here, Great review btw Could do with more infographics when explaining all the safety features, I know stralia' has more variants than us, ( we only have 3-4 only including the 11 seater), you could add your pick of the range Diesel + ? Which trim level with all the safety features Again, nice review Ps: i wonder how much does aussie auto reviewer had to tone down the accent for global accent
Hi Matt, nice review as always. Love your standard format. Could you please add why you recommend using a higher RON than specified? Taking into the consideration that a) it comes with a 7 year unlimited kilometre warranty and b) you’ll be adding an additional 10% cost (minimum) for all those kilometres in 7 years which does add up. It also runs on E10 so that’s also an additional $0.02/litre savings (warranty protected). Cheers.
Thanks mate. I always try and use the better quality fuels. They are better for efficiency (I’ve tested it) and also for durability. I wouldn’t touch E10. But you’re right - if you are confident the standard fuel is doing the job, and you aren’t planning to own it beyond warranty, you could use standard. And of course the cost comes into it. If the 95 stuff is 20 cents per litre more, you have to consider that.
@@therightcar The efficiency gains are zero to minimal at best and don’t equalise the price differential. Durability? You (as in you Matt) simply can’t comment on the durability aspect. All fuels have a best before date and in some cases, with a higher particular pump usage the 91 stacks up better. Why no to E10? As it is much more environmentally friendly. Also, with the 10% ethanol it roughly translates to a 95 RON. Similar story for 91 octane as it also translates to roughly 95 RON. Then you also need to factor in the actual source and distributor of said fuels as these also vary. Plus there is zero performance gains comparing 98 to 91 in Australia. The main point comes down to the manufacturer. The engineers who develop the engines know more than we do so why put a more expensive fuel into it if it’s not specified? 🤔
@@marcusgeorge1825because there is a widespread and engrained myth that higher grades are better, which we both know they are not. I trust the engineers
@@Jude.username I've previously worked in the industry, there is no doubt that long term 95 RON is better for your engine than 91 RON. A key benefit in modern fuels is the addition of detergent additives in 95 RON. If your engine is designed for 91 RON, no problem; use 91 octane. In this instance I'd recommend people fill up with 95 octane once a year to clean their engine. This is especially important if you intend to keep the car long term.
@@marcusgeorge1825 "efficiency gains are zero to minimal at best" - this is very untrue depending on the engine. In our SQ5 we have found a marked difference between 98 RON and 95 RON fuel (while minimum supported is 91 RON, the ECU and advanced timing is optimised for 95/98RON). Increased Ethanol content (E10) is heavily discouraged if the engine is not explicitly rated to run with it. Remember Australia has a much high sulphur content and fuel quality can vary dramatically for lower tiers of fuels. For a economobile, it doesnt matter, for a high compression engine with tunes targeting 95 and above, you're better off using 95 or 98.
Hey mate - if you need the ultimate in practicality you buy the Kia, hands down. It has much more usable space and the sliding doors are spectacular in tight parking spaces. But if it’s my money I’m going for the Santa Fe, I just love the look - plus all-wheel drive.
@@therightcar thank you for being honest (also in your reviews). That are my thoughts as well. I just have to test drive each now. Keep up the great work.
Hey Matt, great review as always. I just ordered the hybrid carnival, as you said it’s a bit on the expensive. I did see it in the showrooms but seeing it again on your video, I’m not particularly liking these rims on the hybrid, the design doesn’t look appealing and looks dull. The overseas models in all black rims have a different finish and look much classier. Any suggestions from you?
Thanks mate - congrats on the new car! I hear you, the rims are a bit dull. At least you get the benefit of having quite a big sidewall to cushion the fam from bumps. I’m sure you could option different rims from Kia, but they may have an impact on efficiency (slight - maybe 0.5L/100km max)
@@therightcar A good suggestion. I tried calling the showroom and they only have it in the one rim style unfortunately. I got the car in cermaic silver, so fingers crossed it looks ok on it.
Hey Matt, thanks for the review and love the channel. Why the recommendedation for 95 if the engine can run on 91? I've heard people say you do it for the fuel additives in "premium fuel" but I've always figured thsts just marketing. Whats the benefit in your view?
Hey mate - I say that because years ago I did a test with 91, 95 and 98, and the middle grade fuel was the best for efficiency per dollar. My mechanic mate said it is always better to use a better fuel if you can afford it, too - better for the engine and components, generally. It all comes down to cost though. Like, if the car is capable of running on 91 and it’s $0.15c/L cheaper, then you’d probably choose the cheaper fuel.
@@therightcar Cheers for your thoughts, it's appreciated. I've got a Swift Sport (I share your love of that car) which requires 95, but my bike only needs 91. So using 91 for my bike feels like a luxury especially with petrol prices these days. I know some cars recommend 95 but require 91 - I guess the ECU must work out it can advance the timings and that'd explain the better efficiency, but I wonder if all cars will be able to do that.. maybe most modern cars? Do you have any thoughts as to why it'd be better for the components though? I can't imagine that the engine would knock if they specify 91, so do the extra detergents etc. they put in premium fuel actually make a difference? Or maybe there's something else?
Diesel is the go instead until the hybrid comes down in price and gets better economy. We get 6-7L around town with our 2022 KA4 diesel (other owners claim even less than that but we do lots of short trips) and then take it on holidays towing 750kg box trailer, fully loaded, 6 pax and a dog, and still get ave 9L/100km. I cant see the hybrid even coming close to that and i reckon towing trailer would stress that little 1.6L engine. I think one day we would love to buy a fully electric Carnival when they come out, just not ready yet.
@@occckid123 You're missing my point, in Australia you wouldn't get return on money for the hybrid over the diesel (you do realise this is an Australian video review!). Our diesel has gotten as low as 5.0L on freeway in perfect conditions but it's closer to 6-7L in daily traffic. For it to be worth paying the extra $15k more, the hybrid really needs to do better. Plus as the video states, the hybrid not as good for towing either.
just a question in relation to the color on the outside, what coulor do they call it thanks... I am actually looking to upgrade my Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 to a hybrid, and am seriously thinking on this as I could do Uber Max and as part of my Business Model, I could use this as a full sized panel cargo van for transporting pets and cargo for parcel deliveries....other than this I am very impressed with this, saw one the other day but it was white, and was reason for me asking the color.... thank-you once again, another great video.
@@therightcarIt is, though personally I reckon Flare Red is an even better match to the new more aggressive styling of the facelifted Carnival. So we went with that for our HEV one - love it!
I wish I bought hybrid. I bought the diesel, while it’s frugal, most of my driving is stationary, short drop offs. The diesel not as smooth and effortless as a petrol hybrid.
We have a 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid, if it's the same... Ours will run the air when the vehicle is in auxiliary mode(I'm in the US, not sure if the terms are the same) you just press the button twice. But it will auto shut off after 30 minutes. Not sure if that's changed or not.
It's just Kia's standard battery warranty. Same for hybrids and EVs. Not nearly as confidence-inspiring as MG with its 10-year/250,000km battery warranty!
Definitely not, would I buy a DPF diesel for around town . Living with the MR Triton around town , is cursed by DPF . No manual DPF button, and it fills the engine oil up with diesel! Can't wait to get a alternative, but never again a DPF diesel for around town IMO
Thanks mate. It is not as smooth in some situations. Hybrid holds gears longer, where as the diesel has eight speeds and uses the torque more. The diesel feels more effortless on the highway.
It doesn’t make sense. You will never recover the increased cost over the diesel (purchase price and servicing) with the fuel economy only being about 1L/100km better. If manufacturers want people to buy hybrids they need to be cheaper or better. This is neither
Weak engine for a car like that! plus having Turbo you need to have Higher octane fuel (best 98) to juice power using turbo! 91 would be sluggish and Turbo will not perform optimally! Best to avoid this variant and go for Diesel! I drove it with 98 ron and eco mode again it slow as hell! Problem is Salesmen will have you drive in sports mode with 98 ron...You wouldn't notice it power until you buy it and drive it long enough and loaded! Another problem is this car will mostly be run for long journey so forget the sticker fuel mileage ! I think Journalist are not allowed to talk about it! But its drivability is amazing, drives like small car and such an easy car to drive and what a visibility. It beats any suv for that ! With the soft steering you are literally always driving with one hand!
Why would anybody buy the hybrid? Am I missing something, diesel is the obvious choice; as the sales numbers prove. In my opinion, Kia AU is 'testing the waters' with a hybrid in the Carnival. Within the next 2 years Kia and Hyundai in Australia want to drop all diesel passenger cars - except for the Kia Tasman.
I bought the GT Line diesel so I am watching this as confirmation bias that I made the right decision 😂 I do love the idea of a hybrid though.
Thanks for mentioning the size of the car. It was actually a bit of a shock to me even coming from a Honda Odyssey. It feels like the size of the Titanic. But the steering, driver assist, camera and sensors all help. Never take them into a tight multi storey city carpark though. I made that mistake once, won’t happen again 😳
Thanks for a great review.
I've said this in other videos. If you get the entertainment package and you don't have the power seats in the second row, when you pull the lever to bring the seats forward they come with so much velocity that they will crash into the screen. Check it out for yourself. If you're not holding with both hands that seat whips forward.
Today, I went for a test drive for the Hybrid version, FYI: I already own 2023 Kia Carnival Platinum Diesel, I came solely to compare the driving experience, but was disappointed.
I dislike my diesel one due to it's being loud and vibrating a lot and Hybrid tackles that issue, it's very quite and almost no vibration even when the petrol engine kicks in, but at what expense? torque!! there is no torque on this car (Hybrid), no lag, but also no torque, which feels so weird to drive. In my opinion, V6 is the best to drive but very thirsty, Diesel 3.0 engine is the second best and with Diesel is very cheap now it's probably the cheapest to run, Hybrid is not great, feels like it's working very hard, especially if you tow something.
Also, look at the 4th year service cap fee, over a grand. Crazy!
Excellent review, matches up with our experience of it so far.
Thanks mate!
The shopping hooks in the back are actually for the cargo net that the KIA comes with.
Either way, great baggage option
Both actually….
Great review mate! 🎉
Thanks mate
Great review! I live in Las Vegas & do Lyft/Uber driving. I have a 2016 Kia Sedona. Solid car, but thirsty~ 19mpg & fuel cost takes 1/3 of my profits. 1.6 liters seems very small for a van this size, but it seems to work. Does this hybrid give you the same feeling of power that the 3.5 gas engine does?
Because I want to camp in it, hybrid works well as it provides economic heating.
Yeah fair enough! It’s a lot to pay for a heater though. You could just get a diesel heater for a cheaper one.
Viewer from Malaysia here,
Great review btw
Could do with more infographics when explaining all the safety features,
I know stralia' has more variants than us, ( we only have 3-4 only including the 11 seater), you could add your pick of the range
Diesel + ? Which trim level with all the safety features
Again, nice review
Ps: i wonder how much does aussie auto reviewer had to tone down the accent for global accent
Tell 'em their dreamin'
Big bikkies for a big bus
Worth every penny. I wish I'd gone this way rather than the diesel
@@ianpollard2634why is that?
@@maxadoncello4927 I have a hybrid as a work car and the fuel efficiency is much better.
@@maxadoncello4927 I have a hybrid as a work car and the fuel efficiency is amazing
Hi Matt, nice review as always. Love your standard format. Could you please add why you recommend using a higher RON than specified? Taking into the consideration that a) it comes with a 7 year unlimited kilometre warranty and b) you’ll be adding an additional 10% cost (minimum) for all those kilometres in 7 years which does add up. It also runs on E10 so that’s also an additional $0.02/litre savings (warranty protected). Cheers.
Thanks mate. I always try and use the better quality fuels. They are better for efficiency (I’ve tested it) and also for durability. I wouldn’t touch E10.
But you’re right - if you are confident the standard fuel is doing the job, and you aren’t planning to own it beyond warranty, you could use standard.
And of course the cost comes into it. If the 95 stuff is 20 cents per litre more, you have to consider that.
@@therightcar The efficiency gains are zero to minimal at best and don’t equalise the price differential. Durability? You (as in you Matt) simply can’t comment on the durability aspect. All fuels have a best before date and in some cases, with a higher particular pump usage the 91 stacks up better. Why no to E10? As it is much more environmentally friendly. Also, with the 10% ethanol it roughly translates to a 95 RON. Similar story for 91 octane as it also translates to roughly 95 RON. Then you also need to factor in the actual source and distributor of said fuels as these also vary. Plus there is zero performance gains comparing 98 to 91 in Australia. The main point comes down to the manufacturer. The engineers who develop the engines know more than we do so why put a more expensive fuel into it if it’s not specified? 🤔
@@marcusgeorge1825because there is a widespread and engrained myth that higher grades are better, which we both know they are not.
I trust the engineers
@@Jude.username I've previously worked in the industry, there is no doubt that long term 95 RON is better for your engine than 91 RON. A key benefit in modern fuels is the addition of detergent additives in 95 RON.
If your engine is designed for 91 RON, no problem; use 91 octane. In this instance I'd recommend people fill up with 95 octane once a year to clean their engine. This is especially important if you intend to keep the car long term.
@@marcusgeorge1825 "efficiency gains are zero to minimal at best" - this is very untrue depending on the engine. In our SQ5 we have found a marked difference between 98 RON and 95 RON fuel (while minimum supported is 91 RON, the ECU and advanced timing is optimised for 95/98RON). Increased Ethanol content (E10) is heavily discouraged if the engine is not explicitly rated to run with it. Remember Australia has a much high sulphur content and fuel quality can vary dramatically for lower tiers of fuels. For a economobile, it doesnt matter, for a high compression engine with tunes targeting 95 and above, you're better off using 95 or 98.
So glad I live in the US because it’s only 52k for the sx prestige
Great review Matt - what would you choose out of this Kia (spec as you reviewed) and the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy (as you reviewed)?
Hey mate - if you need the ultimate in practicality you buy the Kia, hands down. It has much more usable space and the sliding doors are spectacular in tight parking spaces.
But if it’s my money I’m going for the Santa Fe, I just love the look - plus all-wheel drive.
@@therightcar thank you for being honest (also in your reviews). That are my thoughts as well. I just have to test drive each now.
Keep up the great work.
Hey Matt, great review as always. I just ordered the hybrid carnival, as you said it’s a bit on the expensive. I did see it in the showrooms but seeing it again on your video, I’m not particularly liking these rims on the hybrid, the design doesn’t look appealing and looks dull. The overseas models in all black rims have a different finish and look much classier. Any suggestions from you?
Thanks mate - congrats on the new car! I hear you, the rims are a bit dull. At least you get the benefit of having quite a big sidewall to cushion the fam from bumps.
I’m sure you could option different rims from Kia, but they may have an impact on efficiency (slight - maybe 0.5L/100km max)
@@therightcar A good suggestion. I tried calling the showroom and they only have it in the one rim style unfortunately. I got the car in cermaic silver, so fingers crossed it looks ok on it.
Hey Matt, thanks for the review and love the channel. Why the recommendedation for 95 if the engine can run on 91? I've heard people say you do it for the fuel additives in "premium fuel" but I've always figured thsts just marketing. Whats the benefit in your view?
Hey mate - I say that because years ago I did a test with 91, 95 and 98, and the middle grade fuel was the best for efficiency per dollar. My mechanic mate said it is always better to use a better fuel if you can afford it, too - better for the engine and components, generally.
It all comes down to cost though. Like, if the car is capable of running on 91 and it’s $0.15c/L cheaper, then you’d probably choose the cheaper fuel.
@@therightcar Cheers for your thoughts, it's appreciated. I've got a Swift Sport (I share your love of that car) which requires 95, but my bike only needs 91. So using 91 for my bike feels like a luxury especially with petrol prices these days.
I know some cars recommend 95 but require 91 - I guess the ECU must work out it can advance the timings and that'd explain the better efficiency, but I wonder if all cars will be able to do that.. maybe most modern cars?
Do you have any thoughts as to why it'd be better for the components though? I can't imagine that the engine would knock if they specify 91, so do the extra detergents etc. they put in premium fuel actually make a difference? Or maybe there's something else?
Diesel is the go instead until the hybrid comes down in price and gets better economy. We get 6-7L around town with our 2022 KA4 diesel (other owners claim even less than that but we do lots of short trips) and then take it on holidays towing 750kg box trailer, fully loaded, 6 pax and a dog, and still get ave 9L/100km. I cant see the hybrid even coming close to that and i reckon towing trailer would stress that little 1.6L engine. I think one day we would love to buy a fully electric Carnival when they come out, just not ready yet.
The diesel is much more expensive than regular fuel and I get 5.9 in my sienna hybrid which is 40mpg.
On average diesel and unleaded same price in Australia
@wh05e in getting 5.7 on this tank and I drove 925km and have 161km left until empty with the awd system.
@@occckid123 You're missing my point, in Australia you wouldn't get return on money for the hybrid over the diesel (you do realise this is an Australian video review!). Our diesel has gotten as low as 5.0L on freeway in perfect conditions but it's closer to 6-7L in daily traffic. For it to be worth paying the extra $15k more, the hybrid really needs to do better. Plus as the video states, the hybrid not as good for towing either.
@wh05e it's only that much money because it's fully loaded? Can you get the diesel fully loaded with the same options as the hybrid?
What's the laptime around the Nurburgring?
I did it in 14:33, with eight on board 😂
just a question in relation to the color on the outside, what coulor do they call it thanks...
I am actually looking to upgrade my Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 to a hybrid, and am seriously thinking on this as I could do Uber Max and as part of my Business Model, I could use this as a full sized panel cargo van for transporting pets and cargo for parcel deliveries....other than this I am very impressed with this, saw one the other day but it was white, and was reason for me asking the color....
thank-you once again, another great video.
The reviewed one is Astra Blue
Thanks Nicole! And as Ash said, it’s the Astra Blue finish. Very nice in person.
@@therightcarIt is, though personally I reckon Flare Red is an even better match to the new more aggressive styling of the facelifted Carnival. So we went with that for our HEV one - love it!
Hybrid LXS 40K plus $1000 transport fee, for hybrid in USA so maybe not same vehicle. Source is Kias home page USA
Yep, there are some spec differences between Aus and US, but the deals are decent (more supply, lower costs).
I wish I bought hybrid. I bought the diesel, while it’s frugal, most of my driving is stationary, short drop offs. The diesel not as smooth and effortless as a petrol hybrid.
So bad there are not many options add-on in the us for this car. Not even when you have the upper level trim.
can you just turn the air con on without the engine started, if yes, how long could the air con run on battery onlye?
We have a 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid, if it's the same...
Ours will run the air when the vehicle is in auxiliary mode(I'm in the US, not sure if the terms are the same) you just press the button twice. But it will auto shut off after 30 minutes. Not sure if that's changed or not.
Where’s the fuel economy test results described in the video title?
In the efficiency section ….?
how many mountain bikes can u fit in there at the back with the last row folded down like that?
I’d say four easily.
Battery warranty think that’s low ? Why only 150000klm ? Not giving me confidence to continue my purchase. You have any answer. Cheers
It's just Kia's standard battery warranty. Same for hybrids and EVs. Not nearly as confidence-inspiring as MG with its 10-year/250,000km battery warranty!
@@therightcar and in the US captain’s chair and 14 inch screens. We get robbed here with open eyes
@@AimeeandGrantPallantm
Definitely not, would I buy a DPF diesel for around town . Living with the MR Triton around town , is cursed by DPF . No manual DPF button, and it fills the engine oil up with diesel! Can't wait to get a alternative, but never again a DPF diesel for around town IMO
I hear you. You’ve gotta fit the car into your life.
3:26 no it's not, it's the older diesel which is less efficient and heavier
Same engine family, newer gen in the Carnival.
@@therightcar ok fair enough - but definitely older and not as good
Would love to know how the hybridnengine perform in highway mode, like accelerating to overtake, comparing to Diesel version? Thanks,
Thanks mate. It is not as smooth in some situations. Hybrid holds gears longer, where as the diesel has eight speeds and uses the torque more. The diesel feels more effortless on the highway.
Much appreciated that, cheers
All that storage and still no sunglasses holder?
That’s what your neck or forehead is for. 😜
Hahahahaha $80k outdadoor for Kiaaaaaa...what a steal.😂
Ohh wait, Kia is stealing everyone 😆
Just get a decent V-Klasse. You do not need more + the AMG Trim!
It’s about $30k more.
I don't know what Kia thing giving hybird for this vehicle it's a joke. The v6 needs more torque.
Why is it a joke? The hybrid has better torque than the V6.
It doesn’t make sense. You will never recover the increased cost over the diesel (purchase price and servicing) with the fuel economy only being about 1L/100km better. If manufacturers want people to buy hybrids they need to be cheaper or better. This is neither
It needs to be cheaper to make sense, but for businesses that need green credits it might make sense.
Weak engine for a car like that! plus having Turbo you need to have Higher octane fuel (best 98) to juice power using turbo! 91 would be sluggish and Turbo will not perform optimally! Best to avoid this variant and go for Diesel! I drove it with 98 ron and eco mode again it slow as hell! Problem is Salesmen will have you drive in sports mode with 98 ron...You wouldn't notice it power until you buy it and drive it long enough and loaded! Another problem is this car will mostly be run for long journey so forget the sticker fuel mileage ! I think Journalist are not allowed to talk about it!
But its drivability is amazing, drives like small car and such an easy car to drive and what a visibility. It beats any suv for that ! With the soft steering you are literally always driving with one hand!
Journalists are allowed to talk what ever they want to talk about, dude.
People mover and GT Line seem a step too far.
Not the most GT-Line version of a Kia, either.
Xpeng X9
Not yet.
Why would anybody buy the hybrid? Am I missing something, diesel is the obvious choice; as the sales numbers prove.
In my opinion, Kia AU is 'testing the waters' with a hybrid in the Carnival. Within the next 2 years Kia and Hyundai in Australia want to drop all diesel passenger cars - except for the Kia Tasman.
They need to have it as part of the range for fleet emissions and fleet considerers, too.
@@therightcar Thanks, good point. When my 19 year old niece in VIC goes on inter-state hockey trips, teams always hire the Carnival.
way too much tech for me
way too much tech for me