KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Carnival Hi-limousine showcased at the Auto Expo 2025
- Premium take on the Carnival MPV, rival to Toyota Vellfire
- Comes with a 3.5L V6 petrol mill instead of the oil burner
The Kia Carnival is the premium MPV from Hyundai's Korean sister brand, which sits above the Innova twins and has never really had a direct competitor. However, things are about to change as the brand has revealed the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine, which directly takes on the Toyota Vellfire on international grounds, and now will do it in the Indian Subcontinent as well. While it brings uber luxury to the relatively modest regular Carnival MPV, check out why it demands the rightful attention. To stay updated on all the latest buzz from the Auto Expo 2025, stay tuned to the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel for direct coverage of all the happenings from the event straight to you.
Also Read- Toyota X-Van Electric Concept Showcased At The Auto Expo 2025
Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine: More Comfort And Luxury Feel
While the Kia Carnival sold here in India is a premium mover already, the Hi-Limousine tunes it up to rival none other than the Toyota Vellfire, and you guessed it right, it comes with seating just for four peeps, but with luxury that needs nothing more. For starters, it is based on the outgoing model and the same has been showcased here at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 with a focus on the passenger space, being optimized for max. comfort. It has a 4-sester layout with ample space.
The most noticeable difference in the Carnival Hi Limousine is its extended roof, creating extra headroom for passengers in the second and third rows. This added height also allows for some luxurious touches, like a starry night-themed ambient mood lighting system and a massive 25.7-inch Android TV. While it comes with a ton of features, it's the second row that shines out of everything else. Inside, you'll find an abundance of premium materials, including woodgrain accents, a wood-patterned floor, and a unique suede-like material used for interiors whereas added elements like neck cushions make it an even more enjoyable experience.
Powertrain: Gets Bigger And Skips Diesel
While your regular Carnival offered a diesel mill, the Hi-Limousine goes the 3.5L Smartstream V6 petrol mill that churns out a healthy 290hp of power with 355Nm of peak torque and comes exclusively mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. As for its rivals, this 4 seater Hi-Limousine rivals the Toyota Vellfire in international markets like South Korea and Singapore.
Verdict
The Hi-Limousine is one of. kind Carnival edition that will take the luxury quotient to yet another level, surpassing the standards that the MPV came with earlier. While it is more focused on experience than carrying your extended family, but when its the Vellfire that it's up against, it is a different ball game altogether which Kia has managed to play pretty well.