The current generation Kia Carnival, its fourth, has been around since 2020 and has been a common sight on Malaysian roads since its local launch in 2021. As such, Kia is looking to unveil the facelift of the Grand Utility Vehicle.

Test mules wrapped in camouflage have been popping up online but this is the first time that one has been spotted completely undisguised. Picked up by Korean automotive site, Motors Jason, the new-look Carnival appears to be in a commercial shoot somewhere in South Korea.

First up is the front which looks very distinct and easily more distinguishable from the EV9 electric SUV. It has a sharp and futuristic-looking DRL arrangement that nearly stretches across the front grille.

It certainly gives a space-age look and props to the Korean carmaker for making its flagship minivan look cooler than it should be.

Also read: Review: CKD Kia Carnival - For the boss or for the family? Why not both?

The rear also receives an updated look with a slimmer taillight design that appears to connect from either side. Unlike the pre-facelift, the Kia logo is placed on the tailgate below the slim taillights while the tailgate handle is placed hidden above the number plate holder giving a minimalist and clean design in the back.

While it seems likely that the existing powertrains on the pre-facelift could be carried over to the update, there are rumours of a fully-electric variant of the Carnival to be introduced in the facelift.

Also read: The 2024 Kia Carnival facelift takes a leaf out of the EV9's front fascia, hybrid powertrain on the table

The facelift will also receive additional features like a HUD, a pair of 12-inch curved screens, fingerprint recognition, and Ergo Motion Seats. The latter is offered on the EV9 and adds internal air pockets to the seats, resulting in more cabin room without compromising on comfort.

Expect the Carnival facelift to be launched in Korea before the year ends followed by the States in early 2024. The updated Carnival won’t be arriving in Malaysia so soon but the pre-facelift is currently available with four 2.2-litre turbodiesel variants:

• 2.2D 11-Seater – RM 199,840 
• 2.2D 8-Seater - RM 231,228
• 2.2D 8-Seater High - RM 247,228
• 2.2D 7-seater High - RM 261,228

The 11-seater is the only variant that is fully imported (CBU) from South Korea while the other variants are locally assembled (CKD) in Kulim. Some dealers have opened unofficial bookings for the CKD 11-seater variant though Dinamikjaya Motors, Kia’s Malaysian distributor, has not announced anything official yet.

Also read: Estimated from RM 218k, 11-seater CKD 2023 Kia Carnival to launch soon? Unofficial bookings open