Kia has completed updating its production line at the Sohari plant following the discontinuation of the Stinger and in anticipation of assembly of the Carnival Hybrid and all-new electric EV9. However, we now have spyshots of the refreshed Carnival and it appears that an assembly line isn’t the only thing it will share with the EV9.

The photos from YouTube channel Shorts Car indicate that the Carnival has taken inspiration from the EV9’s front fascia as well.

Apart from the EV9-inspired from end, the Carnival Hybrid is expected to share its powertrain with the Sorento. That will see it powered by the 1.6-litre Turbo GDi engine making 180 PS with an electric motor bringing the total output to 230 PS.

Moving forward, it’s likely that Kia might be working on a fully electric Carnival based on the EV9 but for now, we’ll have to make do with the hybrid.

Also Read: Gamechanger? Kia EV9 debuts; 800V architecture, 239 km range in just 15 minutes charging, Level 3 autonomous driving

The facelift exercise will also see the Carnival get additional equipment such as a HUD, highway driving assistance 2 (HDA2), a pair of 12-inch curved screens, fingerprint recognition and Ergo Motion Seats from the EV9.

Also Read: Review: 2022 Kia Carnival – So much metal for RM 196k but can you handle its size

If you’re wondering, the Ergo Motion Seats adds internal air pockets to comfort its occupants. The reason being that it allows the layers of the seats to be thinner (smaller volume), allowing for more cabin room but without sacrificing comfort.

Expect the updated Carnival to debut in South Korea in Q4 2023 before reaching the U.S. in early 2024.

The locally-assembled (CKD) 2022 Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel and is available in 3 variants, priced as follows:

• 2.2D 8-Seater - RM 231,228
• 2.2D 8-Seater High - RM 247,228
• 2.2D 7-seater High - RM 261,228