Kia has launched a model-year update of its flagship large recreational vehicle (RV), “The 2026 Carnival.” (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia)
SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — Kia has officially launched “The 2026 Carnival,” an updated version of its flagship large recreational vehicle (RV), aimed at strengthening its foothold in the high-demand family and leisure car market. The company began full-scale sales on Sunday.
The refreshed model is offered in two powertrains — a 3.5-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid — and features expanded standard convenience offerings even on the base Prestige trim. This move underscores Kia’s push to increase product competitiveness by addressing consumer demand for higher-spec features.
The Prestige trim now comes standard with a smart power tailgate and an electronic rearview mirror. The popular Noblesse trim adds multi-zone voice recognition and Kia Digital Key 2, while the high-end Signature trim is equipped with LED rear combination lamps and LED turn signal lights.
Kia has launched a model-year update of its flagship large recreational vehicle (RV), “The 2026 Carnival.” (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia)
The newly introduced multi-zone voice recognition technology allows the vehicle to distinguish between different seating positions in the first and second rows and respond accordingly to voice commands, including the activation phrase “Hey, Kia.”
Kia has also renamed its previously style-focused “Gravity” trim to “X-Line,” updating it with exclusive black emblems and dark gray wheel covers to emphasize its premium and adventurous aesthetic.
In addition, the company has made premium BOSE sound systems available as an option starting from the Signature trim.
With the 2026 Carnival, Kia continues its strategy of blending practicality with premium upgrades, reinforcing its strong position in South Korea’s competitive minivan segment.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
