Will the 2024 Kia Carnival near Rio Rancho, NM get a Hybrid Model?
As we all know, the minivan craze that began in the late 1980s has dwindled from what it used to be. A small following of loyal drivers who know that when it comes to traveling with a large group of people-whether family, friends, or coworkers- you just can’t beat a minivan. And while the automotive world has seen a multitude of designs, the tried and true holdouts have kept the basic minivan formula that made these people-movers so effective and practical.
Of course, the rise of the SUV has prompted many automakers to ditch the minivan altogether in favor of more crossovers and SUVs in their lineups. In fact, Kia shook things up in 2022 when they replaced the Sedona minivan with the all-new Carnival MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). This incredible vehicle combines the versatility and functionality of the minivan with an updated and attractive SUV look. Now that we’re mid-cycle in its production, the question is, what’s in store for the 2024 Kia Carnival near Rio Rancho, NM?
What’s New for the 2024 Carnival?
According to data shared on the Korean online forum Autospy, a hybrid version of the 2024 Kia Carnival will reportedly begin production in October this year. This hybrid-electric version is expected to be built at Kia’s Sohari plant, which is being revamped to have the capacity for the manufacture of hybrid and all-electric vehicles starting in early 2023.
Since the Kia Carnival MPV and Kia Sorento share the same platform, chances are the MPV could adopt the powertrain used by the Sorento Hybrid, which employs a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 1.5 kWh battery and a 44 kW electric motor for a combined output of 227 hp ad 258 lb-ft of torque. Whether the Carnival Hybrid will offer all-wheel drive is still to be determined.
Another Korean publication, DailyCar, suggested in a July 2021 report that Kia is also working on a fully-electric Carnival model, which aligns with information Kia had previously stated. “The new models will include a range of sedans, SUVs, and MPVs across several segments, each using industry-leading technology for long-range driving and high-speed charging from Hyundai Motor Group’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP),” Kia announced in January of 2021.
Other Changes for the 2024 Kia Carnival near Rio Rancho, NM
In other news about the Carnival, a heavily camouflaged prototype was spotted in South Korea, and its design seems to be inspired by the forthcoming Kia EV9. Currently, the Carnival MPV is already one of the best-looking minivans on the market, and the upcoming 2024 model appears to be even more alluring.
Although the front end is mostly covered, the headlights appear to be similar in shape to those of the EV9. The headlights on the current design are more traditional, whereas the new headlight design may be in a vertical position, much like the Telluride and the upcoming EV9. Also noticed beneath the disguise in the front is an LED light bar.
There were no spy shots of the rear of the vehicle, but given how the front seems to have significant changes, don’t be surprised if similar changes also occur in the back.
Visit Fiesta Kia
Until the 2024 Kia Carnival near Rio Rancho, NM arrives, there are some outstanding new 2023 Carnivals to be had. Come take a peek at the Kia dealer of Fiesta Kia located at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
