The final nail in the coffin is likely the BS6 Phase 2 emission norms that came into effect this April. While Kia updated the Seltos, Sonet and Carens' engines to meet the stricter emissions norms, it did not update the Carnival's 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The 2024 Kia Carnival has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

The Carnival has quintessential minivan interior qualities. It's spacious, versatile, and easy to get in and out of. The Carnival's exterior design makes the rear sliding doors look smaller than those on other vans, but functionally the openings are just as big.

The Carnival's platform, or base, is the same as the Sorento's, which give more reason to classify it as an SUV, but with its larger dimensions and stronger capabilities, this would not do it justice. So, while you could say the Carnival is an SUV-inspired minivan, the benefits it offers warrant a category of its own.