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Kia Carnival II (VQ, facelift 2010) 3.8i V6 (254 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Kia Carnival:
The Kia Carnival is a minivan manufactured by the Korean automaker Kia since 1998. It is marketed globally under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Sedona.
The first-generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short wheelbase version. Second-generation models were marketed in short and long wheelbase variants. A rebadged variant of the second generation was offered in North America as the Hyundai Entourage. Beginning in 2010, the second-generation model received updated equipment, including Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, as introduced by its then new design chief, Peter Schreyer. Kia introduced its third-generation minivan in 2014, solely in a long wheelbase format. The fourth generation was introduced in 2020, when Kia also began using the Carnival nameplate worldwide....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II (VQ, facelift 2010) Overview:
Kia Carnival (II (VQ, facelift 2010)). With 343 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1990 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.8i V6 (254 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust power and strong acceleration, making it the most dynamic option in the lineup. The 10-second 0-100 km/h sprint is impressive for a minivan, providing effortless highway merging and overtaking.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V6, fuel consumption is high, estimated around 10.9 l/100 km combined. Running costs will be significantly higher, especially in urban driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior for families
- • Good value for money compared to rivals
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially on highways
- • Strong diesel engine option (2.2 E-VGT) offers excellent balance of power and economy
- • Large trunk/boot space
Cons:
- • Petrol V6 engines can be thirsty
- • Handling dynamics are typical minivan – not particularly engaging
- • Older Euro NCAP rating (2006) might not reflect modern safety standards
- • Interior materials, while durable, might lack the premium feel of some competitors
- • Base 2.7 V6 can feel underpowered when fully loaded
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (VQ): 2006 - 2010).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Carnival |
| Generation: | II (VQ, facelift 2010) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8i V6 (254 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2010 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 254 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 343 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Lambda / G6DA More details about the engine Lambda / G6DA |
| Engine displacement: | 3778 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 8.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1990 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 3440 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 364 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4810 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1985 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1750 mm mm [65mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2890 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1685 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1685 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Dependent spring suspension with transverse stabilizer |
Your first impression of the Kia Carnival in one word? Go!