Petrol pause! 2023 Kia Carnival people mover petrol V6 orders on hold as other markets take priority

Kia Australia is putting new orders for V6-powered Carnival people movers on hold to prevent demand outstripping supply.

A spokesperson for Kia Australia confirmed the decision to CarsGuide, saying it is unable to estimate a wait time on petrol variants or when orders will reopen. The brand is currently focused on delivering cars for backorders.

As for the reason, Kia Australia General Manager for Product Planning Roland Rivero explained “the petrol powertrain is the popular choice for North America, therefore they consume the lion’s share of production”.

The engine being put on hold is the brand’s 3.5-litre petrol V6, which makes 216kW and 335Nm and is also found in the Kia Sorento in a different tune.

The remaining engine is the 2.2-litre turbo diesel, also used in the Sorento large SUV, where it makes the same 148kW and 440Nm as in the Carnival.

Currently, in the Carnival line-up, petrol variants are $2000 cheaper than their diesel counterparts. For example, an entry-level Carnival S costs $47,480 before on-roads in petrol, or $49,480 in its diesel guise.

It shouldn’t have a massive impact on sales, as Kia says only about one in five Carnivals sold in 2023 so far have been petrol V6-powered.

The brand says the previous generation had a higher showing of the petrol variant in the market, primarily because of fleet sales.

“Sales now lean towards the diesel variants together with a shift in buyer type, with private sales significantly increasing.”

Kia says supply of the diesel variants remains strong with a comparatively short wait time expected, citing as an example that cars ordered during August should be in production in September.

While the return of petrol variants can't be predicted, expect to see the facelifted Carnival touch down in Australia in quarter one, 2024.

Kia Australia has also confirmed to CarsGuide that it has expressed interest and ‘put its hand up’ for the incoming hybrid Carnival, likely a 1.6-litre turbo four with electric assistance, though no further details have been confirmed as yet.