2023 Kia Carnival Special Edition priced at $61,190

Kia Australia will launch a limited Carnival Special Edition in the coming months, according to a confidential dealer bulletin obtained by CarExpert.

Expected to start production this month (February), the 2023 Kia Carnival Special Edition will be “available for a limited time” and available as an additional high-spec option in the current component and between the mid-spec SLi and the flagship Platinum settled its supply-restricted climate.

The Carnival SE will be available with both 3.5-liter V6 gasoline and 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain options, priced at $61,190 and $63,190 before road cost, respectively. That’s about a $3400 premium over the equivalent SLi and a savings of $3400 over the Platinum.

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Above the SLi, the Carnival Special Edition brings a number of appointments and features previously reserved for the top-of-the-line Platinum.

Highlights of the Carnival Special Edition:

• Black 19-inch alloy wheels
• Grille bezel in platinum
• Chromed bumper
• Chrome door panel
• Chrome-plated underride guard
• Double sunroofs
• LED interior lighting
• Seat heating front, rear
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Rear occupant alarm
• Mood lighting with 3D pattern in the interior
• Manual rear sunshade blinds

That goes beyond the SLi specification, which includes:

• Electrochromatic rearview mirror
• LED fog lights
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Assist
• Keyless entry and start
• 360 degree cameras
• 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat including two-way lumbar support
• Intelligent electric sliding doors and tailgate
• Acoustic windscreen film
• 3rd row USB charging ports

It’s worth nothing, the dealer bulletin specifically states the lack of automatic up and down operation for all windows except the driver’s window, which also includes a “safety feature” that stops the window if there’s an obstruction. This is probably the part that is most affected by the semiconductor shortage.

In fact, the Carnival Special Edition will have the look and feel of the top-of-the-line Platinum, minus a few key features like the 12-speaker BOSE premium sound system, ventilated front seats and Smart Temperature Comfort Control for the driver – all of which are particularly absent from the SE feature -Highlights.

Kia Australia has been struggling with crippling supply issues with its best-selling people mover for some time, confirming in July last year that V6 petrol availability was severely limited in the second half of 2022 and again delaying the rollout of promised features like a digital instrument cluster and Blind Spot View Monitor as it struggled to keep up with a growing order bank.

That didn’t stop the Carnival line from setting an all-time monthly sales record (1,101 units) in June 2022 and posting 37.4 percent year-over-year growth to 8,054 units compared to 2021.

Additionally, the Korean MPV owned a whopping 73.3 percent of the mainstream people mover market, meaning almost three out of four sales in this segment are carnival vehicles.

MORE: Everything Kia Carnival