Kia Carnival Hybrid, Carens CNG Pre-Bookings Open In India

Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carnival hybrid, Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG. The Carnival hybrid is expected to launch soon, while prices for the two CNG-powered MPVs are scheduled to be announced by the end of September or early October 2026.
The Carnival hybrid will be available in the Limousine+ trim, which is currently offered with the diesel powertrain. The CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis mark Kia India’s first factory-fitted CNG offerings, following the previous-generation Carens that was available with a dealer-fitted CNG kit.

Kia Carnival Hybrid Powertrain

The Kia Carnival hybrid combines the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine used in the Sorento with a more powerful electric motor. The engine produces 180hp and 265Nm, while the electric motor develops 73.4hp and 304Nm. Kia says the motor produces 8.4hp and 40Nm more than the unit used in the Sorento hybrid.

The hybrid powertrain is paired with a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The existing 2.2-litre diesel engine, which produces 193hp and is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, will continue alongside the hybrid.

The Carnival hybrid does not receive major exterior design changes. It retains the existing styling, with the addition of an HEV badge on the tailgate. Equipment includes powered sliding doors, 18-inch alloy wheels, vertically stacked LED headlights with DRLs and connected LED tail-lights.

Inside, the cabin layout remains unchanged. New additions include a virtual engine sound system and retractable, height-adjustable seat-back tables with wireless phone chargers. Other equipment includes dual 12.3-inch screens, three-zone climate control and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety equipment includes eight airbags, Level 2 ADAS, disc brakes at both ends and a 360-degree camera.

Kia Carnival Hybrid Price

The Carnival hybrid will be positioned in the Limousine+ trim and is expected to command a premium over the existing diesel version. The Carnival Limousine+ diesel is currently priced at Rs 59.65 lakh (ex-showroom).

With pre-bookings open, the hybrid is expected to launch in India soon.

Kia Carens And Carens Clavis CNG Powertrain

The Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. In CNG mode, the engine produces 93hp and 123Nm, which is 22hp and 21Nm less than the corresponding petrol-powered version.

Kia has made changes to accommodate the CNG system, including CNG-specific engine calibration and a fuel-change switch. The suspension and front disc brakes have also been tweaked for the CNG versions.

The CNG tank is positioned beneath the boot floor, allowing both MPVs to retain their three-row configuration. However, the 60-litre tank reduces available boot space to 116 litres with all three rows in use. Kia has also modified the third-row seat-back frame to provide a greater recline angle.

Kia Carens CNG Price And Launch

Pre-bookings for the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are now open. Kia will announce their prices by the end of September or early October 2026. The factory-fitted CNG versions expand Kia’s MPV powertrain line-up in India beyond petrol and diesel.