2018 Kia Grand Carnival III (facelift 2018) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Kia Grand Carnival III facelift has a ground clearance of 171 mm (6.7 inches). This ride height is moderate and typical for minivans, which prioritizes on-road comfort and accessibility over off-road prowess. The clearance ensures the vehicle can handle urban road obstacles like speed bumps, curbs, and rough patches without scraping the underside. However, it is not designed for serious off-roading or rugged terrains. For everyday city driving and highway cruising, this ground clearance balances sufficient clearance with stability, ensuring a smooth ride.

The Kia Grand Carnival III facelift comes equipped with two main rim size options: 17-inch and 18-inch wheels. Correspondingly, the tire sizes available are 235/65 R17 for the 17-inch rims and 235/60 R18 for the 18-inch rims. This configuration supports a balanced combination of ride comfort, handling, and aesthetic appeal. The 17-inch setup generally offers a smoother ride due to the taller tire sidewall, while the 18-inch option typically enhances handling performance and provides a sportier look.

With a length of 5115 mm (201.6 inches) and width of 1985 mm (78.1 inches), the Kia Grand Carnival III facelift is on the larger side for garages. A typical residential garage door opening is about 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 2100-2200 mm (82.7-86.6 inches) tall, meaning the width fits comfortably but requires careful maneuvering. Lengthwise, the vehicle may fit in standard two-car garages but could be tight for single-car garages that are shorter than 5.5 meters (around 18 feet). Height at 1740 mm (68.5 inches) is compatible with virtually all standard garages. Overall, it fits best in garages with at least moderate space clearance and sufficient room to open doors fully.

Compared to its predecessor, the Kia Carnival II, the Grand Carnival III (facelift 2018) is slightly larger and more refined in dimensions, though the fundamental size class remains similar. The third generation grew incrementally in length and width to improve interior space, comfort, and cargo volume. For example, the 5115 mm length and 1985 mm width represent an increase over previous years, enhancing passenger legroom and luggage capacity. Height remains comparably around the same, keeping ease of access intact. These size changes allow the Grand Carnival III to offer a more spacious and comfortable cabin, improved road presence, and better stability, responding to evolving consumer needs and market competition.

When compared to similar minivans such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Pacifica, the Kia Grand Carnival III facelift stands out with its large footprint. For instance, the Grand Carnival's length of 5115 mm (201.6 inches) is generally on par or slightly longer than these competitors, which mostly range between 5080 to 5180 mm in length. Its width of 1985 mm (78.1 inches) is competitive and wide enough for three-row seating comfort. The Grand Carnival provides a spacious interior and cargo capacity similar to the top minivans in its class, often at a more accessible price point. Ride height and ground clearance also align well with market expectations, making it a viable choice for families seeking a blend of comfort, space, and value.

Due to its substantial length of 5115 mm (201.6 inches) and width of 1985 mm (78.1 inches), the Kia Grand Carnival III requires more awareness when parking or maneuvering in tight city environments. While the width is manageable for most urban streets, the length may challenge parking in compact spaces or crowded urban parking lots. Drivers may find parallel parking more demanding and may prefer parking lots with larger spaces to accommodate the vehicle comfortably. However, the vehicle's design aims to maximize visibility and driver assistance features help ease these challenges. Despite its size, it remains practical for families needing more interior room without sacrificing too much urban maneuverability.

The Kia Grand Carnival III facelift (2018-2020) is designed as a spacious 7 to 8-seater minivan, with three rows of seating suited for families and group travel. While exact interior dimensions can vary slightly based on configuration, the increased external size directly translates to generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room across all rows. The width of 1985 mm (78.1 inches) allows for comfortable middle-row seating, often featuring captain chairs or a bench seat. The height of 1740 mm (68.5 inches) ensures ample headroom for adult passengers even in the rear rows. Cargo capacity behind the third row is decent for luggage and groceries, with folding seats expanding space further for larger items.

The ground clearance of 171 mm (6.7 inches) and the relatively large overall size of the Kia Grand Carnival III influence both fuel efficiency and handling characteristics. Larger and heavier vehicles generally consume more fuel, particularly in city driving conditions, where stop-and-go traffic impacts efficiency. The moderate ground clearance helps maintain stability and a lower center of gravity compared to taller SUVs, improving handling and reducing body roll in corners. However, due to its size and weight, handling is tuned more toward comfort and stability over sporty responsiveness. The tire sizes (235/65 R17 and 235/60 R18) complement ride comfort and grip, balancing the competing demands of efficiency and drivability.

The 2018 facelift of the Kia Grand Carnival III introduced a host of design refinements and feature upgrades to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Exterior updates included a refreshed front grille, new bumper styling, and LED lighting enhancements, which modernized its look and improved visibility. Inside, improvements were made in materials quality, infotainment system upgrades with larger touchscreens, better connectivity options, and advanced driver assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These updates contributed to a more upscale, comfortable, and safer driving experience, keeping the Grand Carnival competitive in the crowded minivan segment during its 2018–2020 production run.