CarCredo

Kia Carnival II VQ (2006–2014)

4.0/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

5 Verified owner reports

Every report is validated by email.

Most reported affected parts

View all parts

No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.7 V6 16V (189 Hp) Automatic (Mu / G6EA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.7i V6 (189 Hp) (Mu / G6EA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.7i V6 (189 Hp) Automatic (Mu / G6EA) No reports 0 No issues reported
3.8i V6 (254 Hp) Automatic (Lambda / G6DA) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.2 E-VGT (197 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 CRDi (170 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 CRDi (185 Hp) (J3) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 CRDi (185 Hp) Automatic (J3) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carnival II

Beyond the engine and gearbox, the car is very nice. I had the richest version with electrically opening doors and tailgate (even from the remote). Packed with gadgets that are useful ;) A great car for everyday use for large families or for holiday trips.

Pros: Luxurious features, Practical for families, Remote tailgate operation
Cons: Engine/gearbox issues (implied)
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carnival II: Good for Leisure Travel

It's good. With calm driving, you can undertake long journeys comfortably and without fatigue, even with five people. However, this is not a car for those with a sporty inclination. If you're looking for a van for long, peaceful family trips, the Carnival is for you.

Pros: Comfortable for long journeys, Spacious enough for five people
Cons: Not for sporty drivers
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carnival II

The car is reasonably pleasant to drive due to its ample space and fairly powerful engine. At least 5 people travel very comfortably. I am 191 cm tall and appreciate the space. It doesn't accelerate very briskly from a standstill due to its own weight of over 2 tons, but overtaking can be done relatively stress-free.

Pros: Spacious interior, Comfortable for 5+ people, Decent acceleration for its class, Stress-free overtaking
Cons: Slow initial acceleration due to weight
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carnival II

A comfortable, all-around car perfect for long journeys. Plenty of interior space, a large trunk that can hold everything needed for trips, including a large stroller. Comfortable seats that allow you to relax on the road.

Pros: Comfortable for long trips, Spacious interior, Large trunk capacity, Relaxing seats
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carnival II: A Great, Underrated Buy

A great and underrated car. For little money, you can get a late model (2009-2011) with the best 2.2 CRDi engine and 6-speed gearbox. The engine itself is a rocket (though not off the line, as the car weighs over 2 tons), well-balanced, quite quiet, moderately economical, but super reliable. The exterior isn't beautiful, but it hides an interesting and comfortable interior. A big plus for space for all 7 passengers (though the trunk is modest then), but you can always add a roof box.

Pros: Excellent value on late models, Powerful and reliable 2.2 CRDi engine, Spacious interior for 7 passengers
Cons: Exterior design is not its strong suit, Modest trunk space with all seats up

Alternatives to consider

Alternative comparisons will appear here soon.

Your experience makes a difference.

Add your email-verified report to help other Kia Carnival II VQ owners.

Create a review