The hybrid Kia Carnival has received top marks from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Notably, this is the third five-star rating for the Carnival nameplate, as its diesel- and gasoline-powered versions received their perfect scores back in 2021.
Because of its hybrid powertrain, the Carnival HEV had to undergo extra frontal offset and oblique pole crash tests to ensure its electrical systems didn’t jeopardize passenger safety. At the end of the tests, the electrified Carnival performed similarly to its combustion counterparts, retaining most of the individual scores and ratings. Now, all Carnival variants proudly hold a five-star safety rating.
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As a family vehicle, adult and child occupant protection are key components of the Carnival, and as mentioned, its secure ratings haven’t faltered in this new hybrid version.
In Adult Occupant Protection, the Carnival HEV is rated at 90%, posing ‘good’ coverage for all critical body parts of the driver and front passenger. However, it was given an ‘adequate’ remark for upper and lower legs protection, but that didn’t alter its overall five-star rating.
For Child Occupant Protection, the Korean carmaker’s flagship minivan scored a lower, but still impressive 88%. It was docked a few points because child car seats and other safety restraints cannot be mounted in the third row bench seat. However, it scored high to perfect scores on frontal offset and side impact tests.
Safety Assists were also scored at a high 82% rating, while Vulnerable Road User Protection, or its impact on pedestrians and other road users, was rated at 68%—its lowest score throughout the ANCAP testing.
