Kia Confirms the New PV5 Passenger Electric People Mover Won't Replace the Carnival
Kia Australia has confirmed the upcoming Kia PV5 Passenger electric people mover will complement—not replace—the hugely successful Kia Carnival when it arrives in Australia later in 2026.
With the Carnival continuing to dominate the Australian people mover market, Kia is expanding its lineup by introducing an all-electric option designed to appeal to families, businesses and fleet operators looking to embrace zero-emissions driving.
At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we're excited to see Kia's innovative electric vehicle range continue to grow while the award-winning Carnival remains a key part of the lineup.
Carnival Continues to Lead the Way
The Kia Carnival has established itself as Australia's favourite people mover, accounting for around three-quarters of all people mover sales nationwide in 2025.
Its combination of spacious seating, family-friendly practicality and efficient diesel and hybrid powertrains has made it the go-to choice for growing families and commercial passenger transport.
According to Kia Australia, the Carnival still has a bright future.
The company has confirmed there are currently no plans to produce a fully electric version of the Carnival, meaning it will continue alongside the new PV5 Passenger rather than being replaced.
Meet the Kia PV5 Passenger
The Kia PV5 Passenger is part of Kia's new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) range, introducing a flexible electric mobility solution that combines practicality with zero tailpipe emissions.
Expected to arrive in Australian showrooms during the fourth quarter of 2026, the PV5 Passenger is designed for customers looking for a modern electric people mover.
While Australian specifications are still being finalised, international models feature:
- Seven-seat configuration
- 71.2kWh lithium-ion battery
- Estimated driving range of approximately 390km
- 120kW electric motor
- 250Nm of torque
- Front-wheel drive
Unlike the eight-seat Carnival, the seven-seat layout provides a premium cabin feel while maintaining generous passenger and cargo space.
A New Choice for Families and Businesses
Rather than replacing the Carnival, the PV5 Passenger offers buyers another option depending on their needs.
Drivers covering shorter daily distances, businesses seeking lower operating costs and organisations looking to reduce fleet emissions may find the all-electric PV5 particularly appealing.
Meanwhile, families undertaking long road trips or those wanting the convenience of diesel or hybrid power will continue to have the highly capable Carnival available.
This dual-model strategy allows Kia to cater for a wider variety of Australian customers.
Expected Pricing
Official Australian pricing for the Kia PV5 Passenger has not yet been announced.
However, Kia Australia has suggested pricing is expected to be competitive with mid-range Carnival variants, potentially placing it within reach of buyers considering a premium family vehicle.
Further details, including final specifications and pricing, will be confirmed closer to the Australian launch.
Kia's Electric Future Continues to Grow
The arrival of the PV5 Passenger marks another important step in Kia's growing electric vehicle portfolio.
Alongside models including the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9, the PV5 demonstrates Kia's commitment to offering electric solutions across a broader range of vehicle segments.
As demand for electric vehicles continues to increase in Australia, the PV5 Passenger is expected to provide an exciting new option for families, ride-share operators and commercial customers alike.
Discover the Kia Range at Tynan Kia Sutherland
Whether you're interested in the award-winning Kia Carnival or looking ahead to Kia's expanding electric vehicle range, the team at Tynan Kia Sutherland is here to help.
We proudly offer the latest Kia models, including the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento, Seltos, Stonic, Picanto, EV range and more. Click here to discover the lineup.
Visit Tynan Kia Sutherland to explore the current Kia lineup, book a test drive or speak with our knowledgeable team about upcoming Kia models arriving in Australia.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Zane Dobie, Drive, published 23 June 2026.