Kia Vietnam not only introduces VIP seating for the Carnival but also showcases a more luxurious version of this large MPV at the Kia Day event from September 27-29, 2025. This new variant is named Thacoroyal. However, it is essentially the newly launched Kia Carnival Hi Limousine from the South Korean market.
Unfortunately, Kia Vietnam only displayed this model without revealing specific technical specifications or pricing for the new Carnival Thacoroyal. Even the official launch date in the Vietnamese market remains undisclosed.
From the images at Kia Day, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal shares a similar design with the Carnival Hi Limousine intended for the South Korean market. Its standout feature is the “high-roof, spacious cabin” design compared to the standard model.
Specifically, the vehicle features a raised roof, resembling a roof box. This elevated roof increases interior space and accommodates additional amenities. According to Kia, the roof is stamped steel to optimize aerodynamics.
The Kia Carnival Thacoroyal features a raised roof to enhance interior space.
Aside from the higher roof, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal’s exterior design closely resembles the standard model. It also includes vertical headlights and taillights, signature star map LED daytime running lights, a bold grille, and new alloy wheels.
Additionally, the Vietnamese version features a “Thacoroyal” logo on the front fender. The traditional Kia logo has been replaced by a dual oval emblem with a crown inside, serving as a distinctive identifier.
In South Korea, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine offers three interior configurations: 4-seat, 7-seat, and 9-seat options with two or three rows. Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal displayed in Vietnam features a 7-seat interior with two executive seats in the middle row.
Interior of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine 7-seater in South Korea.
Unlike the newly added VIP seating for the Kia Carnival 1.6 Turbo HEV Signature 7S, the executive seats in the Carnival Thacoroyal do not include four touchscreens integrated into the armrests. Instead, the armrests feature buttons for seat adjustments.
Other notable features include a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless charging, a rotary gear selector, a Bose sound system, and a 21.5-inch roof-mounted screen with a new graphical interface. However, the Vietnamese version retains the round three-spoke steering wheel instead of the new design used in Kia’s electric vehicles.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine in South Korea uses the same steering wheel as Kia’s newer electric models.
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine in South Korea offers two engine options. The first is a familiar 3.5L V6 gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 290 horsepower. The second is a self-charging hybrid powertrain with a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine, producing up to 242 horsepower. These are the same engine options available in the standard Kia Carnival.
In Vietnam, the Kia Carnival no longer uses the V6 gasoline engine. Therefore, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal is likely to feature the hybrid powertrain.
When launched in Vietnam, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal will be the most premium version of this large MPV and is expected to come with a high price tag. Previously, the Kia Carnival Thacoroyal was sold in Vietnam for up to 2.679 billion VND for the most luxurious 4-seat variant.
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