When the fourth-generation Carnival appeared in Philippine showrooms in 2022, Kia quickly downplayed its MPV-ness. Instead, they harped it up as a new genre of vehicle—a Grand Utility Vehicle—which mixed SUV-inspired design elements with a spacious interior filled with premium features. Whatever. Let’s call a spade a spade: it’s got two sliding doors and a low step-in height; it’s an MPV by anyone’s book. And if you’re dismissing it for being dorky looking for those rear sliders, you’re missing out. The Carnival is damned good.

Fast forward two years later and Kia Philippines offered the refreshed Carnival. Not only did they up their game in both styling and standard features, they threw in a Turbo Hybrid powerplant into the mix. This proved to be the MPV’s game changing feature. Game changing in that it achieved price parity with the diesel engine (thank you, Philippine government) while also being better matched to the Carnival’s luxurious character. And yes, it’s also more efficient.

Priced at P 2,888,000 for the EX (P 3,498,000 for the SX+ we tested), the Carnival is competing against other premium mainstream SUVs. At this price range, quietness and refinement are key to win over potential buyers. Thankfully, the Turbo Hybrid delivers on that front. Typical of Kia and Hyundai hybrids, the electric motor tries to do all the heavy lifting. And for as long as there’s enough juice in the modestly sized 1.49-kWh lithium-ion battery, it will. If the battery requires charging or if the throttle is jabbed with a bit more weight, the petrol engine kicks in. Save for the obvious auditory cue, the switchover is smooth.

Overall performance is good for a vehicle of the Carnival’s weight and size. The combined gas-electric output produces 245 horsepower and 366.8 Nm of torque which sound extremely potent. In real life, however, it’s merely adequate. While not exactly fast, it makes for effortless thrust, be it from a standstill or when executing an overtake. Even better, there’s a sense of predictability to the power delivery. It’s a trait that extends to the fuel economy which registers an excellent 15.15 km/L at an average speed of 16 km/h.

The ride and handling package is well-tuned and sensible. The steering is nicely weighted and, surprisingly, provides some feedback. Essential to its role as a people mover, it’s cossetting and cushy with excellent bump absorption even over larger obstacles such as humps. The brakes are spongy and lacks feel, but bite well enough to grind the Carnival to a halt in an emergency.

For an MPV, the Carnival comes across as handsome. The proportions are driven more of function rather than form, but that didn’t stop Kia designers from imbuing it with some of the brand’s recognizable traits. The vertically-oriented lamp clusters—both at the front and the back—are somewhat controversial, but they do impart a strong visual identity here. Ditto the 19-inch rims with the polygonal spokes.

The Carnival plays its strongest hand when it comes to its cabin; much to my chagrin. As the designated driver, it feels enormous. There’s no sugarcoating it, but at times, it feels like you’re the captain of a land yacht. Still, props to Kia for providing a lofty driving position, which together with the thin pillars with large windows, and a multitude of sensors and cameras, it makes maneuvering this five-meter behemoth a breeze. The seats too are mighty supportive. The materials used are top-notch with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, while fit and finish is also excellent.

Similar to other new Kia models, the Carnival uses a twin-screen setup with two sharp, easy-to-read 12.3-inch screens. The instrument cluster is a tad playful with the squared off triangle motif, but everything is easy to understand with clear icons. It can also be customized in many ways, including one that looks more like traditional gauges. Meanwhile, the center screen is easy to navigate with plenty of shortcuts through a tiled home screen. Exclusive to the SX+ variant, there’s an additional 11-inch heads-up display as well.

Some thought has also been put into the Carnival’s ergonomics. Not only does it score well in the placement of its basic driving controls, but it manages to incorporate tech very well. Case in point is the integration of the climate and infotainment functions into one single control bank. It features a pair of dials and touch-sensitive controls whose function changes depending on which mode the driver selects. Although it still doesn’t replicate the tactility of physical buttons, this execution is much better than burying everything into the infotainment system.

Although it was my passengers that got to enjoy the second-row seats to the fullest, I did manage to sample them too when parked. Getting in (or out) is easy thanks to the wide opening sliding doors and a completely flat floor. The captain’s seats can be adjusted in a ton of ways either mechanically or electronically, including adjusting the couple distance. Once the seats are brought closer, occupants can unfurl the leg rest or even engage Relaxation Mode. Likewise, accoutrements here is stellar with built-in seat ventilation, a second sunroof panel, window blinds, and a dedicated climate zone.

Since the second-row seats don’t flip forward, accessing the third row requires the flexibility of a gymnast to clamber aboard. Once settled in, there’s enough space for two adults (three in a bind). It scores high in terms of amenities—air vents, window blinds, USB charging ports, and cup holders—but for the vertically gifted, leg room will require cooperation from those in the VIP seats.

The Carnival’s bag of tricks continues to the cargo area. With all three rows used by people, there’s still a healthy 627 liters of available storage thanks to a deep cutout on the floor. The same cutout manages to store the third row completely producing a continuously flat floor that shames even the largest of SUVs. Oh, in case you’re wondering, this Hybrid variant doesn’t have a spare tire as the battery’s taken its place underneath the second-row seat.

Thank the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, the full-sized MPV segment, especially one that’s of the Kia Carnival’s form factor is a rare breed. Kia doesn’t like calling the Carnival an MPV, yet once it embraces that moniker, it’ll surely impress anyone looking for practical space coupled with a car-like driving experience. Further strengthening its case is the hybrid powertrain that provides usable power and stellar fuel economy. In that regard, the Kia Carnival, especially in this Turbo Hybrid guise is a smart option. With few compromises made, it’s arguably the ultimate luxury MPV for its price point.