The newest Kia Carnival is well known as the “minivan disguised as an SUV.” It received high praise for its functionality and comfortability. Back in 2022, rumors swirled on social media that the Kia Carnival had an available option to seat eleven people. This would make Kia’s minivan only a few seats short of being a bus. Does the 11-seater Kia Carnival really exist, and how can you get it?

The 11-seater Kia Carnival

Yes, the 11-seater Kia is a real thing. In its 2022 iteration, called the Grand Carnival, there are four rows of passenger seating.

When the rear sliding door is opened, the left 2nd-row seat can be moved for easier access to the third and fourth rows. The seat can slide and tilt forward to allow people of any size to climb in and out.

The center of the second and third rows contain a center “assist seat.” The center assist seat can fold straight down and be folded sideways. This creates a path in the middle of the cabin for someone to walk back to the rear seat rows.

The assist seats can even fold flat and become a table for rear passengers.

All the seats can slide forward and back to ensure everyone has enough room for their various heights.

The fourth row can be folded completely flat and into the floor. The rear cargo space is totally unavailable when the fourth-row seats are upright.

The second row can fold back flat when the seats are appropriately arranged, and the headrests are detached. These seats don’t go into the floor; they simply transform into “rest mode,” which seems to be for sleeping. Kia recommends avoiding driving while the rear seats are in rest mode.

The third and fourth rows can be removed completely, and with the second row slid to the front, the resulting cargo space is massive.

Kia Grand Carnival 11-seater market availability

The new Kia Grand Carnival is capable of having 11 seats; however, there is one big caveat. Unfortunately, it is not yet available in the United States.

11 seats have come standard on the Kia Carnival in Thailand, and according to Kia’s website, there are dealers in Dominica offering the Grand Carnival. None are listed in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or Europe.

While it seems a super limited release is happening, the interest is there. Some are searching for this elusive vehicle to no avail, so it might be a matter of time before Kia gives the people what they want.

Until then, you’ll have to settle for a max eight-passenger capacity Carnival in the U.S.