Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
We recently found ourselves with the keys to two of the most talked-about Korean cars: the Kia Carnival 7-seater and the newly-launched Kia Sportage CKD
Since we couldn't just do a lap around the block and call it a day, we decided to take them on a proper Malaysian getaway — a drive up the winding, misty roads to Janda Baik. You know the vibe: crisp air, lush greenery, and the kind of corners that tell you exactly what a car is made of.
Here's the lowdown on how these two very different beasts handled the trip.
The Sportage looks nothing short of futuristic
Walking up to the Kia Sportage, you can't help but stare. It's got these boomerang-shaped LED lights that look like they've been plucked from a sci-fi flick.
Then, there's the Kia Carnival. Calling it a "van" feels like a bit of an insult. It's huge, yes, but it has this presence that makes it feel more like a private jet on wheels. It's sleek, imposing, and definitely makes you feel like you should be chauffeuring someone important.
Stepping into the Sportage feels like stepping into a modern lounge
The curved panoramic display — which houses two 12.3-inch screens — is the star of the show. It's clean, fast, and makes you wonder why every car doesn't have this yet.
One thing we loved? The "switchable" touch panel for the air-con and media. With a tap, the buttons change their function. It's clever, though it takes a minute to get used to if you're prone to accidentally turning up the heat when you just wanted to skip a song.
The Sportage 2.0L kicked off our drive from Bandar Utama
On the highway, the Sportage runs well at its cruising speed. However, the naturally aspirated 2.0L engine seems to require a bit more encouragement before it pulls its weight, unlike its turbocharged 1.6L variant, which feels energetic and instantaneous.
The steering is light but responsive enough to make those sharp bends feel less like a chore and more like a bit of fun. There's a bit of a "bumpy" character to it on rougher patches — maybe the suspension is a tad on the firm side — but it handles the corners with surprising grace for an SUV.
After a nice, spirited drive stroll from Kerinchi Link to Tanjung Malim, we swapped to the 7-seater Carnival.
The interior of the massive 7-seater Carnival is simply impressive
Forget about the driver for a second. The middle row has these Premium Relaxion Seats. They're basically those fancy massage chairs you see in malls, but better. They recline, have leg rests, and are heated and ventilated.
I actually felt a bit guilty for the person driving while I was "testing" the recline feature in the back. In fact, I took a nice nap right after lunch as we hit the road.
If you have kids, or even just picky friends, this is the ultimate road trip vehicle. There's so much space you could probably start a small business in the back.
If you've driven to Janda Baik, you know it's not just about the highway cruise
Once you exit the Karak Highway, the roads get tight and twisty.
You'd expect a car this long to feel like a boat, right? Weirdly, it doesn't. The 2.2L turbo diesel engine is a gem. It has 440Nm of torque, which basically means it picks itself up without breaking a sweat. Climbing those hills felt effortless.
Is it a sports car? No, it's far from it. But it's incredibly planted.
Despite us singing praises, there are some quirks with these cars
The Sportage's 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) can feel a bit "hesitant" when you're crawling in stop-and-go traffic in KL. It's a common DCT trait, but once you're on the move, it's smooth as silk.
As for the Carnival, its size is its greatest strength and its biggest headache. Driving the Carnival up Janda Baik's twisty roads was fun and effortless, but its size made us second guess whenever another car was approaching on the narrow road.
Which one is best for you?
It really comes down to what kind of "life" you're leading right now.
Go for the Kia Sportage if you want a stylish, tech-forward SUV that stands out in the mall car park. It's also perfect if you drive alone or with a small family. Another plus from the Sportage is that it is highly agile. The car starts at RM128,800 for the CKD units.
Go for the Kia Carnival 7-seater if you frequently travel with the whole troupe or have a big family that demands comfort. Space is also your absolute priority, and you don't mind the "big car" lifestyle. The 11-seater is priced at RM188,888, while the 7-seater High spec will set you back about RM248,000.
