Automotive

The Kia Carnival Hybrid is a gentle giant

Built for every journey

Published

July 6, 2026

Dawn Pangilinan

Large vehicles are often accompanied by equally large assumptions.

They’re difficult to maneuver. They’re cumbersome in city traffic. They’re intimidating to park. And while they may offer unparalleled comfort and space, they’re usually accompanied by compromises that drivers simply learn to live with.

After spending five days and approximately 834 kilometers with the Kia Carnival Hybrid—through Metro Manila traffic, airport pickups, the narrow streets of Intramuros, an overnight trip to Anilao, a drive through Tagaytay, and eventually a same-day Manila-Baguio-Manila journey–I came away with one overriding thought:

This thing never felt big. That’s the highest compliment I can give the Kia Carnival Hybrid. It is, in every sense of the phrase, a gentle giant.

First impression

The first time I saw the Carnival, my immediate reaction was simple: It’s huge.

Parked beside most SUVs on Philippine roads, it immediately commands attention. Naturally, I expected the learning curve to be equally significant. After all, this isn’t a compact crossover or even a midsize SUV. This is a full-sized MPV designed to transport families, executives, luggage, and everything in between.

The Manila test

Our first real assignment together involved airport pickup duties in Manila. Anyone who’s done NAIA pickups knows that it’s essentially controlled chaos. Stay too long and you risk antagonizing everyone waiting behind you. Move too slowly and suddenly you’re holding up traffic while trying to get passengers and luggage loaded.

Surprisingly, the Carnival made the entire experience feel effortless.

Loading luggage was quick. Getting passengers in and out was seamless. Visibility was excellent. And despite driving a vehicle this size, I never once felt overwhelmed.

That feeling only continued over the next several days.

If there’s one place that reveals a vehicle’s true character, it’s Metro Manila.

Luxury cars are comfortable on highways. Almost anything can cruise down SCTEX or NLEX. But Manila, with its traffic, narrow roads, old parking structures, and unpredictable flow, has a way of exposing weaknesses quickly. Yet the Carnival continued to surprise me.

We drove through downtown Manila, navigated the narrow streets of Intramuros, and, managed my condos’s notoriously narrow parking facility. There were several moments where I genuinely thought, “This should feel more stressful than it actually does.” But it didn’t.

In fact, one of the Carnival’s greatest strengths is its steering.

There’s a confidence and precision to it that completely changes your perception of the vehicle. Rather than feeling like a large van, it feels more like driving a premium sedan or SUV–just one that happens to offer an immense amount of space.

This is exactly why I started calling it a gentle giant.

It possesses all the physical presence of a large luxury people mover, but none of the intimidation that usually comes with one.

Going the distance

With a full tank, we headed south toward Anilao, Batangas, eventually making our way through Tagaytay before returning to Manila. By the end of that journey, we had already covered approximately 311 kilometers.

Despite the mileage, fuel consumption was the last thing on my mind.

The hybrid system deserves tremendous credit here because it never feels like it’s trying to prove that it’s a hybrid. It simply works.

The vehicle seamlessly switches between EV mode, charging mode, and hybrid operation, quietly doing its job in the background while maximizing efficiency. Instead of constantly monitoring fuel consumption figures, I found myself simply driving and letting the car manage everything else.

We decided to push the Carnival even further with a same-day Manila-Baguio-and-back drive and added only a total of PhP 5,000 in fuel, at roughly PhP 93 per liter at the height of the fuel crisis in late April 2026. The fuel top-up was enough to cover another estimated 523 kilometers to our drive.

For a vehicle this size, the fuel economy felt genuinely surprising and reassuring.

In today’s environment, where fuel prices remain unpredictable, there’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing your large family vehicle isn’t going to punish you every time you decide to take a road trip.

The highs and lows of Baguio

More than the fuel economy, Baguio was surprising.

If there’s any route capable of exposing a large vehicle’s weaknesses, it’s the climb to Baguio. Zigzag roads demand confidence, braking performance, power delivery, and steering precision. Large vehicles often reveal their size very quickly in these environments. The Carnival didn’t.

By this point, I had already spent five days behind the wheel, and somewhere along the way, I had stopped thinking about its dimensions entirely.

The uphill climbs felt effortless. Overtaking slower vehicles required very little planning. The vehicle remained immensely responsive, and even downhill braking inspired complete confidence. What struck me most was how familiar everything felt. It didn’t feel like I was driving a large MPV through mountain roads. It felt like I was driving in the city.

The zigzag roads of Baguio, which can sometimes make even experienced drivers tense up, became surprisingly comfortable. The Carnival remained composed, predictable, and incredibly easy to place on the road.

Business Class on wheels

Inside, the experience was equally impressive. The best comparison I can think of is business-class travel.

The cabin remains exceptionally quiet whether you’re sitting in Manila traffic, cruising on the expressway, or climbing mountain roads. Conversations happen naturally. Passengers relax. Some simply fall asleep.

Speaking of comfort, the ventilated seats quickly became one of my favorite features. Given how hot Manila has been, they stopped feeling like a luxury feature and started feeling like a necessity.

Then, there’s the space. Passengers consistently remarked on how comfortable and relaxed they felt throughout the journey. The amount of room available changes the entire atmosphere inside the vehicle. People stretch out. They settle in. They stop thinking about the drive and simply enjoy the ride.

The suspension was impressive. Whether we were on provincial roads, rougher pavement, or highways, there was very little harshness transmitted into the cabin. In fact, there were moments when it became genuinely difficult to distinguish between well-paved roads and rougher sections because the Carnival absorbed imperfections so effectively.

Not perfect, but surprisingly close

Of course, no vehicle is perfect.

The Carnival’s size remains its biggest challenge, particularly when navigating older parking facilities with narrower ramps and tighter spaces. There is an adjustment period during the first few days of ownership.

Ironically, however, those moments only reinforced my appreciation for the vehicle’s engineering.

Because despite its dimensions, the Carnival never fought against me. Instead, it consistently worked with me.

After five days, nearly 834 kilometers, city traffic, airport pickups, provincial roads, beaches, mountain passes, and countless opportunities for the Carnival to remind me how large it actually is, I arrived at a surprisingly simple conclusion.

The Kia Carnival Hybrid’s greatest achievement isn’t its luxury, space, or even its impressive fuel efficiency. It’s how naturally it handles almost any driving situation without ever feeling intimidating.

Whether you’re driving it yourself or being driven, navigating through Manila traffic, heading out of town with family and friends, or cruising through the mountains, the Carnival always feels easy to live with. That’s exactly what makes it a gentle giant built for every journey.

Pricing

The Kia Carnival Hybrid is available in the Philippines in two variants:

Kia Carnival 1.6 EX Turbo Hybrid AT – PhP 2,938,000 (approximately US$50,000)
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT – PhP 3,548,000 (approximately US$60,400)

The Philippine-spec Carnival Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a premium people mover that balances strong performance with improved fuel efficiency.

Automotive

New EV player XPENG to launch in the Philippines in September

XPENG to unveil two models in the market

Published

August 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.

Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

Published

August 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

Automotive

Xiaomi debuts SkyNomad Series featuring new Kunlun platform

Intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV

Published

August 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Xiaomi EV is ushering in a new era with the launch of the Xiaomi SkyNomad Series in China, the first model built on the new Xiaomi Kunlun Platform.

The new EV is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV built around on three core strengths: expansive interior space, completely flat cabin floor, and reconfigurable seating.

It is paired with the Xiaomi Kunlun HyperRange, Xiaomi Armor Scale Battery, and Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety.

The SkyNomad’s cabin electronics run on a four-in-one domain control model built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. It features Dual 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The launch unveiled two models: the first is the flagship 7-seater extended-range SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max (RMB 299,900) while the other is the 5-seat AWD SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 Max (RMB 259,900).

These EVs have a battery capacity range of 52 to 76kWh. On CLTC, the N70 Max can reach up to 505 kilometers of EV-only range. Dual-motor all-wheel delivers 310kW of peak power.

Design born for space

The Xiaomi SkyNomad’s design philosophy is based on prioritizing function, while form complements it.

Every design feature traces back to a specific spatial need. And the spatial logic shows up directly in the body, through squared-off proportions.

Three lines define the upright stance: a flat roofline for maximized second and third-row headroom, a continuous waistline, and a rising sill line to lift the visual center of gravity.

A rounded-rectangle motif carries theough the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side cameras for a cohesive design language that features over 140 aerodynamic optimizations.

Smart electric doors open by touch or voice, while rear doors open to nearly 90° for easy passage.

Xiaomi Kunlun built for space

Where the Xiaomi Kunlun architecture comes in is for optimizing packaging across three axes to minimize structural intrusion in the cabin.

The front cabin integration includes a five-in-one EREV system, integrated water-cooling module, mid-mounted HVAC unit, and PTC-compressor two-in-one, compressing the front cabin length to just 1,265mm.

Springs and shock absorbers, on the other hand, are separated into a split layout. This releases 15mm of wheel-arch height for the third row.

Moving the shock absorbers outward optimizes the overall wheel-arch packaging for a full-cabin spatial experience.

Lastly, the rear electric drive unit comes with a highly integrated rear coaxial electric drive to free up 145mm of vertical space.

An integrated-linkage independent suspension uses an H-arm structure to lower the floor by an extra 37mm. Additionally, the large battery pack control module relocated inside reduces floor thickness by 180mm.

The N90 Max comes with 2,760mm of total occupant space and 1,831L of cargo space.

The cabin also includes 34 storage compartments, including an 18.4L front passenger glove box and extended door-panel storage.

Elevated cabin experience

Inside, the SkyNomad’s cabin has an elevated and homelike atmosphere. A cabinet-style center console extends 1,530mm horizontally for a wider visual and physical footprint.

Hidden mechanical air vents keep the dashboard clean while retaining precise manual adjustment. There’s also an accessory port for 27W fast charging, along with mounts for phones, action cameras, and more small devices.

There is a customizable head-up display, 25-speaker audio system, and 6.9-inch rear control screen for full control from the back seat.

Moreover, the front and second row backseats use a 12-layer comfort structure, with the front seats coming with 16-point massage ventilation and heating.

Built on a flat floor, every model comes with extra-long seat slide rails with up to 900mm of travel for both second and third rows.

These rails use aerospace-grade 7-series reinforced aluminum alloy, validated through 15,000 cycles.

The entire interior varries OEKO-TEX certification, applying to infant-grade safety standards.

Extensive personalization options

The Xiaomi SkyNomad comes in three colorways: Volcanic Gray, Mountain Green, and Valley Blue.

Meanwhile, owners can choose from Cream Beige and Mocha Brown for the interior.

The N90 Max wheel options include standard 21″ Prism-shaped Rims, plus optional 21″ Beam-shaped Rims, and 21″ Starbust-shaped Rims Stealth Black Edition for a sportier look.

The variable space inside is designed around real usage patterns. There are plenty of seating configurations, which can all be accessed through the Xiaomi HyperXiaoAi AI assistant.

The independent first and second row seats can face each other. The second and third rows can slide all the way back for even more leg room like a first-class cabin.

Moreover, one touch can turn the second and third rows into a bed. The front seats can be rotated as well to extend the bed’s length.

For transporting plenty of cargo, one touch can activate Ultimate Storage Mode as well.

Safety features

Through Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety, the SkyNomad’s engineering comes with a system spanning materials, structure, airbags, battery, and the variable-space design itself.

Safety features include: