Kia Carnival Reference Library

Kia Carnival: Automatic transmission (Shift Lever) / Paddle shifter (if equipped)

The paddle shifter function is available in your Kia Carnival both when the shift lever is in the D (Drive) position and when in manual mode, offering you greater control over vehicle performance.

Paddle shifters located on the Kia Carnival steering wheel

With the shift lever in the D position

Pulling either the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once will trigger an immediate gear change and transition the Kia Carnival transmission from automatic to manual mode.

To return to automatic shift mode, you can use any of the following methods:

  • Pull and hold the [+] paddle shifter for more than one second.
  • Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to the manual gate and then return it to the D position.

The system will also automatically revert to automatic mode in these situations:

  • When the accelerator pedal is gently depressed for more than 6 seconds while driving (this feature is disabled in Sport mode).
  • When the vehicle speed drops below 4 mph (7 km/h).

With the shift lever in the manual mode

While in manual mode, simply pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter to perform sequential gear changes.

Warning icon: paddle shifter operation in Kia Carnival NOTICE

Please note that pulling both the [+] and [-] paddle shifters simultaneously will result in no gear change.