The Carnival probably isn’t top-of-mind (yet) when your mind is shuffling through luxury minivan choices. But this latest iteration deserves a long, hard look, especially with its hybrid powertrain and eye-popping price.

Speaking of looks, its SUV-ish shape could be why buyers mistake it for something else. Unlike slimmer minivans with more expressive exteriors (with dashing body lines and curves), the latest Carnival is boxy and has a smaller grille. It relies on silver accents and a chrome fin on the C-pillar to create a more business-like appearance.

As the top-of-the-line grade, this test unit comes exclusively with four-cube LED projection-type headlamps. Its slim daytime running lamps, fog lamps (front and rear), high-mount stop lamps, and rear combination taillights are all LEDs, which are standard across all trim levels. The power tailgate (with walk-away close) and 19-inch wheels are an SX feature, and the tire repair kit comes with all hybrids for weight savings.

It certainly isn’t the fanciest minivan, but the Carnival HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has an understated elegance. Unless you know how much it costs, its exterior doesn’t scream, “I’m expensive,” which is perfect for buyers who don’t want the extra attention overly stylized rivals attract. I just wish it had more stylish wheels instead of a set that continues to mimic the vehicle’s boxiness.

The Carnival HEV has a passive keyless entry system, but engineers ought to speed up the response of the sliding side doors. The cabin is functionally spacious, offering 627-liters of storage in the boot, including a luggage cabinet. Use the third row’s genius (and easy) fold system to increase cargo capacity to 2,785 liters.

Inside is where buyers will get their money’s worth. It has all the trappings of a luxury model — leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and stylish inner panels. The equipment list is also top-notch — two side-by-side 12.3-inch screens (driver instrument panel and infotainment display), a tri-zone climate control system, multiple USB ports, and 12-volt outlets across three rows, power-adjustable ventilated (and heated) front seats, and best of all, two ventilated power relaxation captain’s seats in the second row with leg rests.

1.6-liters may be one of the smallest displacements for a gasoline engine in this segment, but that does not mean it underperforms. Using forced induction and with the assistance of a lithium-ion battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, the coding-exempt Carnival HEV sends 245-horsepower and 366.8-Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It returned outstanding fuel efficiency at 18.7-km/l.

Acceleration is silky smooth yet firm and purposeful, and so is its gearbox. There is engine noise due to high RPMs during acceleration, but that is the extent of its effect on performance. The wide body is stable on the highway, and the battery helps weigh it down while it corners at reasonable speeds. I didn’t get the hang of the shift-by-wire rotary shifter because, while it’s responsive, (there were times) I needed to rotate again to shift. It could be an issue if you’re in a rush trying not to block traffic while doing a three-point turn on a narrow street. Like its competitors, it has a MacPherson strut in front and multi-links at the rear, but as of now, it isn’t as good as the Alphard. Noise and vibration levels are excellent, but road harshness could be better.

If you climbed high enough on the rung to deserve a chauffeured ride to the office every day but want a discreet yet highly appointed vehicle, this minivan makes a strong case for itself. It is plush, comfortable, and, most importantly, affordable, undercutting the competition from a few hundred thousand to almost a million at P3.488-million. Go Korean-style and save with the Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid.