Fuel-efficient and family friendly
Prices start at $38,235.00
Is the KIA Carnival ALL new for 2025?
Yes, the Kia Carnival has received a refresh from the existing generation. The Carnival receives several updates for the 2025 model year, including revised styling elements such as the grille, headlamps, taillamps, wheels, and lower body panels. Inside, the center console has been slightly redesigned, with the climate control panel now mounted on the dashboard for improved accessibility. Also, the infotainment system has been upgraded to Kia’s latest interface.
Kia Carnival Trim levels
The Kia Carnival is offered in five trim levels:
- LX
- LXS
- EX
- SX
- SX Prestige Hybrid (as tested)
MSRP as tested $54,490.00 including destination charges.
What is the Kia Carnival warranty?
- 10 year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
- 10 year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty
- 5 year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 5 year/60,000-mile roadside assistance
What engine comes with the kia Carnival?
1.6L 4-Cylinder Engine Paired with Electric Motor
The 2025 Kia Carnival offers two distinct powertrains. The standard version comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 287 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. For those seeking a more fuel-efficient option, Kia also offers a hybrid model—which is the one I’m driving. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a 72-hp electric motor, delivering a total output of 242 horsepower through a six-speed automatic.
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid at 33 mpg combined, 34 mpg in the city, and 31 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the nonhybrid models are rated at 22 mpg combined, 18 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway.
What are the interior features of the Kia Carnival?
The Carnival Hybrid’s interior feels modern and spacious, with a wide dash and a large center console that adds useful storage. Available features include a dual-screen setup with a digital gauge display and infotainment system, leather upholstery, and reclining second-row seats with footrests for added comfort. A panoramic sunroof is also available, bringing extra light and air to the rear cabin.
The Carnival Hybrid comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, but you can upgrade to dual 12.3-inch displays that span most of the dashboard—one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for media and navigation. A built-in voice assistant lets you control features like windows, climate, and directions with simple commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the cabin includes seven USB ports and two additional power outlets. Starting with the SX trim, you can add a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 14.6-inch screens, allowing kids to stream shows using Bluetooth headphones. A premium 12-speaker Bose audio system is also available on the top SX Prestige model.
How does the Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige Drive?
I have two perspectives to answer this question:
As a fairly tall, family man, with three kids (two of whom are in booster seats), the Kia Carnival Hybrid makes life so much easier. It’s incredibly spacious, practical, and gives me the room we need for all the gear while ensuring my kids are comfortable on long trips. My kids are already very familiar with the car because it’s the same model my wife has, just a few years older.
As a car enthusiast, while the Carnival Hybrid may not have the same power as the V6 in my wife’s model, I still enjoy its smooth and comfortable driving experience. The hybrid engine provides a great balance of power and efficiency, but what really stands out to me is the insane range it offers. With its impressive fuel efficiency, I can drive for longer stretches without worrying about frequent stops. While I do miss the extra power of the V6.
Final thoughts
The Kia Carnival is a versatile and family-friendly vehicle that combines style, comfort, and practicality. It’s a perfect choice for families who want a spacious, well-equipped ride without sacrificing fuel efficiency. With its smooth ride, impressive range, and thoughtful features, the Carnival Hybrid brings excellent value to the table.
Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige features
Mechanical Features / Exterior
- 1.4L Turbocharged GDI Hybrid Powertrain
- 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift by Wire
- 19″ Alloy Wheels
- Smart Power Liftgate
- Dual Power Sunroofs
- Multi-MFR LED Headlights, LED Fog Lights, LED DRLs
- Roof Rails, Rear Spoilers, and Rear Privacy Glass
- Tire Mobility Kit (Spare Tire Not Included)
Convenience/Technology Features
- Dual 12.3 Screen Panoramic Display with Navigation
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay
- Kia Connect
- SiriusXM
- Passenger View & Passenger Talk
- Dual Smart Power Sliding Doors
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Smart Key with Push Button & Remote Start
- Wireless Phone Charger & SynTex Seating Trim
- Heated & Ventilated Power Adjustable Front Seats
- 8-Passenger Seating
- Smartphone Digital Key
- Rear Occupant Alert with Sensors
Safety
- Dual Front Advanced Airbags and Driver’s Knee Bag
- Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side & Full-Length Curtain Airbags
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning & High Beam Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision
Avoidance Assist - Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Safe Exit Assist and Highway Driving Assist 2
- Parking Distance Warning
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse
- Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & G0
*Features available with Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige model.
For more information about the Kia Carnival, please visit: https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival-mpv-hybrid