The Kia Carnival is not your typical minivan. It’s a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that combines the space and versatility of a minivan with the style and performance of an SUV. And for 2025, it gets even better with a new turbo-hybrid powertrain that delivers 242 horsepower and 37 mpg combined. The 2025 Kia Carnival is the ultimate family vehicle that can handle any adventure.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a major refresh of the third-generation model that debuted in 2022. The most notable change is the addition of a hybrid option for the first time in the Carnival’s history. The hybrid system consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 44 kW electric motor that produces 242 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system also features a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged by regenerative braking or by plugging into a standard 120-volt outlet.
The hybrid option is available on the EX and SX Prestige trims, which are the top two of the four available trims. The other two trims, LX and SX, are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not offered on the Carnival.
The 2025 Kia Carnival also gets some cosmetic updates to enhance its SUV-like appearance. The front fascia features a new grille, LED headlights, and fog lights. The rear end has a redesigned bumper, LED taillights, and a spoiler. The side profile has new wheel designs and chrome accents. The Carnival also offers nine exterior colors and three interior colors to choose from.
What’s Inside the 2025 Kia Carnival?
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a spacious and comfortable MPV that can seat up to eight passengers in three rows. The second row can be configured with either a three-seat bench or two captain’s chairs. The third row can be folded flat into the floor to create more cargo space. The Carnival also has a dual-level cargo floor that can be lowered or raised to accommodate different items.
The Carnival is also loaded with technology and convenience features that make every ride enjoyable. Some of the standard features include:
- An 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A six-speaker sound system with USB ports and Bluetooth
- A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- A forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
- A lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- A driver attention warning
- A rear seat reminder
- A smart key with push-button start
- A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- A power driver’s seat
Some of the available features include:
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and SiriusXM
- A 12-speaker Bose sound system with wireless charging and multiple device connection
- A surround-view camera with parking sensors
- A blind-spot view monitor with lane change assist
- A smart cruise control with stop-and-go and highway driving assist
- A rear collision warning with rear automatic braking
- A safe exit assist
- A head-up display
- A digital instrument cluster
- A heated steering wheel
- A power passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- A power sliding sunroof
- A dual-screen rear entertainment system with wireless headphones
- A hands-free power liftgate
How Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Drive?
The new Kia Carnival is a fun and agile MPV that can handle any road condition. The hybrid powertrain offers a smooth and quiet ride with plenty of power and efficiency. The V6 engine is also strong and responsive, with adequate fuel economy. The transmission is quick and smooth with manual shift mode. The steering is light and precise with three drive modes. The suspension is firm and stable with a four-wheel independent suspension. The brakes are powerful and confident with four-wheel disc brakes.
The Carnival also has a class-leading towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. This means it can haul a small trailer, a boat, or a pair of jet skis with ease. The Carnival also has a generous ground clearance of 6.8 inches, which allows it to tackle some light off-road terrain. The Carnival is not a hardcore off-roader, but it can handle some gravel, dirt, or snow without a problem.
How Much Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Cost?
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a value-packed MPV that offers a lot of features and performance for a reasonable price. The base LX trim starts at $32,100, which is $400 more than the 2024 model. The EX trim, which adds the hybrid option, starts at $37,600, which is $1,100 more than the 2024 model. The SX trim, which adds more technology and convenience features, starts at $41,100, which is $600 more than the 2024 model. The SX Prestige trim, which adds more luxury and comfort features, starts at $46,100, which is $700 more than the 2024 model. The hybrid option adds $2,200 to the EX and SX Prestige trims.
The 2025 Kia Carnival also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, among the industry's best. The hybrid system also has a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which gives peace of mind to hybrid buyers. The Carnival also offers a complimentary maintenance program for the first three years or 37,500 miles, which covers oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections.