Kia America adds a 2025 Carnival Hybrid MPV with mileage ratings of 34 mpg city, 31 highway, and 33 mpg combined
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid powertrain has mileage ratings of 34/31/33 mpg city/highway/combined. (Photography by Kia or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
What’s New about Carnival for 2025?
Carnival HEV Powertrain
An Evolved Hybrid
2025 Kia Carnival Pricing
Carnival’s Driver Assistance Technologies
Chillin’ In the Lounge
Why Buy the Kia Carnival Hybrid?
Kia Carnival Hybrid Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
The Kia Carnival MPV can do almost everything an SUV can do — while dancing backward in high heels. Kia calls its Carnival a multi-purpose vehicle, not a minivan, though it is. It is an ideal people mover for most stages of life.
In its basic form, the Carnival is built for family duty and has many innovative details and features. In its top trim, the Carnival is experiential amid luxurious materials and modernistic design style. Consider it “business elite, not business as usual.”
The Carnival ride brings the comfort of a big sedan, the easy maneuverability of a midsize, and more utility than an SUV.
Kia expanded its Carnival lineup for 2025 with a hybrid powertrain, adding to the standard 290-horsepower V-6. The front-wheel-drive Carnival is not available with all-wheel drive.
In my week’s test of a topline Carnival SX Prestige Hybrid, it defined the EPA’s estimated fuel economy of 34 mpg city, 31 highway, and 33 mpg combined. My overall mileage was 33.7 mpg, and I broke 42.7 mpg on extended highway driving. With the 19-gallon fuel tank, a driver could see a cruising range of more than 600 miles. A road trip awaits.
Today, there are just four minivan choices, including the Carnival: the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. Of those, only the Honda does not have a hybrid or all-wheel-drive option.
Spacious accommodations in the front seat area.
What’s New About Carnival for 2025?
Kia has sold a minivan called Sedona in the U.S. since 2002. It was unremarkable compared to the competition at the time, but it did get high marks for safety from NHTSA and IIHS.
Undeterred, Kia moved forward with a second generation in 2005 as a 2006. A third generation came along in 2014 as a 2015. And now, the fourth generation debuted in North America in Feb. 2021 as a 2022 model. The 2022 redesign included adding Kia’s global nameplate Carnival MPV.
Kia updated the 2025 Carnival with new front and rear fascias, redesigned headlights, and taillights. The liftgate was also cleaned up by removing the visible handle release.
The Carnival interior was revamped with an updated center console and new switchgear. The more compelling update is the new hybrid powertrain.
The Carnival’s new front fascia. Below, the restyled rear fascia. (Mark Maynard photo)
The Last Honest Vehicle
Unlike the SUV, the minivan is the last honest vehicle made today. Minivans don’t have to be anything other than what they were intended. They don’t need sport bucket seats with their annoying in-your-crack bottom bolsters, paddle shifters, a tachometer cluttering the driver’s gauge display, or a Sport mode turning the gauge display red.
Manufacturers have tried to sportify the minivan to little avail. Swoops and bulges did not disguise the maternity mode. Aerodynamic fairings and flashy wheels just added to the cost.
There isn’t a beauty competition for a minivan — it just can’t be ugly. Except for the Kia Carnival, there is dowdy minivan DNA in the competitors’ exterior styling. See it mainly in the big hips and broad beam. The Kia Carnival is sleek and nimble to drive.
The view forward from the second row with 37.6 inches of headroom. (Mark Maynard photo)
Carnival HEV Powertrain
The Kia Carnival Hybrid has a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine, a 54kW motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain’s combined output is 242 hp and 271 foot-pounds of torque.
Other features exclusive to the Carnival Hybrid include 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on the LXS trim), standard active air flaps integrated into the front fascia, and paddle regenerative braking.
Hybrid performance upgrades unique to the Carnival Hybrid include
- Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC). The paddle shift levers allow you to adjust the amount of regenerative braking with a three-level deceleration control.
- E-Handling. Stabilizes suspension response when entering and exiting a corner;
- E-Ride. Specially tuned shock absorbers help smooth bumpy rides;
- E-Evasive Handling Assist. Helps control vehicle movement during emergency steering.
- Aerodynamic 17-inch or 19-inch wheels.
I appreciated how much battery driving was available at speeds up to nearly 30 mph.
The gasoline-powered Carnival has a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Carnival V-6 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds vs. 2,500 lbs. for the Carnival Hybrid. Its fuel economy ratings are an EPA-estimated 18/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined, using the recommended 87 octane fuel.
The Carnival’s hybrid powertrain has a combined output of 242 horsepower. (Mark Maynard photo)
An Evolved Hybrid
Kia has sophisticated engineering for its gasoline-electric hybrid system. An electrified vehicle’s 12-volt battery is the weak link, whether in a hybrid or a full battery electric. It is common for the 12-volt battery to run down when using features when the engine is not running. I looked for the 12-volt in the Kia Carnival and found none. I did find a 12-volt charging port under the hood.
In researching the system in the owner’s manual, I learned that Kia’s hybrid system has three batteries. The 12-volt AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery is integrated with the lithium-ion hybrid battery pack.
Kia has had this setup since the 2017 Niro hybrid.
How the passenger view appears in the main screen. (Mark Maynard photo)
Auxiliary Parking Battery
The Carnival Hybrid has a secondary lithium battery as an auxiliary parking battery. The 12-volt P-LBM (parking lithium battery module) supports power to modules that need power after the ignition is turned off. Some of those modules include the anti-theft system, entry lighting (which activates the side mirrors when approaching with the key), and the power side doors and liftgate. This battery is charged when the ignition is on.
Parents waiting to pick up children from school or the practice field have a second safeguard against AGM battery rundown. In such cases, Kia says to use “Ready” mode. In Ready mode, the high-voltage battery keeps the 12-volt battery voltage at its operational level. If the high-voltage battery runs low, the engine kicks in to charge it.
The 12-volt battery has a lifespan of three to five years or longer for an AGM battery. When the Kia hybrid battery needs to be replaced, it requires a dealership appointment. Specific steps must be followed during the removal and installation process.
In all new vehicles today, the 12-volt battery must be factory-calibrated when replaced. That means going to the dealership or a repair facility with the (expensive) computer program. If not, the battery will quickly run down.
The hybrid battery and components have warranty coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles, or 150,000 miles in California.
Dual 12.3-inch displays for driver info and navigation.
2025 Kia Carnival Pricing
The 2025 Carnival Hybrid is available in four trim levels of LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. MSRP starting prices range from $42,235 to $54,335.
Gas-powered Carnivals are offered in five trims of LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Starting prices range from $38,235 to $52,335.
The manufacturer suggested retail pricing includes the $1,435 freight charge from Gwangmyeong, Korea.
Today’s tester, a Carnival HEV SX Prestige, cost $57,595 with three options:
- Ceramic Silver paint, $495,
- Rear-seat entertainment package, $2,500. The package includes dual seatback screens, second-row VIP power seats with leg support, heated and ventilated seats, and ambient lighting.
- Carpet floor mats, $265.
Check current Kia Carnival pricing here.
And find special offers and incentives here.
Blind spot view monitors activate with turn signals.
Carnival’s Driver Assistance Technologies
Central to the Carnival’s advanced driver assist technology is standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which now includes:
- Junction Crossing (FCA-JC);
- Lange-Change Oncoming (FCA-LO);
- Lange-Change Side (FCA-LS);
- Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above.
Carnival SX trims and above also get standard Highway Driving Assist 2. The hands-on semi-autonomous driving technology can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. The system also centers the vehicle within lane markers and will assist in lane changes under certain conditions.
In my test of the Carnival Hybrid’s semi-autonomous driving, the lane centering was consistent, with only an occasional wide swing across the lane lines. The system’s composure was not prone to loud safety alerts.
Spacious accommodations in the front seat area.
Carnival Interior Function
Space is a minivan’s luxurious frontier. While the Kia Carnival is not a luxury vehicle, its refinement of interior materials, switchgear, and touchpoints is rewarding.
The Carnival cabin has big-and-tall front headroom of 40.9 inches. Front shoulder room (door to door) of 64.2 inches is 2.6 inches wider than the Kia Telluride SUV.
Driver sightlines are unobstructed at the side mirrors and across the hood. Of special value is the around-view camera with overhead and forward views. The camera can be switched on when inching forward in a parking slot or the garage.
There is no stress to step in and buckle up, and definitely no need for running boards. An elevated ride height provides a clear view down the road.
The interior design is fresh, with no faux wood trim, just clean metallic elements. All controls are smartly placed and ergonomically designed.
The shift console is a functional work zone with cup holders divided by a phone slot. A charging e-bin includes a wireless pad and USB charging ports. Small storage areas, including a large armrest box, are handily placed throughout. The side-door panels have large cup holders.
Rather than a flip-down conversation mirror to keep an eye on children, Kia has a video view and talk function. It is accessed through the main 12.3-inch wide screen. It also can be programmed as a one-touch button on the steering wheel.
Dual power sunroofs are standard on the Carnival SX Prestige. (Mark Maynard photo)
Carnival Hybrid Ride and Handling
One of the most endearing aspects of minivan ownership is the generally forgiving ride quality. The Kia Carnival is especially adept at not tossing heads when pulling into driveways or transitioning speed bumps. The setup is well-tuned for side-to-side stability. The Carnival rolls along with uncommon quiet and smoothness. However, it can send a shocking jolt over a pothole and rough pavement.
The suspension is a well-engineered four-wheel independent setup with steel springs and gas-charged shock absorbers. There are MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear.
Ride quality with the 19-inch Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires (235/55) was poised and carpet smooth. These tires are affordable, costing between $220 and $250 each when replaced.
Advantageous is the lightweight of the steering and very compact turning circle of 38 feet. It is possible to make a U-turn on most residential streets. Steering control, though light, is entirely on track while cruising at speed.
Four-wheel-disc braking engages with uncommon smoothness and direct engagement. Front and rear rotors are 12.8 inches, with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs rear. These discs are comparable to the competition’s and seem fit to handle a 2,500-pound trailer with brakes.
19-inch dark alloy wheels are part of the Carnival HEV SX package. (Mark Maynard photo)
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Sliding side doors are a parent’s friend — power-operated and foot-activated. The openness of the doors allows a parent to get close to the child seat for buckling without hoisting a child up into an SUV’s seating position.
Either power side door can be opened from the driver seat, which is helpful for the school taxi, especially when there is rain or snow.
I would prefer the standard three-position second row; it has more family function than the VIP Lounge seats, which are exclusive to the SX Prestige. With the eight-seat configuration, the second-row seats can be removed, or just the center seat removed for an aisle pass-through to the third row.
Kia adds a nifty feature of slide-flex seat adjustment. Both window seats can be moved manually inward by a couple of inches. The side movement is beneficial with the VIP Lounge seats, which cannot be removed and do not have a fold-and-tumble design for third-row access. The side flex is not much, but it doesn’t take much for a kid to slip by and into the third row.
There is adult legroom in the second row — 40.5 inches if a tall person is not sitting ahead.
A special feature in the eight-passenger Kia Carnival is a second row “child minding seat.” The center seat can be moved forward on tracks to install a child seat. In that position, a parent in the front row can reach the child. Or just fold the center seat for a tablelike surface, which also can be used by those in the third row.
Second-row seats in the eight-passenger model can be removed for open cargo capacity, 4 feet wide.
Chillin’ In the Lounge
VIP Lounge seats are impressive and entertaining to friends and family, however, the appeal might not last. The seats should not be used in a reclined position while the Carnival is in motion. In the event of emergency braking, the shoulder belt would unlikely hold the occupant in position.
The reclining loungers cannot be removed, such as for romper room cargo function. Heated and ventilated second-row seats are only offered with the $2,500 package.
2nd row VIP lounge seating with power controls.
Carnival’s Third Row
There is no shortage of details for those in the third row. There are charging ports, an inset for cups or juice boxes, and a phone slot.
Headroom of 38.6 inches is adequate for adults of average size. However, the max legroom of 35.6 inches is up to 3 inches less than in some competitors.
All Carnival models have a deep well of storage space behind the third row.
Carnival Cargo Space
Carnival earns its cargo salt with the obligatory 4-foot width, as if owners will load sheets of plywood. As with most minivans, the waaay back has multi-function.
With the third-row seats in place, there is a deep well of steamer-trunk capacity that neatly corrals a multitude of grocery bags or whatever. Fold the 60/40 seatbacks to drop flat into the cargo well and a parent could roll in bikes and trikes or strap down a large dog kennel. The interior height of 40 inches is taller than that in most midsize SUVs. Fold the third row for 5 feet of flat space.
Why Buy the Kia Carnival Hybrid?
Save face while saving fuel and emissions.
Minivans are a stage-of-life vehicle. For parents, the Carnival’s utility and function are as rewarding as having a housekeeper. Yet, its styling does not announce we are in a family way.
The Kia Carnival has a compact turning circle of 38 feet.
2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige Specifications
Body style: large 7- to 8-passenger front-wheel-drive minivan
Engine: 242-hp 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder; 270 lb.-ft. torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with steering wheel regenerative braking paddles
Fuel economy: 34/31/33 mpg city/hwy/combined; 86 octane recommended
Motor: 18 hp permanent magnet synchronous
Battery: 270-volt, 5.5 Ah lithium-ion with 64.0 kWh
BY THE NUMBERS
Towing capacity: 2,500 pounds (braked trailer), 1,000 lbs. unbraked
Fuel tank: 19 gallons
Cargo space: 40.2 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 39.7*/41.1 inches *40.9 in. w/o sunroof
2nd row head/leg room: 37.6/40.5 inches
3rd row head/leg room: 36.5/35.6 inches
Length/wheelbase: 203/121.7 inches
Width/height: 89.2*/68.5** inches *w/side mirrors *w/o roof rails
Curb weight: 4,967 pounds (7-seats); 4,852 lbs. w/8 seats
Turning circle: 38 feet
FEATURES
Standard Carnival equipment includes: smart-key entry and push-button ignition, dual 12.3-inch digital panoramic display, 8-passenger seating with 2nd row child minding seat, SynTex upholstery, electric parking brake, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Kia Connect with 3-year Ultimate, satellite radio with 3-mongh subscription, Passenger View and Passenger Talk, dual smart power sliding side doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated power front seats, smartphone digital key
Exterior features include: 19-inch alloy wheels, smart power liftgate, dual power sunroofs, multi LED headlights-fog lights-DRLs, roof rails, rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, tire mobility kit (no spare tire included)
HEV SX Prestige features include: Leather-trimmed upholstery, Dark Edition alloy wheels and exterior accents, LED projector headlights and rear combination taillights, head-up windshield display, Bose premium audio system, heated steering wheel, digital rearview mirror-camera
Safety features include: 7 air bags (including driver’s knee bag), rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors, parking distance warning forward and reverse
Driver-assist technologies, include: navigation-based smart cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision-avoidance assist with cyclist and junction turning; blind-spot collision-avoidance assist; rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; driver attention warning; high-beam assist; lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist; parking collision-avoidance assist reverse; safe exist assist; highway driving assist.
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel discs; front, 12.8-inch ventilated rotors; rear, 12.8-inch solid rotors
Steering: Column-mounted electric power steering; 38-foot turning circle
Tires-wheels: 19-inch Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires (235/55); tire-mobility kit; dark alloy wheels
Suspension: front, MacPherson struts with gas shocks; rear, multilink w/gas shocks
PRICING
Base price: $54,335, including $1,435 freight charge; price as tested $57,595
Options on test vehicle: Ceramic Silver paint, $495; Rear-seat entertainment package, $2,500 includes dual screen system, 7-passenger seating, 2nd row power seats with leg support, heated and ventilated 2nd row seats, ambient lighting, glossy interior trim; carpet floor mats, $265.
Where assembled: Gwangmyeong, Korea
Warranties: 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain; 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles hybrid battery (150,000 miles in California)
This corporate PR image for the Volvo Amazon has the caption: “Three models are lifted to check their total weights.” (Photos courtesy of Volvo)
