Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Kia Carnival: Specs, Trims & Tech

Overview

The 2025 Kia Carnival continues to reshape what families expect from a minivan. Blending SUV-inspired styling with cutting-edge tech and a newly introduced hybrid powertrain, this multi-purpose vehicle stands out in a competitive segment. Whether you’re looking for upscale features, practical seating configurations, or impressive fuel economy, the Carnival offers a balanced package for today’s families.

Unlike traditional minivans, the Carnival showcases a bold exterior with sharp lines, a vertical grille, and athletic proportions. Inside, it transforms into a mobile lounge with premium touches and tech tailored for both drivers and passengers. From the practical base LX to the top-tier SX Prestige, the 2025 model delivers versatility, safety, and value—all in one.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

Positioned between the more traditional minivans like the Honda Odyssey and SUV-inspired crossovers like the Kia Telluride, the Kia Carnival 2025 holds its own in the three-row segment. While it’s officially a minivan, its SUV-like stance and tech-rich cabin make it a strong contender for buyers cross-shopping multiple body styles.

Reviewers from outlets such as Car and Driver and Edmunds consistently place the Carnival in the top tier of its class, praising its upscale interior, passenger-focused features, and value-oriented pricing.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Carnival gets a mid-cycle refresh that includes both design enhancements and the much-anticipated addition of a hybrid powertrain. Here’s what’s new:

• Updated Front and Rear Styling: The Carnival sports a redesigned grille and sharper headlight design, reinforcing its SUV-like appearance.
• Hybrid Powertrain Debuts: A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 72-hp electric motor now offers improved fuel efficiency.
• Tech Upgrades: New infotainment and safety features, including digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone integration, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist.
• Refreshed Interior Trims: More soft-touch materials, new seat fabric options, and enhanced ambient lighting.

These updates keep the Carnival competitive while appealing to eco-conscious buyers and tech-savvy families.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Kia has structured the 2025 Carnival lineup across multiple trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, plus new hybrid variants. Here’s a breakdown of starting prices (estimated):

• LX: $34,500
• LXS: $36,000
• EX: $39,500
• SX: $43,000
• SX Prestige: $47,000
• Hybrid Models: Start around $40,000 (EX Hybrid and up)

Recommended Buy: The EX Hybrid trim hits the sweet spot with upgraded driver-assist features, wireless Apple CarPlay, tri-zone climate control, and Kia’s fuel-saving hybrid setup. It balances performance, economy, and tech without reaching SX Prestige pricing.

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• 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
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Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Kia Carnival offers two powertrain options:

1. Gasoline V6: A 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
2. New Hybrid Option: A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 72-hp electric motor produces a combined 242 horsepower, offering more efficient urban driving and quieter operation.

While the V6 is ideal for those who prefer proven performance, the hybrid is aimed at maximizing fuel economy without compromising on everyday usability.

0–60-MPH Times

• V6 Model: 0–60 mph in 7.0 seconds (C/D est.)
• Hybrid Model: 0–60 mph in 7.5 seconds (C/D est.)

These times are competitive for the segment and show that the hybrid doesn’t lag significantly behind the traditional engine.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel efficiency is a standout for the hybrid model:

• V6 Model (Gasoline):
  • City: 19 mpg
  • Highway: 26 mpg
  • Combined: 22 mpg
• Hybrid Model (EPA Est.):
  • City: 35 mpg
  • Highway: 39 mpg
  • Combined: 37 mpg

Thanks to the turbocharged engine and electric motor pairing, the hybrid Carnival offers a big leap in fuel economy—ideal for long commutes or large families with heavy usage. For more information about the Carnival’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 2025 Kia Carnival showcases a cabin that rivals luxury SUVs. Depending on trim level, you’ll find:

• Three-Row Seating for Up to 8
• Available Second-Row VIP Lounge Seats with recline and footrests
• Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Optional Panoramic Sunroof
• Premium Materials and Ambient Lighting

Cargo space is generous:

• Behind Third Row: 40.2 cubic feet
• With Third Row Folded: 86.9 cubic feet
• Max Cargo Capacity: 145.1 cubic feet

Practicality meets comfort with flat-folding third-row seats and removable second-row options. Whether it’s groceries, luggage, or sports gear, the Carnival adapts quickly.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Technology in the 2025 Kia Carnival is modern, intuitive, and family-focused:

• 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Rear Entertainment System with Dual Screens
• USB-C Ports in All Three Rows
• Voice Recognition and Navigation

Kia’s updated UVO interface is fast and responsive, giving users seamless control over media, navigation, and vehicle settings.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Kia continues to emphasize family safety in the 2025 Carnival with standard and available features including:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
• 360-Degree Surround-View Monitor

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

Though official NHTSA scores for the 2025 model are pending, the 2024 Carnival earned a 5-star overall safety rating, and the latest enhancements suggest similar or improved performance.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia backs the Carnival with one of the best warranties in the industry:

• Limited Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Scheduled Maintenance: Not included (optional through dealers)

This warranty adds peace of mind, especially for families planning long-term ownership.

VERDICT: SPECIALISTS’ VERDICT

Car and Driver calls the 2025 Kia Carnival “one of the most stylish and tech-savvy minivans on the market.” The hybrid option and refreshed design are seen as major steps forward, making it “a serious alternative to bulky SUVs.”

Edmunds highlights the Carnival’s class-leading infotainment and cargo flexibility, noting that “it’s perfect for modern families that demand both utility and elegance.”

Parents Magazine awarded the Carnival Hybrid “Best Hybrid Minivan of 2025,” citing its blend of efficiency, practicality, and kid-friendly features.

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-door minivan

PRICE: Base (LX): $34,500 (est.)

ENGINE:

• Gasoline: 3.5-liter V6
• Hybrid: 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 + electric motor

Displacement: 3470 cc (V6), 1598 cc (Hybrid)

Power

• 287 hp (V6)
• 242 hp combined (Hybrid)

TRANSMISSION

• 8-speed automatic (V6)
• 6-speed automatic (Hybrid)

DIMENSIONS

• Wheelbase: 121.7 in
• Length: 203.0 in
• Width: 78.5 in
• Height: 69.9 in
• Passenger Volume: 168.2 cu ft
• Trunk Volume: 40.2 cu ft (behind third row)
• Curb Weight: 4,439–4,700 lbs (est.)

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

• 0–60 mph: 7.0 seconds (V6) / 7.5 seconds (Hybrid)
• 1/4-Mile: ~15.3 sec
• Top Speed: 118 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

• V6: 22 mpg combined
• Hybrid: 37 mpg combined

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kia Carnival stands out as one of the most well-rounded minivans—or family vehicles—on the market today. With its bold design, flexible interior, new hybrid powertrain, and exceptional tech features, it’s poised to meet the evolving needs of families without sacrificing style or efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading from an older minivan or downsizing from a bulky SUV, the Carnival is worth a serious look in 2025. It’s not just a people mover—it’s a feature-packed, future-ready family command center on wheels.

✅ 2025 Kia Carnival FAQs

1. What’s new in the 2025 Kia Carnival?
The 2025 Kia Carnival features updated styling, a new hybrid powertrain, upgraded tech, and improved interior materials.

2. Does the 2025 Kia Carnival have a hybrid option?
Yes, Kia now offers a hybrid version of the Carnival with a 1.6L turbo engine paired with an electric motor, improving fuel efficiency.

3. How much does the 2025 Kia Carnival cost?
Prices start around $34,500 for the base LX and go up to approximately $47,000 for the SX Prestige. Hybrid models begin at about $40,000.

4. How many passengers can the 2025 Kia Carnival seat?
The Carnival can seat up to 8 passengers, depending on configuration and trim level, with available VIP lounge seats in higher trims.

5. What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Kia Carnival?
The hybrid model delivers an estimated 37 mpg combined, while the gas V6 version offers around 22 mpg combined.

6. Is the 2025 Kia Carnival a good family vehicle?
Yes, it’s one of the top-rated family minivans with ample cargo space, modern safety tech, flexible seating, and great infotainment.