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2025 Kia Carnival is taking the minivan market by storm, blending bold SUV-inspired style, a refined ride, and now, a new hybrid option. Whether you’re a growing family, a road tripper, or just want the most practical and tech-savvy three-row vehicle for the money, the Carnival stands out. This ultra-detailed guide covers all the latest news, trims, specs, hybrid and V6 power, pricing, reviews, features, safety, and real buyer tips for US shoppers.
Kia Carnival: Official US Site & Build Tool
📰 2025 News: Facelift, Hybrid Power & Tech Upgrades
🆕 What’s New: The 2025 Carnival gets a bold new look with a more upright grille, updated LED lighting, and fresh wheel designs inspired by the EV9. Inside, the center console and climate controls are revised for easier use, and the infotainment system is upgraded with a smarter voice assistant and new interface. The big news: the Carnival Hybrid joins the lineup, promising 33 mpg combined and brisk acceleration.
⚡ Hybrid Arrives: The new Carnival Hybrid combines a 1.6L turbo-four and electric motor for 242 hp and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most efficient minivans on the market. All Carnivals remain FWD only.
🏆 Awards & Rankings: The Carnival is a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice and ranks among the top minivans for 2025, praised for its style, value, and tech.
💡 What’s Not New: AWD is still not available, and the VIP lounge seats (reclining second-row) are not removable.
2025 Carnival: Review, Pricing & Specs (Car and Driver)
⚡ Hybrid Arrives: The new Carnival Hybrid combines a 1.6L turbo-four and electric motor for 242 hp and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most efficient minivans on the market. All Carnivals remain FWD only.
🏆 Awards & Rankings: The Carnival is a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice and ranks among the top minivans for 2025, praised for its style, value, and tech.
💡 What’s Not New: AWD is still not available, and the VIP lounge seats (reclining second-row) are not removable.
🚦 Trims, Pricing & Key Features: Find Your Perfect Carnival
🔢 Trims: LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige (gas & hybrid).
💸 Pricing (MSRP):
🖥️ Tech: 12.3" touchscreen (standard), available 24" panoramic displays, 11" head-up display, Bose audio, dual-screen rear entertainment, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
🛡️ Safety: Kia Drive Wise suite: forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, Safe Exit Assist, and 8 airbags.
2025 Carnival: Trim Comparison & Features (Edmunds)
💸 Pricing (MSRP):
- Carnival LX: $38,235
- Carnival Hybrid LXS: $42,235
- Carnival EX: $43,935
- Carnival Hybrid EX: $44,935
- Carnival SX: $47,035
- Carnival Hybrid SX: $48,035
- Carnival SX Prestige: $52,335
- Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige: $54,335
🖥️ Tech: 12.3" touchscreen (standard), available 24" panoramic displays, 11" head-up display, Bose audio, dual-screen rear entertainment, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
🛡️ Safety: Kia Drive Wise suite: forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, Safe Exit Assist, and 8 airbags.
⚡ Powertrains, Performance & MPG (V6 & Hybrid)
🔋 V6 Engine: 3.5L V6, 287 hp, 262 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic, FWD. 0–60 mph in 7.0 sec, 22 mpg combined.
🔋 Hybrid: 1.6L turbo-four + electric motor, 242 hp, 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic, FWD. 0–60 mph in 7.8 sec, 33 mpg combined.
⛽ Fuel Economy: Gas: 19/26/22 mpg (city/hwy/combined). Hybrid: 34/31/33 mpg (city/hwy/combined).
🏎️ Handling: Smooth, refined, and composed, with a quiet cabin and confident ride.
2025 Carnival Hybrid: Review, Specs & MPG (Car and Driver)
🔋 Hybrid: 1.6L turbo-four + electric motor, 242 hp, 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic, FWD. 0–60 mph in 7.8 sec, 33 mpg combined.
⛽ Fuel Economy: Gas: 19/26/22 mpg (city/hwy/combined). Hybrid: 34/31/33 mpg (city/hwy/combined).
🏎️ Handling: Smooth, refined, and composed, with a quiet cabin and confident ride.
🛡️ Safety, Tech & Interior Comfort
🦺 Safety: 8 airbags (including new center airbag), forward collision avoidance, blind spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, surround view monitor, Safe Exit Assist, and more.
🖥️ Tech: 12.3" touchscreen (standard), 24" panoramic display (available), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, dual-screen rear entertainment, 11" head-up display.
🛋️ Interior: 7 or 8 seats, Slide-Flex seating, VIP lounge seats, heated/ventilated front seats, dual sunroofs, and up to 145.1 cu ft cargo space.
🔊 Audio: Bose premium sound, up to 9 USB ports, and wireless charging.
2025 Carnival: Features, Tech & Interior (Findlay Kia)
🖥️ Tech: 12.3" touchscreen (standard), 24" panoramic display (available), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, dual-screen rear entertainment, 11" head-up display.
🛋️ Interior: 7 or 8 seats, Slide-Flex seating, VIP lounge seats, heated/ventilated front seats, dual sunroofs, and up to 145.1 cu ft cargo space.
🔊 Audio: Bose premium sound, up to 9 USB ports, and wireless charging.
🗣️ Real Reviews, Pros & Cons, and Owner Impressions
⭐ What Owners & Experts Love:
2025 Carnival: Consumer Reviews & Ratings (Edmunds)
- Bold SUV-inspired style that stands out from other minivans
- Hybrid’s 33 mpg and strong acceleration
- Spacious, flexible interior and Slide-Flex seating
- Lots of standard tech for the price
- VIP lounge seats are a hit for road trips
- Excellent warranty (5yr/60k basic, 10yr/100k powertrain)
- Quiet, refined ride and comfortable seats
- AWD not available (Sienna only hybrid AWD minivan)
- VIP lounge seats not removable (hurts cargo flexibility)
- Some controls are touch-sensitive and distracting
- Ride can be a bit firm over rough pavement
- Less cargo space than Odyssey or Pacifica with all seats up
- High demand may limit inventory in some regions
- “Love the look—doesn’t feel like a minivan at all.”
- “Hybrid gets 33 mpg and has plenty of power for the highway.”
- “VIP lounge seats are amazing for road trips, but wish they came out for cargo.”
- “Tech is awesome, and the panoramic screens are a wow factor.”
- “Wish it had AWD, but FWD with snow tires works fine for us.”
💡 Practical Ownership Tips & Buyer FAQ
💡 Tips for Shoppers:
2025 Carnival Hybrid: Features, Specs & Inventory
- Hybrid is the best pick for MPG and brisk acceleration
- EX and SX trims offer the best mix of features and value
- Check for Kia incentives and lease deals in your area
- Test drive both V6 and Hybrid to see which fits your needs
- Use Kia’s build tool to compare trims and options
- Keep up with regular maintenance for best reliability and resale
- Compare lease vs. finance deals to find the best payment plan
- Ask about available colors and interior materials at your dealership
- Is the 2025 Carnival reliable? Yes, with a 5yr/60k basic and 10yr/100k powertrain warranty.
- How much cargo space? Up to 145.1 cu ft (with seats removed/folded).
- What’s the warranty? 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain.
- Is AWD available? No, all Carnivals are FWD only.
- How does it compare to Odyssey? Carnival is less expensive, more tech, and bolder style; Odyssey is roomier and offers more cargo space.
- What’s new for 2025? Facelift, new hybrid, more tech, and new safety features.
- Are there good lease/finance deals? Yes, check Kia’s current offers and compare local dealer incentives.
©️ 2025 | Kia Carnival: Complete Guide for US Family MPV Shoppers