2025 KIA CARNIVAL

CARNIVAL ENJOYS SALES SURGE AFTER ADDING HYBRID MODEL TO PORTFOLIO

Kia came late to the minivan market with the Carnival debuting as a 2022 model, but it would seem that the decision is beginning to pay off.

With the top four sellers in the minivan segment all enjoying a sales resurgence, the 2025 Kia Carnival still ranks below segment leaders Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey but sales are up 48 percent over last year. It already has topped last year’s total with over 57,000 sold compared to under 50,000 for the entire 12 months of 2024/

The introduction of a hybrid gas-electric drivetrain in 2025 Kia Carnivals no doubt has played a role in that surge. Fuel efficiency appeals more to family oriented minivan buyers than a vehicle’s zero-to-60 mph time, and fuel economy for the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV is excellent.

The EPA gives it ratings of 34 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 33 combined compared to the 18/26/21 numbers for the V6 gas version Carnival, which the government says will result in an annual fuel savings of around $800.

Power output provides a confident, quiet drive. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor produces a combined 242 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which compares well with V6 models that have more horsepower (290 hp) but slightly less torque (262 lb.-ft.). I had no complaints about a lack of pickup in my week spent on city streets and expressways.

Refreshed after just three years, the 2025 Kia Carnival is a sharp-looking vehicle with a roomy, upscale interior that features the latest in tech functions and a rear cargo space that actually is up to hauling all that stuff that comes with a long family road trip.

The 2025 Kia Carnival HEV comes in four trims (LSX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige) ranging from $40,800 for the base LSX to $53,090 for the top-of-the-line SX Prestige, which this review is based on.

All 2025 Kia Carnival HEVs are front-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and tilt-and-telescoping steering column. A leather-wrapped steering wheel also is standard.

Leg room is particularly generous for the first two rows (41.1 inches up front and 40.5 in the second-row) and not all that cramped in the far back third row (35.6 inches). Third-row riders also get a center armrest and cupholders.

With a deep well at the far back to handle bigger loads, cargo room is a spacious 40.2 cubic feet. That addresses what is a common flaw among three-row vehicles (including SUVs) that offer accommodations for 6, 7, or 8 riders but limited room for their suitcases and other baggage.

The 2025 Kia Carnival SX Prestige ups the ante on standard features with a digital rear mirror, LED headlights with dual projection, LED fog lights, LED rear combination lights, LED cargo lamp, Dark Edition roof rails, a power sunroof, a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display with navigation, heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated steering wheel, a Bose Premium sound system, Dark Edition alloy wheels, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety systems include forward and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, driver attention warning, parking distance warning, and rear parking collision avoidance, a surround-view and blind-spot monitor, and lane keeping and lane following assist.

My test 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige started at $53,090. With extras like at rear-seat entertainment system, carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat added on, the final came to $57,490 including the freight charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige: Obviously, there is plenty of room for both passengers and their stuff. The hybrid drivetrain doesn’t have the horsepower of the
V6 but offers a more fuel efficiency and has adequate power for around-town driving. Exterior styling is eye-catching. The sliding rear doors are about the only exterior feature that gives away its minivan status. Auto Hold (activated with a push of a button on the center console) prevents creeping at intersections. Second-row seats have adjustable leg support. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige:   Infotainment features are overall user-friendly but have some quirks tjat de,and extra attention.

Would I buy the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SE Prestige? I am not in the market for a minivan but I wish this vehicle would have been available when I bought a full-size conversion van a long, long time ago. Fuel savings may make up for the hybrid’s extra cost depending you driving habits.

2026 GMC ACADIA

NEW ULTRA LUXURY TRIM BOOSTS ACADIA 
IN COMPETITIVE MIDSIZE SUV SEGMENT

When it comes to U.S. SUV sales, the most competitive segment is the large number of compact models on the market today. But right behind are the midsize midsize models that usually offer such benefits as three-row seating.

One of the biggest in the segment is the subject of this review, the 2026 GMC Acadia, and comes with a third row suitable (at least on shorter trips) for adults while still providing decent space for cargo in the far back.

The Acadia debuted as a 2007 full-size model as the first unibody crossover SUV from the well-known truck manufacturer. For its second generation in 2017 the company downsized it to a midsize model where it remains today.

The Acadia got a face-lift for 2020 and a redesign two years ago for 2024 moved it into its third generation.

The 2026 GMC Acadia comes in four trim levels. The Elevation serves as the base followed by the AT4, which is more tuned for off-roading experiences, and two luxury oriented trims tagged Denali and Denali Ultimate.

This review is based on the 2026 GMC Adadia Delnali Ultimate with all-wheel drive. 

All 2026 GMC Acadia models some with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out a robust 328 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers fuel mileage of 20 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway in AWD configuration and 20/26/22 with standard front-wheel drive. Drive modes can be adjusted to Snow, Tour, Sport, Tow, and Off-Road.

As might be expected the automaker has loaded up the 2026 GMC  Acadia Denali Ultimate with a boatload of standard equipment.

Included on that list are such features as the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, an 8-year subscription for OnStar), a head-up display. 15-inch LCD display with Google and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose premium sound, wireless charging, tri-zone climate control, 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a heated steering wheel.

Standard exterior features include  a panoramic power sunroof with sunshade, an AutoSense (hands-free). power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated exterior mirrors, and brushed aluminum roof rails.

It rides on  standard 22-inch wheels.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, enhanced emergency braking, street sign recognition, intersection emergency braking, blind-zone steering assist, side 6 and rear pedestrian alert, front pedestrian and cyclist alert, HD Surround Vision,  and a digital rear camera.

That 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate starts at $64,900 but with so much in the way of standard features you likely will get by with just the added destination and deliver fee added on to bring the total to $66,795.

The Elevation trim starts at $45,595, the AT4 at $54,195, and the Denali at $57,595.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali: The interior is roomy and seats are comfortable. Infotainment features are easy to operate. Cargo space is good, even behind the third row. It’s a small thing but I really like the digital rear view mirror. It covers the usual blind spots by providing a wide view of traffic approaching from behind.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali: The engine has kind of a “tinny” sound when accelerating, which is kind of annoying. Numerous safety features come standard. It is one of the more expensive offerings in the midsize SUV segment.

Would I buy the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali? It may get overlooked because of GMC’s reputation for producing pickup trucks, but its definitely worth a look if you are seeking a 3-row SIV. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) made the Acadia a Top Safety Pick.

2025 FORD EXPEDITION

FORD’S LARGES SUV MOVES INTO FIFTH GENERATION WITH UPDATED INTERIOR 

Fully redesigned for 2025, the Ford Expedition moves into its fifth generation since making its debut as a 1997 model.

Most of the changes from the previous generation are found inside where the spacious cabin gets a new 13.2-inch
touchscreen for operating infotainment functions and a 24-inch instrument display for the driver. There is less plastic and more soft surfaces as a general upgrade.

Top trims like the King Ranch that served as my test vehicles rival its Lincoln cousin Navigator in plushness with abundant leather upholstery and two-tone brown and wood accents that exude the aura of a luxury level vehicle.

In addition to the King Range, the 2025 Ford Expedition is offered in Active trim (which serves as the base with a starting MSRP of $64,515), Platinum trim, ($76,945), and a new Tremor edition ($83, 545).

The base engine is a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Also available in “Max” versions of the Active, Platinum, and King Range trims is a high-output, 3.5L V6 that ups horsepower to 440 and torque to 510 lb.-ft. 

Each engine is matched to its own version of a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with 4-wheel available. Towing capacity is 9,600 pounds for 4X4 models.

Legroom is identical in both standard and Max versions with second- and third-row legroom a max 42.2 and 36.5 inches, respectively. If you slide the second row forward, you lose about an inch but passengers in the far back get a whopping 43.5 inches of legroom. (I’m not sure how the math on that works but but that is straight from the spec sheet.)

Standard interior features on my test 2025 Ford Expedition King Range included heated and ventilated front seats, power folding rear seats, Del Rio leather door trim, power adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel and pedals, tri-zone climate control, and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Standard exterior features included a capless fuel filler, LED reflector headlamps, trailer sway control, signature grille lighting and signature tail lamps, a panoramic sunroof, roof side rails, and rain-sending wipers.

Driver assist safety features are numerous across all trims. They include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, blind spot assist with traffic alert and trailer coverage, evasive steer assist, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, lane-keeping system,  pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer hitch assist, and post-collision braking.

All that is included in the base MSRP of $85,680 (including the destination and delivery fee). Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving assist was among options that ran the final total to $86,645.

That puts the King Ranch at the top of the pricing for the 2025 Ford Expedition, but it still is about $12,000 under that for the base Lincoln Navigator.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch: The huge, premium interior offers excellent room for both passengers and their stuff. Most adults would be comfortable sitting in the third row and cargo volume with back row seats fully upright is nearly 37 cubic feet. Tech features are numerous and easy enough to operate. Auto Hold is a nice feature. 

What I didn’t like abouot the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch: The size is both a plus and a minus. The interior room is nice to have but getting through most mall parking lots or tight urban streets can be a chore.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch? Way too big for my personal tastes, but if you need a vehicle with this capacity, the Expedition delivers in a classy manner.