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.