Review by Veeno Dewan
For 2025, the biggest news for the Kia Carnival Minivan is the availability of a hybrid powertrain offering. With its sharp lighting signatures and sleek body lines it remind one of the swoopy KIA EV9. The cool profile, floating roof design, and sculpted flanks set it apart as the best-looking Mini van in its class.
The Carnival has all the Minivan expectations – a roomy interior, twin sliding power doors and either seven or eight-seat configuration, with middle seats in the second row that can fold down to create a table for outboard passengers. The seven-seater version arrives with individual captain chairs in the middle row.
In terms of power trains, gas engined d Carnivals are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is 288 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The new hybrid version as tested is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a 54-kW motor and six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 242 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. All Kia Carnival models are front-wheel-drive and there is not an All-Wheel Drive option.
The 2025-model-year base models starting at $40,495; in LX+, EX and SX+ trims, 2025 Kia Carnival hybrid pricing will start at $46,545 to the EX’s $49,445. A fully loaded top-tier SX+ hybrid Carnival starts at , $56,445. Standard features in the 2025 Kia Carnival lineup include: Removable second-row seats, 60-40 third row split folding seats, LED headlights, Front and rear parking sensors, Adaptive cruise control, Lane following and lane-keep assists, Trailer pre-wiring 12.3” infotainment screen, Kia Connect, OTA (over-the-air) capabilities, and Rearview backup camera.
Also, as standard is Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a heated windshield, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The EX-trim adds a wireless phone charger and USB ports in the rear. The EX+ adds a digital instrument display and interior cabin camera and speakers. The SX offers: a head-up display, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, digital key compatibility, an upgraded sound system, and surround-view parking and blind-spot cameras. The SX+ adds heated and ventilated second-row seats in seven-passenger configuration.
SX+ higher level trims are lavishly equipped with leather seats, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio system, head-up display, and 360-degree surround-view cameras. The SX+ captain’s chairs in the second row that are heated or ventilated, as well as power reclining with leg rest equipped Kia “VIP Lounge Seating.”
The rear cargo well can hold 1,139 L. This can be increased when the third-row seats are folded into the rear cargo floor with one hand to create a huge 2,461 L of flat load area, The second-row seats also slide and tumble easily for third row access and they also fold flat to create a giant 4,110 L cargo for hauling extra large and long items. The second row can be fully removed for even more hauling space, but not when outfitted with the optional captain’s chairs. Cupholders and cubbies for small storage are numerous along with large door pockets, multiple USB ports along with two 115-volt household plugs in the second row and rear cargo area.
Every Carnival comes standard with a huge list of safety and driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and following assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam control, and front and rear parking sensors. The EX-trim adds sensor-based rear seat reminder and rain-sensing wipers. The EX+ piles on junction turning assist and an adaptive cruise control system, The SX meanwhile adds side parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking.
On the road, the Kia Carnival hybris does not disappoint. Acceleration for the hybrid powertrain is good and the driving sensation quite and smooth. Its big, so don’t expect nimble handling in the curves, but it controls body roll well. On the highway, the comfortable ride and adaptive cruise control make for a pleasant sensation, automatically adjusting for approaching vehicles and acceleration for curves. Eco and Smart drive modes, mean the amount of regenerative braking is adjustable. No issues really and the hybrid Carnival has decent fuel economy — 7.2 L/100 km: 6.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.
To sum up, not really any negatives apart from the lack of All Wheel Drive. There is model to suit all price point and there is no skimping in standard equipment. This is one of the better minivans out there if you have a large go-anywhere family. Highly recommend for long road trippers everywhere!
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid – priced from
More info at www.kai.ca
