Kia Unveils Refreshed 2025 Carnival, Including New Hybrid Model

While Kia’s tried to separate its Carnival from the minivan pack by calling it a multi-purpose vehicle, the new 2025 version features a new hybrid powertrain — just like all the other minivans.

The newest version of Kia’s MPV not only has a new powertrain but also enjoys some new exterior and interior updates for the 2025 model year. On the outside, Kia tweaked the front of the Carnival, giving it a new, more sculptural grille and detailed cube-like headlights.

Kia’s signature Star Map lighting now adorns the front and rear of the vehicle, while Carnival also gets updated geometric wheel designs, available in 17- to 19-inch sizes.

What’s the model gonna cost? Well, it starts at $36,500 for the entry-level LX model and rises up to the SX Prestige version at $52,600. Those include

Under the hood

Kia expanded its powertrain offerings for the Carnival, giving it a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a combined output of 242 horsepower, 271 pound-feet of torque.

The Carnival Hybrid enjoys a few exclusive features, such as 17-inch aerodynamic wheels, Active Air Flaps integrated in the front fascia, and paddle regenerative braking.

For those wanting a more conventional powertrain option, the standard 3.5-liter V6, putting out 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, remains in place. It’s still mated to an 8-speed transmission.

On the inside

Moving into the cabin, consumers will be greeted by a standard dashboard panel integrating a 4.2-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. EX trims and above feature a fully digital instrumentation upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation displays on a curved panoramic panel, Kia noted.

If you’re carrying as many as eight passengers, at least a few will likely need to charge a phone, digital tablet, or some other form of electronics. Kia steps up, offering six standard USB-C ports throughout the cabin in all three rows. Two additional power outlets, and two 115V inverters (on SX and SX-P only) serve as additional power sources.

The standard “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions, except those equipped with optional VIP Lounge Seats, now enjoy a sliding second row. However, removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats continue to be “a Carnival staple.”

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Convenience tech

A standard voice recognition system responds to key commands such as opening the windows or adjusting the climate control, Kia officials note, while available driver convenience features include an 11-inch full-color Head-Up Display, Full Display Mirror, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.0.

Additionally, Kia’s next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system is new to the Carnival. It allows the vehicle to receive over-the-air updates. The available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System with dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution can stream from popular platforms, with the potential to add future content over-the-air.

Safety features

The Carnival’s suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems enjoys Kia’s latest iterations, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist technology, which now offers Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lange-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lange-change Side (FCA-LS), and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above.

SX trims and above also get standard Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), a driver convenience system designed to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions.