Kia Integrates Hybrid Powertrain to the Carnival MPV Lineup and Unveils 2025 Pricing

For the 2025 model year, the Carnival showcases an evolved design language that blends striking exterior elements with a sleek, technologically advanced interior. Standout features encompass a majestic sculptural grille, meticulously crafted cube-like headlights, Kia’s signature Star Map lighting at the front and rear, and geometric wheel designs available in sizes from 17 to 19 inches (standard 19-inch wheels for EX trims and above).

The interior houses a standard dashboard panel that integrates a 4.2-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen, equipped with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. EX trims and above boast a comprehensive digital instrumentation upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation displays on a curved panoramic panel. Six standard USB-C ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin across all three rows, complemented by two power outlets and two 115V inverters (exclusive to SX and SX-P) as additional power sources.

The standard “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions (excluding those equipped with optional VIP Lounge Seats) features a sliding second row, while removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats remain a Carnival mainstay. Dual power sliding doors with hands-free open are standard, with EX trims and above incorporating a range of standard family-friendly features including an in-cabin camera, in-cabin intercom, and Quiet Mode. A standard voice recognition system responds to essential commands such as opening the windows or adjusting the climate control, while available driver convenience features include an 11-inch full-color Head-Up Display, Full Display Mirror, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.0.

The Carnival introduces Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system, enabling it to receive over-the-air updates. An optional 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 capability to add future content over-the-air. The Carnival’s performance is powered by an available 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine that delivers 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The newly introduced Carnival Hybrid features a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. Unique features of the Carnival Hybrid include 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on the LXS trim), standard Active Air Flaps integrated into the front fascia, and paddle regenerative braking.

The Carnival’s suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is updated with Kia’s latest versions. At the heart of the Carnival’s advanced driver assist technology is the standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which now includes Junction Crossing (FCA-JC); Lane-change Oncoming (FCA-LO); Lane-change Side (FCA-LS); and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above. SX trims and above also come with standard Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), a driver convenience system designed to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected ahead, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under specific conditions.