The incoming model now offers an available turbo-hybrid powertrain and is a living and breathing example of our proud next generation of fully connected car technology. After many customer satisfaction surveys, engineering spec examination, and finely tuned direction, the Carnival arrived on the scene boasting very appealing functionality. As Kia has continued to avoid settling for “every day and average”, there have been numerous updates to performance technology and striking design.
There have long been stereotypes cast rigidly against the family vehicle that they tend to allude to the uninspiring, and the Carnival has fared amazingly well at reversing that trend! Characterized by a very large grille, the Carnival enjoys the striking visual appeal of Star Map daytime running lights, and very high-tech cube-shaped headlamps. Around the back, the Carnival boasts cleaner lines and smooth surfaces, with an available contoured skid plate on the lower rear fascia.
The Carnival has available alloy wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches, along with the decadent and daring Carnival Dark Edition. This model drastically tones down the brightness factor with darkened skid plates, roof rails, side and tail door garnishes, and exterior side mirror covers. Once inside, various simple shapes and ambient lighting span the width of the dashboard, while the center fascia houses climate controls with a minimalist design.
Inside is an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display, with an optional full-color head-up display that projects navigation and cluster info directly onto the windshield. One simple yet very ingenious touch is the built-in lights within the seat belt buckle that illuminate, making it simple to locate them in the dark. The cabin's seven standard USB-C ports will keep everyone in the first three rows properly juiced and connected, and two 115V inverters can provide a viable power source for tailgating or just plain getting by!
As soon as you step in and say, “Hey Kia!” A very cool multi-zone voice recognition feature takes high-tech cues from the speakers in the front and second rows to assert adjusting climate control or opening windows. Suppose you have opted for a Carnival equipped with the optional VIP Lounge Seat package. In that case, second-row passengers are in charge of quickly activating their seat's “take-me-away”-grade relaxation mode, reclining the seatback, or propping the leg extension up with a simple voice command. You'll be commanding the next Six Flags run with 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row and the miraculous “Slide-Flex” seating for 8 with multiple configurations.
Fold-in-floor third-row and removable second-row seats are another means of ensuring your sun-drenched activities go smoothly for the day, and one configuration offers a sliding second-row center seat for easy baby or toddler access. Performance comes from the sturdy 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine that cranks out 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic. The 2025 Kia Carnival is now also available with Highway Driving Assist 2, which maintains a well-allocated distance from the vehicle directly in front of you.
