Kia Carnival 2025: Price, consumption, picture, technical data.
The Kia minivan makeover is so dramatic that it even includes a whole new name: Carnival. The Kia Carnival replaces the aging Sedona in Kia’s lineup, and its boxy SUV-like styling is no accident as the Korean automaker looks to capitalize on the success of its critically acclaimed and hot-selling Telluride SUV. Big wheels, crossover-like proportions, and signature daytime running lights that flow into the grille give the van an upscale SUV vibe that reminds us of a Range Rover.
Kia Carnival
All Carnival models are powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Numerous driver-assistance features are offered as standard, including automated emergency braking. Infotainment technology also gets an upgrade with an optional dual-display setup with digital gauges and a navigation-equipped center touchscreen.
What’s new ?
The Carnival is all-new , with updated styling, features and technology to help it better compete with Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey and redesigned Toyota Sienna
minivans. The Carnival is offered in four trim levels ranging from the value-oriented LX to the luxury SX Prestige, but it seems like the EX represents the sweet spot between features and price. The EX trim comes with several convenience features that help justify the cost of an upgrade, including a power liftgate, a cabin intercom and a voice control system that allows rear passengers to give commands for the Carnival’s infotainment system.
Engine, transmission and performance
The Kia Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes a healthy 290 horsepower; an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive isn’t on the menu, unfortunately, as the Carnival is only offered as a front-wheel-drive model. The Pacifica has an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain and the new Sienna comes as a hybrid only, but we don’t expect Kia to offer such a setup on the Carnival, at least not right away. Kia says the Carnival can tow up to 3500 pounds. During our initial test drive, we were impressed with the Carnival’s balanced ride and handling. It delivered a smooth ride when cruising and felt confident around corners. The refined V-6 engine provides snappy acceleration, propelling the Carnival to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds on our test track.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for the Kia Carnival are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, which is slightly better than the Sedona’s numbers. We haven’t had a chance to put the Kia Carnival through our 75-mile highway fuel economy test to see how it stacks up against the Pacifica, Odyssey and Sienna, but when we do, we’ll update this story with its results. For more information on the Carnival’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The Carnival’s dashboard and front seat area are more modern and accommodating than those of the outgoing Sedona. A large center console and optional Mercedes-style dual-screen infotainment system with digital instrument display are notable design changes. The upscale SX-Prestige trim comes with leather upholstery and adjustable second-row seats with fold-out footrests. A panoramic sunroof is optional, providing a large opening above the second row of seats so the kids can get some fresh air. Kia says the new Carnival’s interior has been improved; both the wheelbase and the van’s overall length have been extended to provide more room for people and cargo. In our testing, 14 carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row of seats and a whopping 48 total with the seats folded down. That’s a ton of cargo space, but it should be noted that both the Pacifica and Odyssey were a bit roomier.
Infotainment and connectivity
Interior technology and infotainment take a big leap forward in the Kia Carnival. While a single 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, two 12.3-inch displays spanning two-thirds of the van’s dashboard are optional, with one serving as a digital display and the others handling infotainment duties. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Up to nine USB ports line the Carnival’s cabin. A rear-seat entertainment system is standard from SX trim onwards, but a 12-speaker Bose stereo is limited to the top-spec SX Prestige trim.
Safety and driver assistance functions
Kia is offering a lot more standard driver-assist features this time around, including lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights and blind-spot monitoring, which will help the Carnival compete with the Pacifica, Odyssey and Sienna. For more information on the Carnival’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Kia’s warranty trumps its competitors with a powertrain policy that covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. Unlike the Sienna, however, the Carnival doesn’t offer free scheduled maintenance.
Price Kia Carnival
As confirmed earlier this year, European buyers will be offered four variants of the new Kia Carnival 8-seater car, priced between €50,390 (Euro) and €69,990 (Euro) per trip.
