Kia announced pricing details for the refreshed 2025 Carnival, which boasts a bolder design, next-gen technology and an optional turbo-hybrid powertrain, highlighting its versatile multi-purpose capabilities.
For the 2025 model year, the Carnival's updated design language combines bold exterior elements with a sleek, high-tech interior. Notable features include a grand sculptural grille, intricately detailed cube-like headlights, Kia's signature Star Map lighting in the front and rear, and geometric wheel designs ranging from available 17- to 19-inches (EX trims and above get standard 19-inch wheels).
Inside, a standard dashboard panel integrates a 4.2-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen complete with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. EX trims and above feature a full digital instrumentation upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation displays2 on a curved panoramic panel.
Six standard USB-C ports are conveniently located throughout the cabin in all three rows, while two power outlets, and two 115V inverters (on SX and SX-P only) serve as additional power sources.
Standard "Slide-Flex" seating for 8-passenger versions (except those equipped with optional VIP Loung Seats) get a sliding second row while removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats continue to be a Carnival staple. Dual power sliding doors with hands-free open is standard, with EX trims and above adding a suite of standard family friendly features including an in-cabin camera, in-cabin intercom, and Quiet Mode.
A standard voice recognition system responds to key commands such as opening the windows or adjusting the climate control, while available driver convenience features include an 11-inch full-color Head Up Display3, Full Display Mirror4, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.05.
Kia's next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system is new to the Carnival, allowing it to receive over-the-air updates6. An 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. Performance in the Carnival still comes from an available 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine that produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The newly added Carnival Hybrid gets 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 lb.-ft. of torque. Other features exclusive to the Carnival Hybrid include 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on the LXS trim), standard Active Air Flaps integrated in the front fascia, and paddle regenerative braking.
The Carnival's suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems7 is updated with Kia's latest iterations. Central to the Carnival's advanced driver assist technology is standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist8, 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 29 (HDA 2) a driver convenience system that is 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.
