The 2025 Kia Carnival has received significant updates, including new styling, a hybrid powertrain, and revised pricing across its various trims. This latest iteration aims to blend innovative design with enhanced efficiency and functionality, making it a strong contender in the minivan market.

Updated Styling and Features

The exterior of the 2025 Carnival showcases a new sculptural grille, cube-like headlights, and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting. Depending on the trim, it comes with either 17-inch or 19-inch wheels, giving it a fresh and modern appearance. Inside, the Carnival continues to impress with its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster from the EX trim upwards.

The interior also includes numerous convenience features such as six standard USB ports across all three rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. Additionally, there are VIP lounge seats available in the second row, along with dual sliding doors for easy access, making it an excellent family vehicle.

Hybrid Powertrain and Performance

For 2025, Kia introduces a hybrid version of the Carnival, which pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 54 kW electric motor. This setup delivers 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. This new powertrain is expected to offer significantly better fuel efficiency compared to the traditional 3.5-liter V6 engine, which has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 22 MPG. Estimates suggest the hybrid variant could achieve around 35 MPG, with a potential range of over 525 miles on a full tank.

Additional Technological Enhancements

The 2025 Carnival also integrates several new technological features aimed at improving driving comfort and safety. These include advanced driver assistance systems such as Highway Driving Assist 2 and E-Evasive Handling Assist for emergency maneuvers. The infotainment and climate controls have been consolidated into a single touch-sensitive panel, similar to those found in the Kia EV6 and Sportage, although this has received mixed reviews for its ease of use.