Discover the 2025 Kia Carnival: Fresh Look and Hybrid Powertrain

The 2025 Kia Carnival gets a stylish refresh, adds a hybrid option, and sees a price increase.

The Kia Carnival has been refreshed for the 2025 Model Year, featuring updated styling and the addition of a hybrid powertrain. Pricing has increased from 2024, with the base trim of Kia’s ’multipurpose vehicle’ now about $3,000 more expensive than last year.

The base Carnival LX now starts at $36,500, an increase of $2,900 over the 2024 model year. The LXS sees the same increase, bringing its new price to $38,500. The EX rises by $1,600 to $40,700. The SX is priced at $45,600, an increase of $3,300, while the SX Prestige climbs $3,900 to $50,600.

This year, Kia introduces a new hybrid powertrain to the Carnival lineup, keeping pace with other minivans like the Toyota Sienna, which is now only available as a hybrid. The Carnival hybrid is not available in the base LX trim but starts with the LXS at $40,500. The EX hybrid is $42,700, the SX hybrid is $47,600, and the top SX Prestige hybrid is the most expensive trim at $52,600.

The hybrid powertrain features a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Overall, it’s a modest price increase for the gas lineup, with the expected premium for the hybrid and its improved fuel economy.

The Carnival lineup gets a new sculptural grille, cube-like headlights, and the Star Map lighting, now a signature element of Kia’s design. Depending on the trim, there are 17-inch or 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the Carnival boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Trims from the EX upwards feature a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Additionally, there are six standard USB ports across all three rows to keep everyone connected. The Carnival offers seating for up to eight passengers, with an option for VIP lounge seats in the second row, along with dual sliding doors for easy access. It’s a great family vehicle with pricing still manageable for modest budgets.