2025 Kia Carnival

The exterior design of the Kia Carnival is a breath of fresh air in the minivan market. Its SUV-inspired aesthetics, including a blocky, upright stance and a bold front grille, give it a rugged yet refined look. The sculpted body lines create a dynamic profile, while the wide, horizontal taillights give the rear a modern, cohesive appearance. The available two-tone paint options allow for a personalized touch, accentuating the vehicle's unique character. The roof rails not only add a sporty look but also provide practical utility for transporting larger items like bikes or kayaks. The sliding rear doors, which feature a smart power operation in higher trims, are flush with the body when closed, maintaining the clean and sleek lines of the vehicle. Even the side mirrors are designed with precision, featuring integrated turn signals and available heating elements to ensure visibility in all conditions.

Step inside the Kia Carnival, and you'll find a modern and accommodating interior. The dashboard and front-seat area feature a large center console with ample storage for small items. An optional dual-screen infotainment system, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz designs, spans two-thirds of the dashboard, combining a digital gauge display with an infotainment screen. The interior of the Kia Carnival can be tailored to fit various needs, from practical to luxurious. The EX-trim includes an in-cabin intercom and a voice-control system that allows rear-seat passengers to interact with the infotainment system. opt for the SX Prestige trim, and you'll enjoy leather upholstery and reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests—ideal for long road trips. The cargo space of the Kia Carnival is impressive, with the ability to fit 14 carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 48 in total with all seats folded. However, unlike some rivals, the second-row seats in the Carnival cannot be removed or stowed in the floor, which slightly limits its maximum cargo capacity.

Kia has equipped the Carnival with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features to ensure peace of mind on the road. Key safety features include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. The Kia Carnival also offers advanced features such as the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects a live feed of your blind spots onto the instrument cluster, and the Highway Driving Assist, which uses sensors and cameras to assist with steering, acceleration, and deceleration. Technology-wise, the Kia Carnival does not disappoint. It comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, with an optional upgrade to dual 12.3-inch displays.

Under the hood, the Kia Carnival features a robust 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it is only available as a front-wheel-drive model, the Carnival performs admirably in various driving conditions. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 7.0 seconds and delivers a smooth, composed ride. Fuel economy is respectable, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. In real-world testing, the Carnival exceeded expectations, achieving 28 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. Despite the lack of an all-wheel-drive option, the performance of the Kia Carnival is competitive, thanks to its powerful engine and well-balanced handling. With a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., it is also capable of handling family adventures with ease.