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While the minivan market is dwindling, Kia is still trying hard to capture the buyers that remain. And for 2025, the Carnival has gotten a mid-cycle refresh that adds an appealing hybrid powertrain, some handy tech upgrades, and tweaked styling to round it all out.
Visually, the Carnival continues to pitch itself as some sort of pseudo-SUV, this time with cues adopted from the latest Sorento crossover. It now flaunts distinctive vertical headlights in front, with amber DRLs travel across the top of the widened grille. A similar theme is carried out in the rear, where the minivan receives new vertical taillights and a reshaped bumper.
Most Carnival models are still powered by a 2.5 liter V6 engine, delivering 287 hp (which is three fewer than last year) and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the real spotlight stealer here is the addition of an all-new hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 54 kW motor, sending a total of 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from its more efficient powertrain, the Carnival hybrid also adds Eco and Smart driving modes, regenerative braking, and more aerodynamic designs for its 17-inch wheels.
Inside, the Carnival still offers dual 12.3-inch displays, though the bezels have been scaled back for a cleaner look. As for switchgear, the climate and media controls have been relocated to a single panel below the touchscreen infotainment system, and the shift lever has been supplanted by a rotary knob.
Within the confines of the Carnival's infotainment display, there resides a smarter voice assistant that can now manage climate controls or open the windows. Setting Kia's assistant apart from the systems offered by other automakers is its ability to tell front-row passengers apart from occupants in the second row, which means it can respond to each request uniquely.
Behind the front seats, the Carnival now offers Kia's updated Rear Entertainment System. It features a pair of 14.6-inch displays that can stream content from some of the most popular apps, and the system can pair with Bluetooth headphones or an external HDMI device.
The minivan also adds support for Digital Key 2, along with driver-assistance features such as lane change oncoming, lane change side, junction crossing, and evasive steering assistance.
The 2025 Carnival will begin showing up on dealer lots this summer, and pricing will be announced closer to launch. Models with the standard V6 include the LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, while the lineup for the newly-added hybrid variant comprises the LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige.
Image Credits: Kia
Revealed
Feb 18, 2024
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2025 Kia Carnival Brings Hybrids Into The Mix Alongside Updated Face
The updated minivan will go on sale this summer.
While the minivan market is dwindling, Kia is still trying hard to capture the buyers that remain. And for 2025, the Carnival has gotten a mid-cycle refresh that adds an appealing hybrid powertrain, some handy tech upgrades, and tweaked styling to round it all out.
Visually, the Carnival continues to pitch itself as some sort of pseudo-SUV, this time with cues adopted from the latest Sorento crossover. It now flaunts distinctive vertical headlights in front, with amber DRLs travel across the top of the widened grille. A similar theme is carried out in the rear, where the minivan receives new vertical taillights and a reshaped bumper.
Most Carnival models are still powered by a 2.5 liter V6 engine, delivering 287 hp (which is three fewer than last year) and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the real spotlight stealer here is the addition of an all-new hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 54 kW motor, sending a total of 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from its more efficient powertrain, the Carnival hybrid also adds Eco and Smart driving modes, regenerative braking, and more aerodynamic designs for its 17-inch wheels.
Inside, the Carnival still offers dual 12.3-inch displays, though the bezels have been scaled back for a cleaner look. As for switchgear, the climate and media controls have been relocated to a single panel below the touchscreen infotainment system, and the shift lever has been supplanted by a rotary knob.
Within the confines of the Carnival's infotainment display, there resides a smarter voice assistant that can now manage climate controls or open the windows. Setting Kia's assistant apart from the systems offered by other automakers is its ability to tell front-row passengers apart from occupants in the second row, which means it can respond to each request uniquely.
Behind the front seats, the Carnival now offers Kia's updated Rear Entertainment System. It features a pair of 14.6-inch displays that can stream content from some of the most popular apps, and the system can pair with Bluetooth headphones or an external HDMI device.
The minivan also adds support for Digital Key 2, along with driver-assistance features such as lane change oncoming, lane change side, junction crossing, and evasive steering assistance.
The 2025 Carnival will begin showing up on dealer lots this summer, and pricing will be announced closer to launch. Models with the standard V6 include the LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, while the lineup for the newly-added hybrid variant comprises the LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige.
Image Credits: Kia
