The Kia Carnival MPV has been a game-changer in the minivan segment since its debut in 2020. It combines the rugged looks of an SUV with the spaciousness and versatility of a family hauler. Now, for 2025, the Carnival MPV gets even better with a new hybrid powertrain option, a refreshed design, and more advanced technology features. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV a standout in its class.
Hybrid Performance and Efficiency
One of the most exciting updates for the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV is the availability of a turbo-hybrid powertrain. This system comprises a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 54-kW electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain produces a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than the Toyota Sienna Hybrid, which has 243 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid powertrain also offers improved fuel efficiency, although Kia has not yet released the official EPA ratings. According to Kia, the hybrid Carnival MPV can travel up to 600 miles on a single tank of gas, which is impressive for a large vehicle. The hybrid Carnival MPV also features a regenerative braking system, which recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and stores it in the battery for later use, and it's a step ahead of all 2024 minivans.
The hybrid powertrain has four trim levels: LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The base LX trim is only offered with the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is also available on the other trims, except for the SX Prestige, which is exclusively hybrid. The V6 engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
SUV-Inspired Design and Features
The 2025 Kia Carnival MPV continues to defy the stereotypes of minivans with its bold and modern design. The exterior of the Carnival MPV has been updated with Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, which is also seen on the brand’s EV lineup. The front fascia features a sculpted grille, cube-shaped headlights, and Kia’s signature Star Map daytime running lights. The rear fascia has a cleaner and more refined look, with a relocated license plate and new taillights. The hybrid Carnival MPV also gets a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels, which are designed to enhance aerodynamics and reduce drag.
The interior of the Carnival MPV is equally impressive, with a spacious and luxurious cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The Carnival MPV offers best-in-class passenger room and cargo space, with up to 168.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Carnival MPV also features a slide-flex seating system, which allows the second-row seats to slide forward and back, as well as side to side, for easy access to the third row. The SX Prestige trim offers an optional VIP Lounge Seat package, which adds heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs with power-adjustable leg rests and winged headrests.
The 2025 Kia Carnival MPV also boasts a host of technology features that enhance convenience and connectivity. The dashboard has been redesigned with a rotary gear selector and a curved glass panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air software updates. The Carnival MPV also offers a new Connected Car Rear Cockpit system, which consists of a 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted on the back of the front console. This screen allows the rear passengers to control the climate, audio, and seat settings and access entertainment apps such as Netflix and YouTube.
The Carnival MPV also comes with a range of safety and driver-assistance features, some of which are new for 2025. The Carnival MPV has 17 standard features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. The Carnival MPV also offers some available features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, highway driving assist, blind spot view monitor, surround view monitor, and full display mirror.
Comparison with Competitors
The 2025 Kia Carnival MPV faces some tough competition in the minivan segment, which includes the Chrysler Pacifica, the Toyota Sienna, and the Honda Odyssey. Here is a comparison table that shows how the Carnival MPV stacks up against its rivals in terms of performance, efficiency, space, and price.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) | Base Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid | 1.6L Turbo-Hybrid | 242 | 168.2 | 145.1 | N/A |
| 2025 Kia Carnival MPV V6 | 3.5L V6 | 287 | 168.2 | 145.1 | N/A |
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | 3.6L V6 Hybrid | 260 | 165 | 140.5 | $41,490 |
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica V6 | 3.6L V6 | 287 | 165 | 140.5 | $36,540 |
| 2022 Toyota Sienna Hybrid | 2.5L Hybrid | 243 | 164.6 | 101 | $34,460 |
| 2022 Honda Odyssey | 3.5L V6 | 280 | 163.6 | 144.9 | $32,090 |
As the table shows, the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid has the most torque and the second-most horsepower among the hybrid models, while the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV V6 has the most horsepower and torque among the non-hybrid models. The Carnival MPV also has the most passenger and cargo space in its class, regardless of the powertrain. The price of the 2025 Carnival MPV has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be higher than the 2024 model, which starts at $33,600 for the V6 and goes up to $46,700 for the SX Prestige. The hybrid Carnival MPV will likely cost more than the V6, but it may still be competitive with the Pacifica Hybrid, which is the most expensive model in the table.
Conclusion
The 2025 Kia Carnival MPV is a hybrid powerhouse that offers SUV style and minivan space. It is a versatile and attractive vehicle that can meet the needs of different families and lifestyles. With a new hybrid powertrain option, a refreshed design, and more advanced technology features, the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV stands out in its class. If you want a minivan that combines performance, efficiency, space, and style, the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV may be the one for you.
