New 2025 Kia Carnival Release Date, Specs, and Price.
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a popular minivan with a variety of features, including comfortable seats and a great guarantee. We believe that minivans are the most practical family cars on the road today. Kia Motors is now enhancing the system with the 2025 Carnival, which will include SUV-inspired looks.
Kia has injected its Carnival minivan with SUV style cues to dispel the stuffy minivan reputation and appeal to conventional SUV purchasers in the United States. It doesn’t appear to be making much of a difference, as its sales performance in the first half of 2023 was poorer than not just the top-selling Chrysler Pacifica, but also the other contenders for the throne, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. That could be due to the Carnival’s lack of powertrain options; with only a single normally aspirated six-cylinder gas engine producing 290 horsepower and front-wheel drive, it lacks the hybrid and all-wheel-drive options offered by all of its competitors except the Odyssey. In this regard, it is clearly more minivan than SUV. Its strong appearance, resolved ride and handling, and refined powertrain performance place it among the top minivans in this decreasing market sector, but American buyers clearly require more convincing. The practically unaltered 2025 Carnival is unlikely to do the trick.
The most recent images of the facelifted Kia Carnival inside show that various alterations have been made to the cockpit area for the 2025 model year. The current ‘horizontal lines’ motif will still be prominent. However, the dashboard will look slightly different. According to the published photographs, some of the controls have been relocated from the center console to the dash, and the usual shift lever will be replaced with a rotary knob to handle the gearing.
Additionally, the Carnival has a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration and a pair of snow tires designed for good winter grip. This will provide for more internal space than a three-row SUV. It will be equipped with seven to eight seats and a massaging function, making it more comfortable than the MPV. We expect this popular minivan to compete with large SUVs such as the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey when it hits the market.
For MY2025, the starting price of a new Kia Carnival LX minivan rises from $33,100 to $33,200. The LX with the extra Seat package is frequently viewed as an additional trim; adding this item will cost you $2,000. The LX with Seat package is followed by the EX ($38,700), the SX ($41,900), and the SX Prestige ($46,300). These are MSRP prices, which exclude Kia’s $1,365 destination charge.
New for Kia Carnival 2025.
The 2025 Carnival is a carry-over model, therefore the entire range remains same save for two minor spec modifications and the smallest price rise. The only trim that changes is the EX, which loses the auto up-and-down option for its passengers’ power windows (the driver’s window keeps the feature) but adds a power liftgate in exchange. And it is the sum of the changes. The starting price of the 2025 Kia Carnival increases by only $100.
2025 Kia Carnival Engine and Performance
All of the gas minivans in this segment use the same template, therefore the Kia Carnival’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter gas V6 engine is fairly identical to Honda and Chrysler’s gas options. It produces 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Kia Carnival comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, and this combination is good enough to give it a 0-60 time of seven seconds, which is comparable to the competition. Nobody buys a minivan for its peak speed, and the Carnival is wisely limited to 118 mph. Where the Carnival falls short is that it does not provide the same variety of powerplant and drivetrain choices as its competitors. The Sienna comes with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder hybrid, and the Pacifica is also available as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both have the option of FWD or AWD, with the Sienna offering a more off-road-focused Woodland Edition.
The Carnival, like the Odyssey, has only one default gas powertrain, and despite its deceptive SUV looks, its FWD-only arrangement is a bit of a disappointment and can be viewed as a weakness, especially for drivers in icy environments. Trailering is not up to SUV standards, although the rated towing capability of 3,500 pounds is comparable to that of other minivans. The stock tow hitch costs $575. The Carnival’s 6.8-inch ground clearance allows it to handle difficult roads if necessary. It rides only 0.16 inches lower than the AWD Woodlands Edition Sienna, but the FWD will hit its limits when the roads become wet, soon running out of options when traction is at a premium.
Minivans aren’t known for their cornering abilities, but the Carnival’s ride and handling are exceptional, with a skillfully measured balance that’s neither too firm nor too wallowy. It hits the ideal balance, and the amounts of lean generated around turns are absolutely acceptable for a van, given the comfort supplied by the suspension. It always feels firmly damped but comfy, and even the other controls work well – the brakes are more nicer to use and more progressive than the Sienna hybrid’s, and the steering is perfectly weighted and precise, if a little lifeless and lacking in feedback. When the road gets twisty, it doesn’t let up, slipping into speed-scrubbing understeer when the limits are approached and holding on admirably. The powertrain is refined, with the subdued engine releasing a thunderous cry when pushed and the slick eight-speed automatic almost always selecting the correct gear.
Fuel Efficiency
In terms of gas mileage, the Kia Carnival gets about what you’d expect. The EPA’s estimations of 19/26/22 mpg for city/highway/combined cycles are consistent with its gas-powered competitors; the FWD V6 Pacifica and Odyssey return the same 22 mpg combined. It falls short of the outstanding 36-mpg Sienna Hybrid, but the Pacifica is also available as a class-exclusive PHEV. With a 19-gallon fuel tank, the combined cycle range is expected to be average at 418 miles.
2025 Kia Carnival Specs
| Brand | Kia |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Door | 5-door |
| Total Seating | 7 to 8-Seating |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Engine Type | 3.5-liter V6 engine |
| Power | 290 horsepower |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft of torque |
| 0 to 60 MPH Time | 7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 112.4 to 120 mph |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic transmission |
| Drive Type | front-wheel drive |
| Basic Warranty | 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty |
Drivetrain
| Transmission | Standard |
| Drive Type | Standard |
Suspension
| Four-wheel independent suspension | Standard |
| Front and rear stabilizer bar | Standard |
Colors
| Exterior Colors | Standard |
| Interior Colors | Standard |
2025 Kia Carnival Design
Kia Motors launched the Kia Carnival to the American market in 2022, but has now decided that the time has come to alter the appearance. As a result, the 2025 model will see revisions to its grille, headlamps, taillamps, wheels, and lower body panels, which may be inspired by the company’s upcoming EV9 electric three-row crossover. There will also be a new trim called Gravity, with blacked-out exterior detailing.
The unusual style of Kia Carnival will be well received by the public. It stands out from the minivan herd, which is a clever approach to avoid calling this car a minivan. If the Carnival’s revised appearance, which was shown in South Korea, makes it to North America in 2025, it will only serve to reinforce that you don’t have to sacrifice looks for function when selecting a minivan.
Aside from that, you will notice numerous excellent safety features in it. Examples include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, and many others. And all of the safety features make your family feel protected while traveling.
2025 Kia Carnival Exterior Design
The Carnival’s robust front-end design, substantial wheel arches, and distinct waistline crease contribute to make it look more like an SUV than a minivan, which is aided by a faux skid-plate panel below the front bumper and a bold slash of a chromed L-shaped C-pillar to lend some excitement to the side view. The baseline of this chrome strip wraps around the tail and over the SX Prestige’s full-width LED light bar, with the Kia emblem in the center. The other trims do not get the swanky LED taillight makeover. All versions feature rear privacy glass and LED headlights, but the LX appears a little lanky and self-conscious on its modest 17-inch alloy wheels. The other trims’ 19-inch wheels fill up their arches much better, with a machined finish in the mid-range trims and a black finish on the SX trims. The SX Prestige is also the only trim that includes dual power sunroofs. Both SX grades have roof rails and a chrome-studded grille, as opposed to the more simple black grille on the other models.
According to JD Power, the Kia Carnival has acceptable reliability, scoring 80 out of 100 for its Quality & Reliability category. This outperforms all of its competitors, including the Pacifica (71), Odyssey (78), and Sienna (77). Recalls have been scarce, with none registered for the 2025 model year and only two for the 2023 Carnival – for a tow-hitch harness that may short circuit and catch fire while parked, and for a power-sliding door that may trap a passenger when closing due to a failure to auto-reverse when encountering an obstruction.
The 2025 Kia Carnival comes with a market-leading guarantee, ensuring your peace of mind. The limited warranty is good for an above-average five years/60,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for ten years/100,000 miles.
Dimensions
| Length | Standard |
| Overall width without mirrors | Standard |
| Height | Standard |
| Wheelbase | Standard |
| EPA interior volume | Standard |
| Cargo capacity, all seats in place | Standard |
| Maximum cargo capacity | Standard |
| Turning circle | Standard |
| Ground clearance | Standard |
| Angle of approach | Standard |
| Angle of departure | Standard |
| Curb weight | Standard |
Front Seat Dimensions
| Front head room | Standard |
| Front leg room | Standard |
| Front shoulder room. | Standard |
| Front hip room | Standard |
| Leather | Standard |
| Bucket front seats | Standard |
| 10-way power driver seat | Standard |
| Height-adjustable driver seat | Standard |
| Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support | Standard |
| 2 memorized driver seat settings | Standard |
| 4-way power passenger seat | Standard |
| Multi-level heated driver seat | Standard |
| Multi-level heated passenger seat | Standard |
Rear Seat Dimensions
| Rear head room | Standard |
| Rear leg room | Standard |
| Rear shoulder room | Standard |
| Rear hip room | Standard |
| Split-folding rear seatback | Standard |
| leading center armrest | Standard |
2025 Kia Carnival Interior
As previously stated, the 2025 Kia Carnival will be revamped with a new design for the 2025 model year. So we can expect its interior design to be quite appealing and luxury, which you will like, and many wonderful safety systems will be included to keep you and your entire family safe while traveling.
The dashboard and front seats of the 2025 Carnival will be contemporary and comfy. A wide center console can hold a lot of small items, and an optional Mercedes-style dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display allows you to easily access the van’s connectivity functions. The upmarket SX Prestige trim will include leather upholstery. It can also be purchased with reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests.
Additionally, cargo space inside the upcoming Kia Carnival will begin at 40.2 cubic feet and increase to 145.1 cubic feet when the second and third seats are folded. The sliding second-row doors make it easier to access the cabin. Dual 12.3-inch displays spanning two-thirds of the dashboard will be available, with one serving as a digital gauge display and the other doing infotainment functions.
2025 Kia Carnival Features and Specifications
The appealing cabin distinguishes itself from the norm and appears to be an expensive room constructed with high-quality materials. In fact, the whole execution and quality levels push it into the luxury class, which is rather astounding for a basic minivan. The screens are sharp and clear, and even the standard model makes a pleasant impression once inside, despite its basic fabric upholstery, smaller touchscreen, and fewer capabilities. The top trims are a noticeable step up, with leather seats, a larger touchscreen, and many additional goodies. The dashboard is sensibly put out, and the controls are simple to operate, with enough of interior room for all passengers. Even the third row can seat people. With a greater ground clearance (6.8 inches) and seat height than a car, access is simple via tall doors and electrically actuated hands-free rear sliding doors. Overall visibility is excellent, and rear parking sensors supplement the backup camera while parking; a surround-view monitor is only available on higher model levels.
The LX is a relatively well-equipped minivan. However, you are limited to seven seats and standard air conditioning, and there is no electronic seat adjustment or heating. However, you do get push-button start, hands-free power rear doors, back passenger ventilation outlets, a 4.2-inch driver-information display, a manually tilting/telescoping steering column, and two 12-volt power connections. As you go through the ranks, heated power front seats, a passenger camera and intercom, tri-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are introduced, among other things. There are few options and even fewer packages available, so you must choose the trim level that includes the amenities you want.
The LX’s infotainment system features an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition, USB connections in all three seats, and a six-speaker stereo system. The EX has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still require a wired connection. Other features include GPS, HD Radio, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, rear-seat speech recognition, an in-cabin passenger camera and intercom, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker music system. The SX is the first trim to have the larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Only the SX Prestige is equipped with a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. All trim levels have access to the optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.
Space
The Carnival’s 121.7-inch wheelbase is the longest in the class, but while cabin room is adequate, it is not superior to the competition. The first two rows are a toss-up, but the third row, like the Pacifica, has less legroom but greater headroom than either the Odyssey or Sienna. It is undoubtedly competitive and accommodating to grownups. The LX is a seven-seater with a 2-2-3 seating configuration and a second row of two outboard seats with a walk-through between them.
The LX with the accommodate package and all other trims accommodate eight people, with an additional center seat in the second row in a 2-3-3 layout, the backrest of which may fold down to use as a drink holder/table. The optional SX Prestige Seat package includes two individual second-row chairs, resulting in a seven-seat configuration similar to the LX, but these seats are beautifully carved captain’s chairs with armrests and leg extensions. They are also heated and ventilated, with the ability to glide forward and backward and move closer together.
Cargo
Trunk space is extremely competitive in this class, even when all seating rows are full. The 60/40-split third row folds flush with the floor into a deep hollow, and while the seats are in use, this recessed space is available, resulting in a deep loading area with a volume of 40.2 cubic feet, which is best-in-class. Folding the third row into this recess increases the volume to 86.9 cu-ft, compared to the Pacifica’s 87.5 cu-ft and Odyssey’s maximum of 89.2 cu-ft.
The Carnival’s second-row seats do not fold into the floor, like the Odyssey and Sienna, and unlike the gas Pacifica with its fold-flat Stow N Go seating, hence the maximum trunk volume of 145.1 cu-ft is only available when these seats are removed. This is still more practical than Sienna, which has no removable second row and costs over 40 cubes more than its competitors. The Odyssey has the biggest storage space, with 158 cubic feet with the second row removed.
Read: The New 2025 BMW M3 Release Date, Changes, and Specs
In the cabin, passengers can keep items in the glovebox, and there is a lidded center-console storage bin with a small uncovered storage receptacle ahead of it. All three rows of seats include cupholders. Cupholders for the first row are located next to the shifter lever, while cupholders for the second row may be found at the back of the front center console.
The backrest of the second-row center Free Mode seat swings forward when not in use, revealing two cupholders and a work table. The cupholders for the third row are located in the side moldings. The front doors feature pockets and bottle holders, as do the rear folding doors. All trim levels come with front seatback pockets as standard. Overall, a fair showing, although far from the Sienna, which has a plethora of clever hideouts for oddities.
Safety
| Lane departure warnings accident avoidance system | Standard |
| Lane keep assist | Standard |
| Rear cross-traffic alert | Standard |
| Driver attention alert | Standard |
| Pre-collision safety system | Standard |
| Post-collision safety system | Standard |
| Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags | Standard |
| Front and rear head airbags | Standard |
| Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Child seat anchors | Standard |
| Rear door child safety locks | Standard |
| 4-wheel ABS | Standard |
| Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes | Standard |
| Emergency braking assist | Standard |
| Tire pressure monitoring | Standard |
| Dusk sensing headlamps | Standard |
| LED headlamp | Standard |
| Daytime running lights | Standard |
| Turn signal mirrors | Standard |
| 2 front headrests | Standard |
| Front height adjustable headrests | Standard |
| 3 rear headrests | Standard |
| Rear center 3-point belt | Standard |
| Remote anti-theft alarm system | Standard |
| Engine immobilizer | Standard |
In-Car Entertainment
| Touchscreen display | Standard |
| AM/FM stereo | Standard |
| 180-watt audio output | Standard |
| 8 total speakers | Standard |
| Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Standard |
| USB connection | Standard |
| USB with external media control | Standard |
| Speed-sensitive volume control | Standard |
Power Feature
| 2 one-touch power windows | Standard |
| 1st-row power glass moonroof | Standard |
| Hands-free entry | Standard |
| Heated mirrors | Standard |
Comfort & Convenience
| Keyless ignition | Standard |
| Tilt and telescopic steering wheel | Standard |
| Audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel | Standard |
| Electric power steering | Standard |
| Rearview camera | Standard |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Standard |
| Front and rear cupholders | Standard |
| Front and rear door pockets | Standard |
| Overhead console with storage | Standard |
| Front seatback storage | Standard |
| Leather steering wheel | Standard |
| Dual zone front climate control | Standard |
| Dual illuminating vanity mirrors | Standard |
| Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror | Standard |
| Turn signal in mirrors | Standard |
Instrumentation
| External temperature display | Standard |
| Clock | Standard |
Tires & Wheels
| Painted alloy wheels | Standard |
| 17 in. wheels | Standard |
| 225/50R V tires | Standard |
| All season tires | Standard |
Telematics
| Emergency Service | Standard |
| Vehicle Alarm notification | Standard |
| Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance | Standard |
| Roadside Assistance | Standard |
| Concierge Service | Standard |
| Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation) | Standard |
Warranty
| Basic | Standard |
| Drivetrain | Standard |
| Hybrid component | Standard |
| Rust | Standard |
| Roadside assistance | Standard |
| Free maintenance | Standard |
2025 Kia Carnival Release Date
There is no information known on the release date of the upcoming Kia Carnival. Because the corporation hasn’t mentioned anything about it yet. However, based on our research and facts, we may predict the 2025 Carnival to be available in mid-2025.
2025 Kia Carnival Price and Trims
If you’re curious about the price of the 2025 Kia Carnival, we can inform you that the firm hasn’t spoken much about it. So we can’t tell you anything about it. However, other automotive blogs and rumors indicate that the 2025 Carnival will be available in five trim levels, with prices ranging from $35,000 to $48,000.
| Trims | Price (est) |
| LX | $35,000 |
| EX | $41,000 |
| SX | $44,000 |
| Gravity | $45,000 |
| SX Prestige | $48,000 |
When will the 2025 Kia Carnival be released?
We may expect the next Kia Carnival to arrive in mid-2025. This vehicle will be quite popular among the family once it hits the market.
How much will the 2025 Kia Carnival cost?
Pricing for the 2019 Kia Carnival could begin at $35,000. At the same time, we can advise you that price changes may occur in the future.
How will the Kia Carnival’s inside be?
Its interior will be opulent and well-designed, and the cabin of this minivan will be composed of high-quality materials, ensuring an enjoyable riding experience.
How many trim levels will the Kia Carnival have?
The 2025 Kia Carnival will be available in five trim levels: LX, EX, SX, Gravity, and SX Prestige. Features may also change according to trim level.
How many persons can the Kia Carnival seat accommodate?
This minivan can comfortably accommodate seven passengers. The Kia Carnival seats will be developed with comfort in mind, ensuring the optimum experience on your long drive.
Will the 2025 Carnival include connectivity features?
It will have Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, voice control, a USB connector, wireless charging, satellite radio, smartphone integration, a head-up display, over-the-air updates, multi-zone and climate control.
Conclusion: Is the 2025 Kia Carnival a good minivan?
The Kia Carnival is a far better minivan than its sales stats indicate. In terms of overall driving characteristics, as well as the quality and design of its upmarket cabin, no competitor in this class can match it. Passenger and baggage room are also excellent, and the polished and tuned powertrain delivers class-leading performance and efficiency.
However, all of its advantages may not be enough to attract buyers because the Carnival lacks a hybridized powertrain or AWD option, which counts against it and makes it vulnerable to attack. If you are satisfied with the powertrain, there are few better minivans on the market. If you need a hybrid or all-wheel drive, the Pacifica or Sienna are better options.