What To Expect
The 2025 Kia Carnival arrives with some noteworthy changes that will make it a standout option in the small minivan segment. The update sees the Carnival gain a new hybrid powertrain, a revised exterior design, a slightly updated interior, Kia’s latest infotainment system, and some new safety features. Here’s what we know about the 2025 Kia Carnival.
The exterior design of the 2025 Kia Carnival is getting updated for the new model year. At the front, the Carnival gains updated headlights, a chunkier front fascia, a larger grille, and a revised front bumper. At the back, Kia has fitted the Carnival with new taillights and a larger rear bumper. The overall profile of the Carnival remains the same, though the minivan looks burlier than before.
Kia has made some noteworthy changes to the 2025 Carnival’s interior design. The 2025 Carnival’s dashboard has been updated with a slimmer, more modern design. The controls for the HVAC system and vehicle have been updated to match Kia’s more modern vehicles and utilize touch-capacitive controls instead of physical ones.
The design of the central touchscreen and instrument cluster have been updated, as well, as both screens are now integrated into a single piece. Based on initial images, the 2025 Carnival is expected to drop its current gear shifter for a rotary-style dial.
When it comes to tech features, the 2025 Kia Carnival is expected to come with a standard 12-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will be available.
Kia claims that the Carnival will come with seven USB-C ports throughout the cabin, while the minivan gains Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit infotainment system. The Carnival’s voice recognition system can respond to a “Hey, Kia” command and can distinguish between passengers in the front or the second row of the van. A new rear-entertainment system consisting of dual 14.6-inch monitors is available, as is Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 system.
2025 Kia Carnival Engine & Specs
For 2025, the Kia Carnival will be available with two powertrains. The minivan continues to be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Power is rated at 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Carnival is only available with front-wheel drive.
The 2025 model year sees the Carnival gain a new hybrid powertrain. The new Carnival Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor. Combined output is rated at 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Carnival Hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard.
Fuel economy figures for the 2025 model haven’t been announced yet.
2025 Kia Carnival Safety
The 2025 Kia Carnival comes with an updated suite of advanced safety features for the new model year. The minivan will be available with a new feature called Highway Driving Assist 2 that handles most driving tasks on the highway.
Standard features should continue to include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beam assist.
2025 Kia Carnival Price
2025 Carnival pricing ranges from $37,895 to $53,995. The entry-level SX trim is $2,900 more expensive than last year, while the new hybrid models carry a $2,000 premium over their gas-only counterparts. Also of note is the LXS trim, which is new for this year.
Here is a complete breakdown of 2025 Carnival pricing:
