2025 Kia Carnival Review
2025 Kia Carnival in Peoria, AZ
2025 Kia Carnival Review -- A New Hybrid Minivan for Phoenix Families
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid nearly doubles the way you can drive the Carnival MPV minivan. Taking you from five trim levels to nine Carnival trim levels, there are many affordable price points and awesome value packages.
What’s really new about this minivan? Find out in this Kia Carnival review.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is the showpiece of the new model year, but it’s not the only change to this well-liked minivan. Kia is introducing a new design that takes advantage of existing favorites while strengthening the overall appeal.
As with the 2024, the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV continues to look more like an SUV. Adding more drama to the interesting tiger-nose grille, Star Map DRLs form eyebrows over vertical LED headlights. The rear’s centerpiece is a full-width light bar which unifies its vertical taillights. Other changes include a new skid plate and a more streamlined tailgate.
The interior takes on an even more high-tech look. With its updated features, the cockpit is more ergonomic even before you add the special Ergo Motion driver’s seat.
A new high-definition infotainment system features two 14.6-inch monitors in a panoramic curved display. First seen on luxury models, fingerprint authentication is added to the Carnival’s menu. Updated, the Kia Digital Key 2.0 is even better than before.
Should You Drive the Carnival or Carnival Hybrid?
Like the 2024 Kia Carnival, the standard minivan continues to be powered by a smart 3.5-liter V6 engine. Output is 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This sprightly engine is controlled by an 8 speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This has proven a good powertrain as evidenced by the fact it will still be offered on five trim levels.
Changing the equation, the Carnival Hybrid generates 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. In addition to its smart electric motors, it has several exclusive systems to help you make the most of the power. E-Handling helps with cornering. E-Ride takes care of ride quality on bumpy surfaces. E-Evasive Handling Assist helps prevent driver oversteer in vulnerable situations.
A paddle shift lever provides the driver with three levels of regenerative braking. Plus there are specially designed aerodynamic 17-inch wheels on the Carnival Hybrid.
The LX is the 2025 Carnival entry trim. Carnival trim levels for either the gas or hybrid powertrain include LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige as well as a special Dark edition. Shoppers will appreciate that the Carnival specs don’t change as you climb the trim ladder.
What are the Kia Carnival Specs?
The Carnival has 145 cubic feet of cargo space with the 2nd and third rows down. The Carnival Hybrid follows suit, maintaining the large area needed for 7 or 8 passengers. Plus that 145 cubes of cargo space is best in class. For example, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid only offers 140.5 cubes. With big families, every cube really counts!
2025 Carnival Hybrids have the same Slide-Flex seating option as the regular Carnival. Among its many tricks, the second row center seat can be slid up toward the parents. The third row can fold into the floor. Second-row seats can be removed to expand the cargo area.
With the SX Prestige trim, Carnival or Carnival Hybrid families can enjoy a dual-pane sunroof. Real leather covers the seats, and 12 speakers deliver incredible Bose sound. Drivers can enjoy massaging, ventilated seats, a favorite with Phoenix drivers.
If equipped with 2nd row VIP lounge seats with wing-out headrests, passengers can operate their seats with a voice command. The VIP chairs have a leg extension as well as reclining functions.
At our Phoenix Kia dealership, the finance staff can help you get a competitive loan or lease. Our financing is a surefire way to turn the Kia Carnival SX into your family’s home-away-from-home.
What SUV Features are Parent Friendly?
New for 2025, the Carnival now offers a UV-C sterilization function inside the glovebox. This can be used to kill germs on hard surfaces such as cell phones and baby bottles. Kia audio system offers a quiet mode to help keep the back rows serene while providing the information or entertainment that the parents need.
Another favorite is the passenger talk intercom and camera system. Parents can watch over the kids and speak to them easily. This way the driver doesn’t feel the need to turn away from the road.
Ready for car seats, there are five full LATCH equipped seats. Helping to stop kids from stepping into traffic, the minivan may lock the doors as part of a Safe Exit Assist feature. Helping caregivers remember to check for all passengers, there’s a rear occupant alert.
Your current ride is probably worth quite a bit. It’s easy to find out with a Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer.
What SUV Features are Kid Friendly?
All new, a Connected Car Rear Cockpit is available to keep kids and teens entertained. With helpful Quick Control to assist users, dual 14.6-inch high-definition screens have the ability to stream content. With Bluetooth headsets for the kids, parents don’t have to listen to the games, movies or cartoons.
An HDMI port and over-the-air updates add more capability. The cabin boasts 7 USB-C ports, ensuring that teens and tweens can keep their smart devices charged.
New technology also allows teens and tweens to adjust 2nd-row climate controls with voice commands. Last but not least, the Carnival is easy to enter and exit thanks to power-controlled sliding doors.
What About Safety and Driver Tech in the Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival is known for a good safety record, and the Carnival Hybrid is sure to earn the same good scores. A Kia exclusive, seat belt buckles glow with light so they can be seen in the dark.
As before, the Carnival comes with a forward collision avoidance assist. For 2025, the Carnival and Carnival Hybrid driver can expand the system with Junction Crossing, lane-change side, and evasive steering functions.
All Kia minivans help you avoid side collisions by providing a blind spot monitor and a lane keeping system. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a valuable standard. Higher trims introduce ACC with curve control. This cruise system coordinates with the built-in navigation.
Highway Driving Assist 2 takes ACC-curve and lane pacing to a new level. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and an available live Blind Spot Monitor are also on the menu.
Whether you prefer the regular Carnival or the Carnival Hybrid, you’ll find a good fit for your family at Peoria Kia. Schedule a test drive.
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APR based on Kia Motors Financing.