New Kia Carnival Review

For the family driver, a 3-row vehicle's performance is paramount, and the Carnival certainly rises to the occasion. Under its hood lies a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, churning out a commanding 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, ensuring a dynamic and responsive driving experience.

Handling is excellent thanks to the smart automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The driver will find this big van drives more like a car.

What sets the Carnival apart is its impressive 3,500-pound tow rating, a testament to its robust build and remarkable capability to shoulder heavy loads with ease. Whether it's towing a trailer, camper, or other equipment, the Carnival offers the versatility needed for family adventures.

The exciting new Kia Carnival Hybrid is adding efficiency to this minivan's long list of superlatives. A true hybrid, it uses its own turbo powertrain -- and regen braking -- to keep the battery charged and to help maintain the 54kW battery.

The new hybrid driver will command a combined 242 horsepower, keeping it competitive with the gas-powered Carnival. The combined rate of torque is a load-moving 271 lb-ft.

For this new ride, Kia engineers have devised special systems such as E-Handling, E-Ride and E-Evasive Steering Assist. These improve drivability, passenger ride quality, and safety in ways that aren't possible in a non-hybrid vehicle.

Good news for families who want the hybrid, Kia keeps the massive interior just as spacious. You don't lose cubic feet or even inches to the hybrid electric powertrain's battery and other components.

There will be multiple trims, allowing shoppers to pick the edition that suits their family best. All of the Carnival's driver assistance is standard, along with terrific infotainment touchscreens.

This is one smart package, bringing you money-saving fuel efficiency and maintaining every good thing that the Kia Carnival offers today.

Underneath its unique exterior, the Kia Carnival is even more spacious than it looks. Generous passenger space spans 168 cubic feet. This roomy haven ensures ample legroom, with the second row providing a substantial 40.5 inches and the third row offering a comfortable 35.6 inches.

Kia minivans stand as one of the most expansive 3-row SUVs or minivans on the market, surpassing key rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna in interior size.

In addition to its remarkable seating capacity, the Carnival MPV showcases an exceptional cargo-carrying prowess. When the seats are folded, the Carnival unveils an immense 145 cubic feet of cargo space, making it an ideal choice for hauling various items.

In its standard configuration, the Carnival's cargo area boasts a substantial 40.2 cubic feet, eclipsing the competition and earning it the best-in-class designation. It certainly leaves many 3-row SUVs in the dust.

With the third row folded, the Carnival's cargo area expands to an impressive 89 cubic feet, providing an expansive canvas for an array of uses. It's a versatile choice, suitable for tackling everything from major moves to handling the gear of an entire dorm room. New Kia Carnival loans and leases are available with our convenient financing.

The Carnival impresses with its best-in-class passenger space, offering both 7 and 8-seater configurations to cater to your preferences. The LX model presents a 7-seat layout, while the LX Seat Package extends seating capacity to 8.

Standard features across the Carnival lineup include an 8-inch touchscreen, essential driver aids, and the convenience of a Smart Key.

With an acoustic windshield and sound-deadening materials, the Carnival ensures a serene and quiet ride. The power-slide doors are a hit with both kids and parents, featuring standard hands-free operation to enhance overall convenience.

For an elevated driving experience, the driver's seat offers a range of options, including memory function, power adjustments, as well as heating and ventilation. Dual ventilated seats, especially favored in the scorching heat of Phoenix, Arizona, guarantee a more pleasant ride.

At the top of the line, the SX Prestige treats you to premium features like a dual-pane sunroof and luxurious pure leather upholstery. An exclusive feature to the Kia Carnival, the SlideFlex 8-person layout introduces a second-row middle seat that can conveniently slide forward to position a child seat closer to parents. Furthermore, this versatile middle seat can transform into a functional table.

VIP lounge seats, a standard feature on the Carnival SX Prestige, are a unique offering. These center-row captain’s chairs are equipped with distinctive wing-out headrests and leg extensions. It’s like having living room recliners on the second row. For more information about trim levels, you may also want to check out this 2026 model year review

The new Carnival is well-equipped with connectivity features. You can enjoy an 8-inch standard touchscreen with Google Assistant.

These systems come with advanced voice capabilities, along with connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can easily integrate Amazon Alexa with compatible devices.

In the SX models, you'll find an additional 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel, paired with a blind spot monitor for enhanced safety. The 12.3-inch display complements the touchscreen, offering a panoramic view.

Every Kia Carnival includes several standard and optional features designed to assist parents. To keep passengers entertained, the second-row entertainment screens are now compatible with streaming. An available WiFi hotspot ensures that your teens and tweens can stay connected on their smart devices.

The audio system offers a quiet mode, allowing parents to listen to music or directions without disturbing a sleeping child. The top audio system is a 12-speaker Bose set-up with exceptional sound quality.

An available passenger talk intercom lets parents communicate with children without turning away from the road. Additionally, a camera system with night vision provides real-time views of the kids in the back seats.

You are invited to schedule a test drive at this Phoenix AZ Kia dealer. Earnhardt Peoria Kia is your home for No Bull pricing and excellent customer service.

Kia prioritizes safety with an extensive array of driver assistance features. Among these, you'll find the forward collision avoidance assist, which helps mitigate or prevent frontal collisions, a blind spot monitor, and a lane warning system to enhance safety on the road.

Additionally, the new Carnival minivan offers Adaptive Cruise Control - Curve (ACCC), which leverages navigation data to optimize efficiency. The Lane Following Assist feature assists with maintaining a consistent lane position, while Highway Driving Assist is perfect for those long stretches of uninterrupted interstate travel.

Another family-friendly feature is the presence of five LATCH-equipped seats, offering flexibility for seating arrangements to accommodate various family needs. Typical 3 row SUVs provide only two full LATCH attachments.

To keep parents and caregivers informed, the Carnival incorporates a rear occupant alert system that utilizes ultrasonic technology. Moreover, the Safe Exit Assist function helps prevent children from accidentally opening the door into oncoming traffic.

Earnhardt Peoria Kia's finance department offers a range of financing options tailored to fit various budgets and credit situations. Our team is dedicated to helping customers secure the best possible financing for their Kia, making the car-buying process smooth and stress-free.

Get ready to feel the excitement of driving a Kia firsthand. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process, ensuring you get the most out of your test drive.