Kia’s roomy, comfortable, and refined Carnival is now available in a fuel-efficient hybrid model. However, apparently calling this a “minivan” is a no-no in Kia-speak, as the automaker refers to the Carnival as an “MPV,” or “multi-purpose vehicle,” in its marketing.
Other news for the 2025 model includes mild interior and exterior styling updates, standard adaptive cruise control, revised controls, and a new infotainment system.
The hybrid model produces a combined 242 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and electric drive. Along with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Carnival Hybrid produces brisk, responsive acceleration. Kia’s hybrid system is robust, allowing the driver to pilot the van on electric-only power when using a light throttle foot at lower speeds. This powertrain returned 31 mpg overall in our testing—which is startlingly better than the 21 mpg we measured when we tested the regular V6 Carnival. In some ways, the Carnival Hybrid is giving the Toyota Sienna (which comes standard as a hybrid) a run for its money, but Kia’s fuel economy still trails the Toyota’s impressive 36 mpg overall.
The addition of the hybrid powertrain just adds to the overall positive appeal of the standard Carnival, which also did well in our testing. Like any minivan (but look carefully, as there aren’t as many as there used to be), the Carnival offers roomy seating options spread out over three rows. It’s also a cargo-carrying champ, capable of moving your college-age kid into his/her dorm room. Keep in mind that removing the second-row seats to maximize the cargo space requires some extra muscle, so you might be best served by corralling the rugby team to help out.
Generally, testers heaped praise on the Carnival hybrid for its overall versatile nature and decent drivability. Most comments shared the same theme, such as:
“A very functional, roomy vehicle that gets great gas mileage.”
“It may not be as satisfying to use as the V6 but making this a hybrid seems like a no-brainer.”
"Ever since the last one we tested, I always said I wished that the Carnival and Sienna hybrid would have a baby and be a Carnival Hybrid. It’s like they heard me :).”
We bought a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid EX for $44,855—anonymously from an area dealer, as we do with every vehicle we test—for the purpose of this road test review.
Driving experience
We found the Carnival’s hybrid system—which combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and an electric drive—a winning combination. This powertrain supplies ample acceleration and returns 31 mpg overall in our testing, as opposed to 21 mpg with the regular V6 Carnival. That’s commendable but falls short of its main rival the Toyota Sienna, which comes only as a hybrid and gets 36 mpg overall. We also love the Carnival hybrid’s 600-mile driving range.
In our acceleration tests, the Carnival hybrid went from 0 to 60 mph in a decent 8.5 seconds, which is about the same as the V6-powered regular Carnival and only a tick behind the Sienna.
This powerplant makes the Carnival scoot off the line almost immediately. Sometimes, too immediately; on occasion the electric torque can be abrupt, making it easy to spin the front tires, which is then followed by a delay from the gas engine while it’s engaging.
Although the Carnival doesn't shine in terms of agility (let’s be real: it’s a minivan), it proved balanced and controlled through our avoidance maneuver—which simulates swerving quickly to avoid a vehicle or obstacle on the road—and posted a commendable 49.5 mph.
Its suspension nicely takes the edge off bumps, and the cabin stays quiet, though there was some extra wind noise from the large side windows at highway speeds. Unlike the Toyota Sienna's noisy engine, when extra power is needed for a hill climb or a quick burst of power, the Carnival hybrid’s engine remains more civilized.
Cabin comfort
The cabin decor in our mid-trim EX is not ultra-fancy but instead leans toward functional. There are a few nice touches here and there, such as the glossy black instrument panel and infotainment screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a mostly positive feel to the controls. But there’s also a fair amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin, and some of the areas that should be soft to the touch are only very lightly padded.
Storage between the front seats is a bit scant compared to some other minivans, but the wireless phone charging pad is handy, as are the USB ports in all three rows.
The Carnival’s front seats are wide, supportive, and comfortable for the long haul. But while the second-row seat has lots of headroom, thigh support could be better. The third row is low and firm but fairly roomy, and more comfortable than the Sienna’s. Keep in mind that the Carnival’s second-row seats are a chore to remove when looking for maximum cargo space. But we like that the middle section of the second row can slide forward and backward on a long track, aiding seating flexibility; for instance, this makes it possible to place a child closer to the parents up front, or so that three adults don’t have to rub shoulders.
Controls and usability
While not a dealbreaker, the rotary-style electronic gear selector takes some getting used to. Unfortunately, the split panel that interfaces with the audio and climate functions is just as annoying as it is in other Kias. Still, most functionality of the Carnival doesn’t require much of a tutorial. At least Kia moved the controls for the sliding side doors and liftgate from the lower left of the driver’s dash to the more convenient overhead console; this setup makes it much easier for the front passenger to reach.
Active safety & driver assistance
Standard active safety and driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
We’re happy to see that a rear occupant alert comes standard. This system is designed to remind the driver—based on rear-door logic—to check the rear seat when they turn the Carnival off to help prevent children and pets from suffering heatstroke or hypothermia if unintentionally left behind in the vehicle. But it’s disappointing that a rear belt minder isn’t available.