The 2025 Kia Carnival is not your typical minivan. It’s a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that combines the space and versatility of a minivan with the style and performance of an SUV. With a refreshed design, a new hybrid option, and cutting-edge technology, the Carnival is ready to redefine the segment and appeal to a wider range of customers.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a major update from the previous model, which was known as the Sedona in the US market. The Carnival features a new platform, a new name, and a new look that aligns with Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy. The Carnival also introduces a new turbo-hybrid powertrain that delivers 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful hybrid in its class. The Carnival also boasts best-in-class passenger and cargo room, as well as advanced safety and infotainment features.
Exterior Design: Bold and Grand
The 2025 Kia Carnival has a bold and grand exterior design that makes it stand out from other minivans. The front fascia features a large and sculptural grille that is flanked by cube-like headlamps with amber-colored Star Map daytime running lights. The side profile has a long and sleek silhouette with muscular wheel arches and chrome accents. The rear end has a clean and refined appearance with smooth surfaces and horizontal LED taillights. The Carnival also offers a new SX Dark Edition Package that adds black exterior elements and 20-inch black alloy wheels for a more sporty and aggressive look.
Interior Design: Sleek and High-Tech
The 2025 Kia Carnival has a sleek and high-tech interior design that offers a premium and comfortable experience for up to eight passengers. The dashboard features Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that are seamlessly integrated into a 24-inch combined Panoramic Display. The Carnival also offers a new available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) system, which includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen monitor for the second-row passengers and a 7-inch touchscreen controller for the third-row passengers. The Carnival also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, over-the-air software updates, and an ultrawide band-based Digital Key 2.0 that allows the driver to unlock, start, and drive the vehicle using a smartphone.
Performance and Efficiency: Hybrid and V6 Options
The 2025 Kia Carnival offers two powerful and efficient powertrain options: a new turbo-hybrid and a carryover V6. The turbo-hybrid combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 54-kW electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-hybrid has a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful hybrid in its class. The turbo-hybrid also has an estimated fuel economy of 37 mpg combined, making it the most efficient hybrid in its class. The V6 is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 has a combined output of 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful V6 in its class. The V6 also has an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined, making it the most efficient V6 in its class. Both powertrains are front-wheel drive only.
Safety and Driver Assistance: 17 Standard Features
The 2025 Kia Carnival is equipped with 17 standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help to enhance safety and convenience. Some of the standard features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which can detect and avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and junctions.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), which can warn and intervene if the driver attempts to change lanes when there is a vehicle in the blind spot.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), which can warn and intervene if the driver is reversing and there is a vehicle approaching from the side.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which can help the driver stay in the lane by applying steering corrections.
- Lane Following Assist (LFA), which can help the driver follow the lane markings and the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 95 mph.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW), which can monitor the driver’s attention level and suggest a break if needed.
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which can help the driver maintain a safe distance and speed from the vehicle ahead, as well as change lanes automatically when requested.
The Carnival also offers some available features such as:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), which can display a live video feed of the rear blind spots in the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated.
- 360-Degree Surround View Monitor (SVM), which can display a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the touchscreen.
- Full Display Mirror (FDM), which can display a clear view of the road behind the vehicle on the rearview mirror.
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA), which can prevent the rear doors from opening if there is a vehicle approaching from behind.
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), which can remind the driver to check the rear seats for passengers or pets before exiting the vehicle.