New for the 2025 model year the refreshed Kia Carnival multi-purpose vehicle will offer a hybrid powertrain option. The new 2025 Kia Carnival HEV was introduced at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show and will go on sale in the summer of 2024.

Hybrid Powertrain: 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of Torque

The front-wheel-drive 2025 Carnival HEV is fit with a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. This engine is coupled with a 54 kW motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. The combined output of this hybrid system amounts to 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival is propelled via a 3.5-liter V-6 GDI engine. It generates 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The non-hybrid engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival HEV has 270V electrical architecture and its permanent magnet synchronous motor contributes 72 horsepower.

2025 Kia Carnival HEV-Specific Features

The Carnival HEV incorporates specific hybrid performance upgrades. These are aimed at enhancing both performance and fuel economy, while prioritizing an overall comfortable ride. For example, exclusive to the Carnival HEV are aerodynamic 17-inch wheels. Also, in Eco/Smart mode, the Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) engages through the paddle shift lever. This allows adjustment of the regenerative braking with three-level deceleration control. Furthermore, specific features tailored to the Carnival HEV include E-Handling, which is strategically designed to enhance vehicle responsiveness when navigating corners. The E-Ride feature contributes to smoothing out bumps, facilitated by specially tuned shocks. Finally, the E-Evasive Handling Assist is incorporated to aid in controlling vehicle movement during emergency steering situations.

Exterior Design Highlights

All Carnivals embrace the “Opposites United” design language. Kia says this gives the vehicle a modern and bold SUV appearance. It features a front fascia that exhibits a “chiseled and assertive design.” This is complemented by intricate and high-tech details in cube-like headlamps. These are accentuated by Kia’s signature amber-colored Star Map daytime running lights. The tail of the Carnival has smooth surfaces and clean lines. The license plate housing has been repositioned to the lower part of the tailgate, contributing to a polished appearance. The contours of the Star Map taillights further enhance the rear profile. An available wide and contoured skid plate, contrasting against the black cladding on the lower rear fascia, is also part of the exterior redesign. The technical shapes extend to the Carnival’s alloy wheel options, ranging from 17 to 19 inches. These wheels showcase an array of geometric angles.

Minimalist, Yet High-Tech Dashboard

Inside the Carnival are simple shapes and three-dimensional effects achieved through ambient lighting across the dashboard. The minimalist design extends to the horizontally aligned information and climate controls on the center fascia. A curved panoramic dual-display integrates an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display into a single panel (a wide panel with 4.2-inch TFT and 12-inch screen is standard). An optional full-color head-up display projects cluster and navigation information onto the windshield. The available Full Display Mirror replaces the traditional rear-view mirror with a camera view. Built-in lights within the seat belt buckle enhance visibility in the dark. Seven standard USB-C ports allow mobile devices to stay charged for passengers in all three rows. Additionally, there are two power outlets and two 115V inverters.

Hey Kia!, Optional VIP Lounge Seat, and Multiple Seating Configurations

Saying “Hey Kia!” engages the multi-zone voice recognition feature. It distinguishes speakers in the front and second rows. The system will recognize commands like window openings and climate control adjustments. Carnival models with the optional VIP Lounge Seat package allow second-row passengers to activate relaxation mode. A voice command can recline the seatback and deploy the leg extension. The Carnival has space for seven or eight passengers. Additionally, it offers an impressive 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. The “Slide-Flex” seating in eight-passenger versions offers several configurations. It’s facilitated by a sliding second-row center seat. This ensures easy access for the front passenger to attend to a child. A Carnival trademark, the removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats provide flexibility (note: second-row seats are not removable in SX-Prestige trim).

All Passengers Can Stay Connected

Tech-wise, the Carnival has it going on with the introduction of Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. This system processes data faster and in higher fidelity. This provides convenient access to frequently used Quick Controls through a simple screen swipe. To ensure the Carnival stays up to date, Kia integrates over-the-air updates. Rear passengers can access the company’s newly available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System. This system features dual 14.6-inch monitors with full HD resolution. The system also has the capability to add future content over-the-air. Passengers can connect Bluetooth headsets and mirror external devices using an HDMI port. Furthermore, the Carnival introduces ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0. This enables customers to use compatible smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys for locking, unlocking, and driving.

The Carnival Sports Enhancements to its Advanced Drive Assistance Systems

Kia has updated the Carnival’s suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with its latest iterations. At the core of the Carnival’s advanced driver assist technology is the standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. This alerts the driver to potential collisions with objects or persons in the front. It can also automatically assist with braking under specific conditions to prevent collisions. New additions to the system include available features such as Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lane-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lane-change Side (FCA-LS), and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA). Additionally, the Carnival now offers Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). This feature is designed to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle ahead, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and facilitate lane changes under specific conditions. Additionally, other available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems features include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (N-SCC) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).

SUV Look with the Functionality of a Family Vehicle

Kia notes that the Carnival blends an SUV look with the functionality of a family car. “The Carnival has been a standout since its introduction, effortlessly blending SUV aesthetics with the utilitarian functionality of a family vehicle,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP. “As a brand that refuses to settle for the status quo, we’ve made impactful updates across styling, performance and technology, further allowing the Carnival to challenge stereotypes that family vehicles are uninspiring.” The 2025 Carnival HEV will go on sale in the summer of 2024. The HEV’s curb weight, gross vehicle weight rating, towing capacity, and fuel economy numbers are forthcoming. It will be available in LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trim levels. The non-hybrid Carnival will be available in LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige trim levels.