Kia released the Carnival a few years ago as a replacement for the Sedona minivan. It sports more rugged styling, closer to that of an SUV, and top trims get interiors that rival those in some luxury brands. The Carnival comes in a range of configurations, but all feature flexible seating and family-friendly interiors that beg for road trip action.
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
The Carnival Hybrid is all-new for 2025, adding to the existing gas-only model. The van lineup got an appearance update for 2025, and Kia added new tech and safety features for the refreshed Carnival.
Design
Though still very clearly a minivan, the Carnival’s styling edges more toward the Telluride SUV than its minivan predecessor, the Sedona. It features an upright front end with Kia’s signature "tiger nose grille," and some variants get orange LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The side styling still shouts "minivan," but the Carnival’s clean lines and boxy shape give it a more muscular look.
Powertrain
The 2025 Carnival Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 54-kW motor. That setup is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and produces a combined 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Kia equips active grille components to increase airflow or improve aerodynamics when necessary. Those specs aren’t as strong as the gas-only model, but the electric motor’s instant torque should help the Carnival feel lively off the line. The van also offers a smooth ride and quiet interior at highway speeds.
Interior
The Carnival seats seven or eight, depending on configuration, and the hybrid comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery. Power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. The Carnival’s cabin is easily one of the most comfortable in its segment, and there’s plenty of space across the first two rows of seating. The third-row seats won’t be as comfortable for adults, but they are easily accessible for most people.
Technology
Kia equips a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 2025 Carnival Hybrid. Other standard tech includes Bluetooth, voice commands, six speakers, and several USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is available, which comes paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Kia’s infotainment system isn’t as flashy as many others, but it’s relatively simple and easy to use.
Safety
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but it comes with a long list of standard features. They include forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Pricing
As of this writing, the 2025 Carnival Hybrid starts at $40,500 for the base LXS trim. Prices range to $52,600 for the top Hybrid SX Prestige model, $2,000 more than the standard gas-powered minivan.