The Kia Carnival is the newest nameplate in the minivan segment, introduced in the U.S. for the 2022 model year as a direct replacement for the long-running Kia Sedona. Though the minivan segment is dwindling, it’s very competitive, with the Toyota Sienna, the Chrysler Pacifica, and the Honda Odyssey being the primary rivals. The 2027 Kia Carnival has five trims: LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige.
2027 Kia Carnival Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Kia Carnival
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival received a significant update in 2025, including some refreshed interior and exterior styling, new technology, revised wheels, and an available digital key. Changes for 2027 are minimal, but new for this model year are available second-row captain’s chairs on EX and SX trims, and a new Iceberg Green paint color. Additionally, the Dark Edition Package has been expanded to the EX trim.
Design
One of the standout features of the Kia Carnival is exterior styling that doesn’t scream minivan. It has SUV-like proportions and an athletic stance, and all models have distinctive LED daytime running lights that help the Carnival stand out in a crowd. Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys, while 19-inch wheels in various finishes are available. The Dark Edition Package, available from EX trim and standard on the SX Prestige, includes a black or gunmetal finish for various exterior details, along with 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels.
Powertrain
The gas-powered Kia Carnival comes equipped with a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, which is the same engine from the previous-generation Telluride. The Carnival is front-wheel drive only, so those looking for a minivan with all-wheel drive will want to check out the Toyota Sienna or the Chrysler Pacifica. EPA estimated fuel economy rings in at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Properly equipped, the Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Interior
The interior of the 2027 Kia Carnival ranges from functional to downright bougie. Seven-passenger seating and middle-row captain’s chairs are standard on the base LX trim, with eight-passenger bench seats becoming standard on the LXS trim. Cloth seats are also standard, with synthetic leather seats standard on the LXS trim, while the SX Prestige comes with standard leather seats. For buyers who want to get fancy, the SX Prestige offers available second-row Lounge Seats with a comfort headrest, power leg extension, and heated-and-ventilated seats. There is a powered dual sunroof, but it's only available on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The 2027 Carnival has 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cubic feet.
Technology
As the newest vehicle in the segment, the Kia Carnival has some of the latest, greatest tech available in a minivan, including a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, second- and third-row USB ports, smart power-sliding rear doors, a Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), tri-zone climate control, and a six-speaker audio system. Available tech includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, rear-seat voice recognition, a wireless phone charger, a power tailgate, a digital rearview mirror, a smart key, a dual 12.3-inch screen panoramic display, ambient lighting, heated-and-ventilated first and second rows, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. Buyers who want parent-friendly tech features such as an in-cabin camera or an intercom should go for EX trim or higher.
