Kia Carnival Hybrid 2025: 10 things to know
In 2002, Kia launched the Sedona minivan in Canada. Twenty years later, during a model redesign, the minivan was renamed the Carnival (a name used elsewhere in the world). After more than two decades, Kia remains one of only four manufacturers to offer a model in the minivan category, the others being Toyota (Sienna), Honda (Odyssey), and Chrysler (Grand Caravan and Pacifica).
Sadly, for families, there is no model as practical as a minivan. For those who have realized this, there are some interesting offers in the segment, including Kia’s, which is improving for 2025.
I had the opportunity to drive the new hybrid version of the model last week in San Diego. Here are 10 thoughts on the changes made to the lineup as part of a mid-cycle refresh.
1 – The hybrid solution
To make the Carnival hybrid, Kia used a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine already used in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of its Sportage and Sorento SUVs. This engine provides 242 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a 54 kW electric motor, it has the most power of all hybrid models in the group.
2 – Front-wheel drive only
The Carnival competes with two rivals: the Toyota Sienna, only available in a hybrid configuration, and the Chrysler Pacifica, available as a plug-in hybrid. The main rival is the Sienna, which offers all-wheel drive, a feature not added to the Carnival hybrid. This may seem like an oversight in the Canadian market, but Kia aims to make gains elsewhere on the planet, including in the United States.
3 – Style
Kia has given the entire Carnival lineup a facelift for 2025, with visible changes to the front and rear designs, new bumpers, and the option of a black package for the SX models. This package includes various black accents on the vehicle.
4 – Variants and prices
Kia offers six gasoline versions and three new hybrid options for 2025. The gasoline variants come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 288 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variants have the 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with an electric motor.
5 – Interior changes
The interior updates are subtle, with revised screens and a new generation multimedia system. The Carnival now features a control panel that can switch between climate controls and multimedia functions.
6 – Seven or eight seats
The 2025 Kia Carnival retains the same interior layout, but even in the high-end versions, it now offers the option for eight seats instead of only seven.
7 – Stated fuel efficiency
The hybrid version offers significantly better fuel efficiency than the V6 variant, with a reduction of about 35% in fuel consumption.
8 – Towing capacity
The hybrid version retains a towing capacity of 3000 pounds, slightly lower than the V6 variant. For regular towing, the V6 may be more suitable.
9 – Technology
New features include a multizone voice recognition system, available head-up display, and a three-stage regenerative braking system aimed at optimizing battery usage for electric driving.
10 – Driving experience
The 2025 Carnival maintains a high level of comfort and stability on the road. The hybrid powertrain offers adequate power, but the weight of the vehicle is a drawback.
In conclusion, Kia is late to the game with its hybrid model, but it offers consumers another option. The Toyota Sienna remains a strong competitor due to its all-wheel drive and lower fuel consumption. Kia expects 30-40% of sales to be from the new hybrid version.
