Farewell to the Minivan: Welcome the MPV
For those who have sworn off minivans, Kia is urging them to reconsider with the 2025 Carnival MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). Originally introduced in 2022 with a gasoline engine, the 2025 Carnival now offers a hybrid option catering to those looking for improved fuel efficiency and performance.
In an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers, a well-kept secret among enthusiasts is that the vehicle best suited for comfortably transporting up to eight passengers, with both convenience and style, is right under our noses.
Kia recently invited members of the international media to San Diego, California, for a test drive of the updated 2025 Carnival SX Hybrid Prestige Dark Edition. This quick drive will highlight the key features, with a more extensive road test to follow soon.
Powertrain
Clean Fleet Report took the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige for a spin, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 54 kW electric motor, all coordinated through a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available. This setup delivers a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.
The EPA estimates fuel efficiency at 34 mpg in the city, 31 on the highway, and 33 combined. When Clean Fleet Report has the Carnival Hybrid for an extended period, we will provide real-world fuel consumption data after driving several hundred miles. For now, these figures are commendable for a vehicle tipping the scales at 4,967 pounds that accommodates up to eight passengers.
The Carnival hybrid’s 33 mpg combined rating compares favorably with the Chrysler Pacifica (32 mpg) and Toyota Sienna (36 mpg), both of which are hybrids. The Honda Odyssey is the sole minivan lacking a hybrid option, illustrated by its lesser fuel economy of 22 mpg—11 mpg less than the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid.
Driving Experience: Performance on the Road
With a ground clearance of 6.8 inches and fitted with Continental CrossContact 235/55 all-season touring tires on Dark Edition 19-inch black alloy wheels, the Carnival handles just as well, if not better, than a full-size SUV. On the highway, it absorbs road imperfections effortlessly, ensuring a stable and comfortable driving experience. The electric power steering enhances maneuverability, making it feel less cumbersome than its size would suggest.
The Carnival experiences minimal body roll during turns, and although it doesn’t advertise itself as a sporty ride, there’s no need to carve corners aggressively. It features a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds when equipped with the tow brake package.
Braking performance is solid and reliable, benefiting from a power-assisted system equipped with ventilated front and solid rear discs, integrated with the anti-lock brake system and electric stability control.
One standout feature is the Carnival’s adjustable brake regeneration, transforming kinetic energy into electricity while braking or coasting and recharging the battery. This is controlled via steering wheel paddles, allowing drivers to increase or decrease braking power with simple clicks—maxing out the regeneration can nearly bring the vehicle to a complete stop. An auto hold feature keeps the Carnival stationary until the accelerator is pressed.
Highway Driving Assist 2 is a useful feature for long trips, relieving driver fatigue. Once adaptive cruise control, speed limits, and following distance are set, a green steering wheel icon appears, permitting hands-free driving. The system uses cameras and GPS to maintain lane positioning, even during wide highway turns, and can execute lane changes without driver intervention.
Exterior Design: An SUV or Minivan?
Referring to it as an MPV hints at the Carnival’s innovative design, prompting observers to question whether it’s an SUV or a minivan. Kia cleverly blends traditional elements from both categories, creating a visually striking vehicle.
It features a long hood adorned with the stylized KIA logo, set behind a broad grille framed by eye-catching vertical projector LED headlights. Fog lamps grace the outer edges of the lower fascia, and the daytime running lights and turn signals are integrated into a stylish accent strip. Additionally, the matte chrome grille boasts horizontally arranged U-shaped rectangular blocks, forming a subtly concave design.
From the side, its elongated hood, windows, and roof heighten the perception of length, while the Dark Edition we drove incorporates darkened accents on roof rails, skid plates, C-pillars, power sliding side doors, a power tailgate, power side mirror covers, the front grille, and wheels.
At the rear, there’s a hands-free power liftgate featuring an integrated spoiler and a concealed rear window wiper. The lower bumper displays a design element reminiscent of a skid plate. Reflector strips separate the LED taillights on the liftgate.
Interior: Generous Space
The Carnival offers four distinct trim levels: LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige—the latter being the version driven by Clean Fleet Report during the media launch in San Diego. With seating for either seven or eight, it provides ample space for both passengers and cargo.
The cabin of the Carnival is remarkably quiet, thanks to sound-dampening materials used between the cabin and engine, as well as solar and acoustic glass in the windshield and side windows, plus carpeted flooring. The interior finish matches the quality seen in premium vehicles.
Front seats are both supportive and comfortable, featuring heating and ventilation, with the driver benefitting from 8-way power adjustments—including lumbar support and memory settings. The front passenger also receives 8-way power settings, though without memory or lumbar support. A convenient switch enables the driver to adjust the front passenger seat for easier access to the second and third rows.
Coupled with a manual tilt and telescoping steering column, finding an ideal driving position is effortless.
Clean Fleet Report’s Carnival SX Prestige Dark Edition hybrid features eight leather-trimmed seats with power sliding doors on each side for easy access to the second and third rows. The second-row seats are removable and recline, arranged in a three-part configuration that, when the center seat is folded down, creates a table with tray space and cup holders. With the second row removed and the third row stowed under the floor, the cargo area becomes highly generous, accommodating large items like a 4×8 sheet of plywood.
USB ports are available for the second and third rows, along with a second row AC 115V outlet and a 12V accessory plug. Additional features include cup holders, a fold-down center armrest, adjustable climate controls, air vents, and side window shades. The panoramic power sunroof extends above the second row, while the dual-screen entertainment setup on the back of the front seats is an optional feature on the SX and SX Prestige trims.
Audio, Connectivity, and Entertainment
The tranquil interior is ideal for enjoying the Bose 12-speaker audio system, which is user-friendly and includes channel and volume knobs, meeting Clean Fleet Report’s standards for ease of use. Every trim features curved, panoramic dual 12.3-inch color displays—one serves as a digital instrument cluster, while the other manages the audio system, navigation, and multi-view camera. The Bose system is equipped with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity.
Voice recognition capabilities for hands-free phone dialing and vehicle functions work effectively by simply saying “Hey Kia!” Alternatively, steering wheel controls are available for managing phone calls, radio, and adaptive cruise control based on navigation input.
Additional conveniences include wireless charging, push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, power door locks, heated exterior mirrors with turn signals, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a rearview mirror with Homelink capabilities.
Safety and Convenience Features
The 2025 Carnival is loaded with technology, featuring front and seat-mounted airbags, as well as first-row side, driver knee, and full-length side curtain airbags. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) enhance safety with functions such as forward collision warning and avoidance, lane departure warnings and assists, driver attention alerts, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking distance warnings, and pedestrian forward collision avoidance.
The Carnival also includes Passenger View and Passenger Talk features, comprising an interior rear-facing camera with infrared night vision that allows front passengers to monitor activities in the rear rows. The talk functionality enables communication between front and rear passengers without needing to raise voices, muting any audio from the speakers when activated. Both features are easily accessible through the touchscreen interface.
Pricing
The base prices for the 2025 Carnival, excluding options but including a $1,395 destination charge, are as follows:
LXS $41,895
EX $44,700
SX $48,995
SX Prestige $53,995
Final Thoughts: 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
Kia describes the 2025 Carnival Hybrid as “An MPV that pushes the boundaries.” After reviewing the inaugural 2022 Carnival, Clean Fleet Report expressed admiration for its tangible usability and practicality, which positions it as a necessary consideration. The introduction of the hybrid version in 2025 further reinforces these sentiments.
With its sleek design, spacious and comfortable interior, and flexible storage options, the Carnival presents an attractive alternative to traditional minivans. This may diminish the allure of large SUVs for some buyers.
Brad May, the director of brand experience, notes that the “Carnival Hybrid provides an additional powertrain option that consumers have expressed interest in. Plus, it features SUV styling with the family-friendly interior space. Now, customers can choose between an ICE (internal combustion engine) variant or a hybrid.”
For the skeptics who claim, “I will never own a minivan!” it’s encouraged to engage Carnival owners casually at shopping centers or home improvement stores to hear about their experiences. Such conversations might just challenge the longstanding stigma of minivan ownership.
May elaborated: “If consumers prioritize specific features and capabilities, they may explore other Kia models. However, the Carnival stands apart from the Telluride, Sportage, or Sorrento due to its unique design. The Carnival holds an important role in Kia’s lineup, offering something distinct from the rest.”
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Article and images by John Faulkner.
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