Kia puts the Carnival minivan into the limelight with the introduction of a hybrid model for 2025. The Carnival Hybrid has the same attractive styling and innovative practicality as the gas-only Carnival, but delivers much better fuel economy.
EPA ratings for the 2025 Carnival Hybrid are 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, while the standard Carnival is rated 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Pricing comparisons between the two models are a little tricky because the Carnival Hybrid has four trim levels and the gas-only Carnival has five. The “extra” trim is the base LX ($37,895), which is not available for the hybrid, whose pricing starts with an LXS trim at $41,895.
Carnival Hybrid’s trims are LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The hybrid powertrain used in all models is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a 54kW motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, pretty much in the same ballpark as the nonhybrid’s V6 with its 287-hp and 260 lb-ft.
In any case, the Carnival Hybrid powertrain accelerates with gusto and goes about its business seamlessly. Meanwhile, the cabin does its part by providing a comfortable and noiseless environment. Mechanicals underneath ensure an unruffled ride and steady handling.
My Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige test vehicle had seating for eight passengers. A sliding center seat in the second row gives front passengers easy access to a baby or child, or in my case a backpack, riding in it.
A sophisticated curved panoramic display on the dashboard incorporates two 12.3-inch screens, one for digital instrumentation, the other for an infotainment system. Navigation, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM, wireless phone charging, and a wonderful Bose premium audio system are included.
The infotainment system is complex but not frustrating. If you happen to get in over your head, voice command can come to the rescue.
Carnival Hybrid’s cargo capacity speaks to its practicality as a van. Behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet of room awaits. Fold the third row (it folds flat) and the dimension expands to 86.9 cubic feet. Go hog-wild and fold down everything behind the front row, and an amazing 145.1 cubic feet of space is at your service.
2025 KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID SX PRESTIGE
Base price, including destination charge: $53,995
Price as driven: $54,490
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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