2025 Kia Carnival: Enhancements and Features Overview
The tiny but tenacious minivan class is being shown some real love with a mid-cycle refresh of the 2025 Kia Carnival that suggests the company sees a bright future for its SUV-wannabe people-and-stuff hauler. This shift is not surprising, given that its market share has risen by 12 points as the most popular offering among younger and Gen-Z buyers. The design changes are instantly recognizable, better aligning Kia’s minivan with its family of SUVs.
However, the more important upgrades are under the skin, including a new 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain similar to that powering the Sorento Hybrid, enhanced with a stronger electric motor to improve power and torque. Moreover, the electrical architecture has been upgraded to support more significant over-the-air updates and enhanced connectivity.
Two Powertrain Choices
The 3.5-liter 287-hp/260-lb-ft V-6 engine continues as the base engine in all five trim grades (which includes a new-for-2025 LXS). The top four trims—LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige—are also available with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a 72-hp electric motor (an increase from the Sorento’s 59-hp unit). Consequently, this brings the combined output to 242 hp and 271 lb-ft (up from Sorento’s 227/258). We expect the Kia HEV to include the Sorento’s belt-alternator-starter motor as well. All this combined output is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission, just like in the Sorento.
Hybrid-Exclusive Features
Chassis-dynamics features exclusive to the Carnival HEV include E-Handling, aimed at improving vehicle responsiveness when entering and exiting a corner; E-Ride, which uses specially tuned shocks to help the van glide over bumps; and E-Evasive Handling Assist, designed to maintain control during emergency steering maneuvers. Each of these systems leverages the electric traction motor’s ability to instantaneously regenerate or power the front wheels, varying the vehicle’s attitude. Special aero-optimized 17-inch wheels will be exclusive to Carnival HEV models, as will Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC), providing three levels of regenerative braking.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Highway Driving Assist, which premiered on the electric EV6 SUV, enhances the adaptive cruise control system with lane centering and lane-change assist. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is upgraded with Junction-Crossing protection, Lane-Change Oncoming and Lane-Change Side warnings, and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-JC, -LO, -LS, and -ESA). Additional features include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (N-SCC) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).
Screens Aplenty
The driver is now presented with what resembles a single instrument panel, rather than a separate binnacle next to a screen. Upper trims feature two 12.3-inch displays behind a single curved surface, while base models maintain analog gauges flanking a 4.2-inch driver info screen with a small gap separating the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. A new reconfigurable full-color head-up display is now available, alongside a camera-based Full Display Mirror. In the rear, Kia’s in-house-developed Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) entertainment system boasts dual 14.6-inch monitors capable of streaming from most popular platforms, with potential for future content updates over-the-air.
Other Interior Features
Passengers in the front rows can simply say “Hey Kia,” and sensors will detect who’s speaking, allowing individuals to request assistance such as lowering their window. In the SX Prestige model, second-row passengers can request “Relax Mode” to recline their seat with the footrest elevated. The interior is equipped with seven USB-C charging jacks, two 12-volt power points, and two 120-volt inverter jacks scattered throughout. Furthermore, a new ultra-wideband-based Digital Key permits compatible smart devices or NFC-enabled cards to function as virtual vehicle keys, enabling sharing capabilities via text messages.
Distinctive Design Features
The Carnival’s unique design philosophy, dubbed “Opposites United,” merges minivan and SUV aesthetics through features such as “star map” taillamps, amber daytime-running lamps, vertically stacked cube-like headlamps, and a bold tiger-nose grille. Consequently, it’s easy to recognize the 2025 Carnival from its predecessors. Several new wheel options are available, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, and Kia is introducing a Dark Edition with black wheels and darker accents on various exterior components.
Price and On Sale Date
As of now, pricing has not yet been announced. While it is unlikely that base LX V-6 pricing will change significantly, predicting the price premium for the hybrid model is more challenging. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the anticipated summer 2024 on-sale date.
