Kia Carnival gains a hybrid powertrain option, updated looks, and some new tech to compete in the minivan segment
February 8, 2024 at 11:45
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Following its debut in Korea last fall, Kia has officially unveiled the North American-spec 2025 Carnival at the Chicago Auto Show today. Set to go on sale this summer, the minivan boasts enhanced technology, updated aesthetics, and a new hybrid powertrain.
The most significant changes to the Carnival are found at the front. The minivan, aspiring to crossover status, receives a wider grille with reduced chrome accents, along with amber daytime running lights (DRLs) that align its design more closely with the Sorento.
Under the hood, the Carnival’s trusty 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine returns, making 287 hp (214 kW/290 PS) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque, which, weirdly, is three horses fewer than it did last year. While that’s an unusual change, it is by no means the most meaningful one.
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The real news comes in the form of a hybrid powertrain option. This one is based on a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that is paired to a 54 kW motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain will make 242 hp (180 kW/245 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque.
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With a focus on efficiency, it will come with aerodynamic 17-inch wheels, an Eco/Smart mode, and regenerative braking. Unfortunately, the automaker has not yet revealed what kind of fuel economy the hybrid powertrain will get.
Read: 2025 Kia Carnival Detailed In Korea, New 1.6-Liter Turbo Hybrid Has 242 HP
Within the vehicle, Kia has made a few minor changes. The Carnival still gets (available) twin 12.3-inch displays that serve as the instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. The structure that holds them in place has been simplified, though, and the smaller displays that help drivers with climate control have been simplified. Between the driver and the passenger, the shift lever has been replaced by a rotary knob.
As is all the rage, the Carnival also gets a voice assistant that can open windows or change the cabin temperature. In a neat twist on the genre, Kia’s assistant can distinguish between first and second-row seat passengers, and respond to their requests accordingly, which is especially important for SX Prestige edition models equipped with the VIP Lounge Seat package.
Speaking of second-row passengers, they can also get Kia’s new Rear Entertainment System. It works on the 14.6-inch monitors and allow passengers to stream full HD content from popular platforms. They can also pair Bluetooth headphones to the system, and use the screen to mirror content from an external device with an HDMI cable.
Owners will also be able to open their vehicles with their smartphone using Digital Key 2. Once the minivan has started, drivers will be helped along by the latest tech, including standard forward collision-avoidance. Newly available are features like junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assistance, all of which avoid accidents.
The 2025 Kia Carnival will be available starting this summer. The standard Carnival will be available in the LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, while the Carnival HEV will be available in the LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.
