2025 Kia Carnival Assessment: Costs, Specs, and Images

How briskly is the Kia Carnival?

The gas-only Carnival carries ahead with a typical 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft. The V-6 has loads of energy for passing on single-lane highways, and at on-ramps it’ll merge readily, however uphill we want the 8-speed automated transmission had paddle shifters to downshift a pair gears upfront of the climb. Plan accordingly if passing uphill. 

The attraction of the Carnival is its hushed journey and comparatively planted dealing with for such a tall and lengthy automobile. Almost all variations have acoustic laminated glass that isolates the cabin from highway noise, and the unbiased suspension soaks up highway bumps nicely sufficient to not disturb even the lightest nappers. Mild steering round city eases all of the errands, and total the Carnival serves its mission as household hauler with a form of minivan grace. 

Customers debating between an SUV and minivan may respect the Carnival’s tall seat top that looks like many SUVs. It could actually additionally tow 3,500 kilos. 

How does the Kia Carnival Hybrid drive?

The brand new hybrid mannequin does it even higher. It pairs a 1.6-liter turbo-4 with a 72-hp electrical motor for a mixed output of 242 hp and 271 lb-ft. There’s extra punch off the road, and it rides whisper quiet whereas cruising. Hammer the throttle to cross or simply to flex your minivan muscle in Sport mode, which corporations up throttle response and holds the gears a beat longer, and the 6-speed automated transmission will let the engine rev excessive sufficient and the Carnival will get loud sufficient to impress your passengers into paying consideration. In most each different occasion, particularly in prime SX Status trim, it’s the quietest minivan we’ve examined.

In Eco or Sensible mode, the paddle shifters for the 6-speed flip into regenerative braking paddles that may be adjusted from the default coasting mode to 3 ranges of regen. It received’t deliver the Carnival to a cease, however an auto maintain button helps you to loosen up your braking foot when stopped at a light-weight. Extra importantly, regen refills the 1.5-kwh battery pack so that you’re most frequently working with some form of electrical energy. It’s potential to remain in EV mode round city at speeds below 20 mph.

An E-Motor button and related capabilities use the motor and driver-assist {hardware} to predictively sluggish the van earlier than influence with a pothole, as an example, or to reply faster than simply the motive force in turns. With none actual torque vectoring occurring, and aside from aiming for potholes or velocity bumps, it’s exhausting to discern the advantages in on a regular basis driving.  

The Carnival Hybrid tows 2,500 kilos.