It appears that Kia’s Carnival MPV is not ready to leave the spotlight just yet. Formerly known as the Sedona in the United States, Kia rebranded its popular people mover as the Carnival for the Korean market back in 2020. Now, as we head into 2025, Kia is rolling out some updates to keep the party going for its large people mover.
Under the hood, the Kia Carnival introduces an intriguing addition to its lineup with a new hybrid powertrain option. While the trusty 3.5-liter V6 engine remains a stalwart choice, the inclusion of a hybrid powerplant adds a fresh dimension for minivan enthusiasts.
Kia has chosen to pair a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 engine with a 54-kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission for its hybrid offering. This combination delivers a robust output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.
If this setup sounds familiar, it’s because it shares similarities with Kia’s hybrid models like the Sportage and Sorento.
In terms of design updates, Kia has opted for subtlety. Rear adjustments include relocating the license plate housing to the lower section of the tailgate. The most noticeable change comes at the front, with a refreshed front fascia featuring new headlamps and taillights.
The hybrid variant boasts exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels designed not only to distinguish it from the standard Carnival but also to enhance aerodynamics, according to Kia.
Inside, the Carnival receives a revamped dashboard featuring a rotary gear selector. Consistent with recent Kia offerings, drivers can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a corresponding 12.3-inch infotainment screen, both elegantly integrated behind a single curved glass panel.
The standard model retains a 12-inch infotainment screen and a 4.2-inch display within a traditional instrument cluster.
An available Full Display Mirror replaces the conventional rear-view mirror with a display showing a wide-vision rear camera feed. The seating configuration remains unchanged, with the VIP Lounge Seat package remaining an optional extra.
In terms of sales, the Carnival made significant strides in 2023, securing the fourth spot in the US minivan segment with 43,687 deliveries, a substantial increase from the previous year. The Chrysler Pacifica claimed the top spot with 97,245 deliveries, followed by the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
Kia anticipates the new Carnival MPV to hit the roads during the summer months. While pricing details are yet to be released, a slight increase from the current starting price of $34,995 for the LX trim seems likely.
For the Carnival Hybrid, consumers can expect it to slot in behind the EX trim, mirroring the setup of the Sorento Hybrid, with an anticipated starting price in the $40,000 range. However, exact pricing will be confirmed closer to the formal launch of the Carnival.