We can hardly believe its been three years since Kia introduced the three-row Carnival MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds reviewed it in its first year. For 2025, it receives a refresh with design tweaks along with performance and tech updates along with a new SX Dark Edition Package.
202 Kia Carnival
Design Tweaks
Updates to the Carnival's design include tweaks to the front end including a new grill and Kia's amber-colored "star map" daytime running lights.There are new 17- to 19 inch geometric allow wheel options as well. In the rear you find Star Map Taillights and a repositioned license plate holder. There is also an available wide and contoured skid plate.
New Dark Edition
The new Carnival Dark Edition gets darkened exterior elements, including the roof rails, skid plates, C-Pillar garnish, side door garnish, tailgate garnish, exterior side mirror covers, front grille and wheels.
New Turbo Hybrid Powertrain Option
The Carnival goes hybrid for 2024, adding a new available turbo-hybrid engine. The system pairs a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a combined output of 242 horsepower, 271 lb.-ft. of torque. It's not as powerful as the V6 engine that delivers 287-horses but the hybrid engine does produce more torque compared to its 260 lb.-ft. The gas only engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic.
Hybrid Model Upgrades and Features
Hybrid models get some upgrades that Kia says improve both performance and fuel economy. They include exclusive aerodynamic 17” wheels. In Eco/Smart mode, Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) kicks in with the flick of the paddle shift lever to adjust the amount of regenerative braking with a three-level deceleration control. Other features specific to the Carnival HEV include E-Handling, which is designed to help improve vehicle responsiveness when entering and exiting a corner; E-Ride that can help smooth out the action of going over bumps with specially tuned shocks, and E-Evasive Handling Assist that is designed to help control the vehicle movement during emergency steering.
Technology
The Carnival offers Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. Kia says this advanced system processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls conveniently accessible with a swipe on the screen. It can also receive over-the-air updates.
There is also a newly available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System for back row passengers. Kia says the in-house developed system features dual 14.6-inch HD monitors and allows streaming from popular platforms, with the potential to add future content over-the-air over time. Passengers can connect their Bluetooth headsets and mirror from external devices with a HDMI port.
Available advanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0 allows customers to use their compatible smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive.
The Carnival is now available with a curved panoramic dual-display with an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display. (A wide panel with 4.2-inch TFT and 12-inch screen is standard.)
Seven standard USB-C ports are conveniently located throughout the cabin, while two power outlets, and two 115V inverters serve as additional power sources.
Comfort and Convenience
Say “Hey Kia!” and a multi-zone voice recognition feature distinguishes between speakers in the front row and second-row. You can use Voice Command to do things like open the windows or adjust the climate. For Carnivals equipped with the optional VIP Lounge Seat package, second-row passengers can activate their seat’s relaxation mode, reclining the seatback and deploying the leg extension with a single voice command. Built-in lights within the seat belt buckle illuminate, making them easier to locate in the dark.
Safety
The 2025 Carnival benefits from Kia's latest standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. New for 2025, the system also offers available Junction Crossing, Lange-change Oncoming, Lange-change Side, and Evasive Steering Assist.
The Carnival is also available with Highway Driving Assist 2, Kia's latest semi-autonomous driver convenience system.
Other available ADAS features include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
There is also a newly optional, full-color head-up display. An available Full Display Mirror replaces the traditional rear-view mirror with a camera view by simply adjusting the lower tab.
Trims and Availability
The 2025 Carnival comes in five trim levels" (LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige). The Carnival HEV in four: (LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige). The Carnival is due out this summer.
Photo: Kia.