One of the reasons that SUVs became so popular was a backlash against the minivan. While minivans are great at what they do, they never had the cache of SUV’s – that go anywhere, do anything look – even though most SUV owners never got within sniffing distance of an off-road trail.

So, Kia did something really clever, they built the Carnival, which has SUV-style looks, but offers minivan capability, including dual sliding side doors that people really love. But does it work in the real world? Let’s take a look!

Style First

For 2025, all Carnival (hybrid and non-hybrid) models get an updated look – but it’s subtle, and we’re ok with that.

The front gains a look more in line with other Kia products, while there is still the “Tiger Nose” grille, it’s larger, with a prominent amber LED light bar across the top that creates a signature look at night. Also new are vertically stacked cube-like headlamps on either side of the grille. Modern and fresh.
The profile maintains that capable SUV look, with a snug greenhouse, swept-back C-pillar, while still featuring sliding doors on both sides. Giving some added toughness, our SX Prestige model rolled on 19-inch Dark Edition alloy wheels, along with dark exterior accents including the roof rails, skid plates, C-Pillar garnish, side door garnish, and side mirror covers.

The rear also gets a fresh look with L-shaped “Star Map” LED taillights, and the license plate housing that’s been moved downward, while a contoured skid plate adds some rugged appeal. Finishing things off was the optional Ceramic Silver paint, a soft concrete gray that looks modern and upscale. All in all, a handsome vehicle with SUV swagger dominating over Soccer wagon sensibility!

First Class Accommodations

Inside the Carnival really impresses.

Open the driver’s door, and you understand why they call this trim Prestige – everything looks upscale and expensive. There’s a two-tone navy/gray with the lighter color on door panels, seats, lower dash and center console that really makes things pop.
Our tester also had the available leather interior that’s lovely, and with a wide-screen digital display and prominent center console, you feel surrounded in goodness.
Pop into the heated and ventilated front seats and it’s easy to get comfortable. Behind a thick rimmed steering wheel is a 12.3-inch, digital driver display that’s handsome and easy to navigate. Connected to that is another 12.3-inch display for info-tainment. It’s a classy look that wouldn’t feel out of home in an Audi!

The driver also gets a handy head-up display, a digital rearview mirror that makes sure you have visibility – even with a bunch of heads, balloons, or anything else that might block your view in a traditional mirror. There’s also a cool passenger view from and internal camera that displays on screen what’s happening in the back seats – great for parents to keep tabs on the kiddos.

Beneath that is a horizontal control strip that lets you toggle between climate control systems and audio. We actually found this occasionally confusing – reaching for what we thought was the volume control was switched to the temp control on the secondary setting. Luckily, there’s a handy volume control on the steering wheel – still the dual mode system doesn’t work intuitively.
Other features are much easier to use, including a circular knob for gear selection, simple pushbuttons for driver mode, etc. And there’s also voice command control to make things even easier. Tech is up to date with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging for your smartphone. Seven USB ports and dual power outlets make sure all your gear will be charged and ready for action.

While we love being in the driver’s seat, we might trade it all up for the fantastic second row VIP lounge seat. It starts with comfortable captain’s chairs, but that’s just the beginning as you can get the heated and cooled seats to recline back, tilt back, and our favorite – a swing up ottoman style footrest that makes you feel like you’re flying first class baby!

And what’s first class without some entertainment? Our tester had the optional dual-screen rear entertainment package with huge dual 14.6 displays, and all the goodies you’d expect from your home streaming service. The only practical downside is that the 2nd row seats can’t be removed or stowed in the floor. You’d have to opt for a lower trim level for that – and sorry, but we got spoiled by all that luxo goodness.

The third row is best for kids, or short adult-sized trips, and with the seats up, a deep well offers plenty of cargo storage. Or you can tumble the rear seats into the well and have a flat cargo floor. The space is impressive, but honestly the competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna also have loads of room as well.

Hybrid = High Efficiency

The new-for-2025 hybrid powertrain is truly impressive and turns in some big numbers. Replacing the standard 287 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is a 1.6-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid layout. While that may not sound like a lot of engine, combined with a 54kW electric motor, you get a stout 242 horsepower, and 271 lb.-ft of torque.

With the electric motor giving lots of low-end oomph, the Carnival feels quick off the line, and hits 60 mph in under 8 seconds – about the same as the non-hybrid model. Feeding that power through the front wheels is a 6-speed automatic, and in sport mode it feels especially responsive. OK, you don’t buy the hybrid for drag racing, you go for efficiency, and here the big vehicle is a fuel-sipper with a combined 33 EPA mpg. In our mixed driving we actually saw a couple of mpg better than that – we’re impressed!

The drive is also very good. The ride is smooth but not flabby, the steering is responsive and it’s very quiet at speed, with the system switching you over to EV mode when gas power isn’t needed. We also liked the brake feel – the regenerative braking system never gets in the way of smooth, linear stops. All in all, the Carnival is an excellent drive, and with our tester’s Surround view monitor, it was also easy to park.

The Carnival is certainly a family vehicle, and it comes well equipped with safety gear with Forward Collision Avoidance with Junction Crossing, Lane-change Oncoming, Lane-change Side and Evasive Steering Assist, on top of Blind Spot Monitor and Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Worth the Charge?

Kia made its bones being a value player and continues to be a smart choice. You can get into a non-hybrid Carnival starting at $36,690, and into the Carnival Hybrid at $40,990. For a spacious 3-row, MPV-Minivan–SUV with handsome looks, quality and great functionality, that’s money well spent.
Our Hybrid SX Prestige tester is the top of the line and starts at $52,600. Adding in Ceramic Silver paint ($495), Rear Entertainment Package ($2,500), Carpeted floor mats ($265) and Destination, we rang the bell at $57,255.

Competitors would include the equally nice, Toyota Sienna at $58,634. It’s also a hybrid and slightly more efficient than the Carnival, but it’s pure minivan in style and that might not be your cup of tea. This year’s hot van model is the VW ID Buzz EV at $67,045. It’s great looking, loads of fun, but an EV has its own compromises, and yes, it is not cheap. Still very tempting though!

SUV style, Minivan practicality and Hybrid efficiency, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a great choice in a spacious, luxurious 3-row people mover!