With only four minivans on the U.S. market for the 2024 model year, little separates the best from the worst. There isn’t a bad choice in the group. The Kia Carnival sits in the No. 4 spot on our list, and our editors find it “arguably the most stylish, most fun-to-drive minivan on the market.”
One of the few things keeping it from the top is the lack of powertrain choice. Every 2024 Carnival has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive (FWD). The engine produces 287 horsepower.
For 2025, Kia has a better solution. The V6 will still be available. But buyers will also have the choice of a hybrid model.
Lower Power, But Competitive
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. It’s still FWD, with power going through a 6-speed automatic transmission. And it takes a small power hit, making 242 horsepower. But that’s in line with the Toyota Sienna hybrid (245) and the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid (260). And the Carnival’s hybrid powertrain touts more torque than the gasoline variant: 271 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft.
Kia hasn’t revealed fuel economy figures for the hybrid model yet. But they gave it more aerodynamic wheels and active flaps integrated into the front fascia like a race car, so we trust that they paid close attention to things that would boost mileage.
Hybrid models start at $41,895 (including the $1,395 destination charge) and head into the mid-$50,000 range fully equipped. Non-hybrid 2025 Carnival models start at $37,895 and top out in the low-$50,000 range.
Styling Changes Inside and Out
Other changes are minor. New “star-map” lighting gives it a stronger connection to the rest of the Kia lineup. The grille has dramatic brightwork (Kia calls it a “grand sculptural grille”).
Inside, the look is simple and tasteful. Base models use a 4.2-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. EX trims and above replace the small instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch unit that matches the center touchscreen. A new dial-style shifter replaces the previous stalk in the center console, making the place feel more spacious.
Kia says “an available Connected Car Rear Cockpit Rear Entertainment System with dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution can stream from popular platforms, with the potential to add future content over-the-air.” So think subscription fees down the line.
Small Changes Make It More Competitive
The minivan market is, frankly, great this year. Each of the four available today makes a great family car. I’ll reserve judgment on the VW ID. Buzz until we know its price, but that sentence could soon say “each of the five.”
But Kia’s lack of a hybrid was a real consideration for some families. Now that they have one, it’s the Honda Odyssey that stands out as the only one without a fuel-efficient hybrid option.
