Overview Kia offers this hybrid version of its Carnival minivan alongside a gas-only van powered by a V-6. Although the Carnival Hybrid is slightly down on power compared to the V-6 model, it’s able to accelerate just as quickly and doesn’t feel lacking for oomph on the road. Your reward for buying the slightly more expensive hybrid version is improved fuel efficiency—we saw 29 mpg with the hybrid in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, compared to 28 with the V-6. The Carnival Hybrid goes up against Toyota’s all-hybrid Sienna lineup as well as the plug-in hybrid version of the Chrysler Pacifica. The Carnival siblings remain among our favorites in a strong crop of minivans.What’s New for 2026?A year after its introduction, there are no major changes to the Carnival Hybrid.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid is expected to start around $43,000 and go up to $55,000 depending on the trim and options.LXS$43,000 (est)EX$45,000 (est)SX$50,000 (est)SX Prestige$55,000 (est)The Carnival Hybrid is offered in four trims, starting with the entry-level LXS and topping out at the loaded SX Prestige. We think the EX represents the best value because it comes with extra features, including a power tailgate, a wireless smartphone charger, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and 19-inch wheels.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceAll Carnival Hybrids come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s augmented by a 72-hp electric motor to drive the front wheels. This combination amounts to 242 horsepower, which is slightly less than the nonhybrid Carnival’s 287-hp V-6 engine provides. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. In our test drive, we found the Carnival Hybrid to be as powerful, refined, and pleasant to drive as the standard model. The ride is smooth, the cabin is quiet, and handling is secure. The hybrid has different settings for the regenerative braking system that can slow the car at varying levels when you lift off the brake. But we found that, on downhill stretches, selecting the higher levels fill the battery, causing the regeneration to shut off.0–60-MPH TimesIn our testing, the Carnival Hybrid got to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, tying the 2025 Carnival V-6 nonhybrid we tested.More on the Carnival Hybrid MinivanFuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA rates the Carnival Hybrid at 33 mpg combined, 34 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway, a significant boost over the nonhybrid model. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Carnival Hybrid achieved 29 mpg, slightly below its official rating. For more information about the Carnival Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Carnival Hybrid’s dashboard and front-seat area are both modern and accommodating. A large center console offers plenty of small-item storage, while an optional dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display gives you easy access to the van’s connectivity features. The upscale SX Prestige trim comes with leather upholstery and can be ordered with reclining second-row seats that have pop-up footrests. While these provide a relaxing way for passengers to while away the hours on a long road trip, they cannot be removed or stowed in the floor as in rival minivans, which limits the Carnival’s maximum cargo space and versatility. A panoramic sunroof is optional and provides a large opening over the second row so the kids can get some fresh air. In our testing, we fit 14 carry-on suitcases behind the third row of seats and a whopping 48 in total with all seats folded. That’s a ton of cargo space, but it should be noted that both the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Honda Odyssey proved slightly more spacious.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityWhile a single 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across two-thirds of the Carnival Hybrid’s dashboard are optional, with one serving as a digital gauge display and the other performing infotainment duties. A voice assistant is integrated into the infotainment software and occupants can verbally ask the car to perform tasks such as opening a window, adjusting the climate control, or navigating to a destination. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Seven USB ports dot the Carnival’s cabin; two other power outlets are also included. A rear-seat entertainment system is optional starting on the SX trim and features two 14.6-inch displays that provide access to streaming services. The system is Bluetooth-enabled for headphones, so the kids can watch Bluey and Paw Patrol while you drive in peace. A 12-speaker Bose stereo is available but limited to the top-spec SX Prestige trim.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesKia offers many standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, and blind-spot monitoring, all of which help the Carnival compete with the Pacifica Hybrid, the Sienna Hybrid, and the Honda Odyssey. For more information about the Carnival’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageKia’s warranty trumps its rivals’, with a powertrain policy that spans 10 years or 100,000 miles. Unlike the Sienna, though, the Carnival Hybrid doesn’t come with any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door van
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $53,995/$56,760
Options: Rear Seat Entertainment package, $2500; carpeted floor mats, $265; SX Prestige Seat package, $0
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 178 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 74 hp, 224 lb-ft (combined output: 242 hp, 271 lb-ft); 1.2-kWh (C/D est) lithium-ion battery pack
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact RX
235/55R-19 105H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 121.7 in
Length: 203.0 in
Width: 78.5 in
Height: 69.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/56/43 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/M/R: –/87/40 ft3
Curb Weight: 4985 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
100 mph: 25.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 550 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 33/34/31 mpgMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
