The refreshed 2025 Kia Carnival hybrid minivan offers more mpg but no all-wheel drive

Kia added a hybrid version of its Carnival minivan on Thursday, part of a mid-cycle redesign that brings technology upgrades and slightly more SUV-inspired design.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-4 gasoline engine, with a 54 kW (72 hp) electric motor on the input shaft of a 6-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to the front wheels a combined 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Non-hybrid models are also offered with a 3.5-liter V6 with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic.

Kia notes that the Carnival Hybrid offers three levels of regenerative braking. Other functions that appear to be related to the hybrid system include a function that supports power development out of corners and a function that supports evasive maneuvers.

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival improves the screens and technology

Kia gives the Carnival its most significant interior makeover, up front, with an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen integrated into a single panel, offering connected car navigation and over-the-air navigation. Enable on-air updates. That’s the upgrade over a standard 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with a 12.0-inch screen. A full-color head-up display is optional, as is a digital rearview mirror system. In the rear, Kia’s own connected rear entertainment system with two 14.6-inch HD screens and Bluetooth provides entertainment.

The “Hey Kia!” symbol is also displayed. Voice functionality differentiates between first and second row occupants, with a VIP lounge seating configuration available that can be activated via voice command.

Kia also says there will be a total of seven USB-C ports throughout Carnival, as well as two power outlets and two 115-volt inverters to power all of the family’s devices while traveling and in cabins or campsites.

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

Three-row Carnival Hybrid seating

While the non-hybrid Carnival can be equipped with 7 or 8 seats, the Carnival Hybrid is only offered in the 8-seat layout, with a second-row seat in three different segments, including a center section that faces forward or rear can be moved back to access the third row.

Externally, the changes are more subtle, but the Carnival clearly borrows the look of the highly successful Telluride SUV. It gets a more upright, angular grille and a more chiseled look to the front fascia – as do the Telluride’s amber running lights.

You still won’t find all-wheel drive in the Carnival model range. However, that doesn’t stop Kia from inspiring the spirit of adventure, as a roof rack and a “wide and contoured skid plate” are available for the Carnival.

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

Alternatives to the Kia Carnival Hybrid 2025

The Carnival Hybrid joins the other two hybrid minivans in the US, the Toyota Sienna and that Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

Both competitors have a particular catch, keeping their high-mpg hybrid capabilities understated. The Sienna is only offered as a hybrid and doesn’t cost much or even more than non-hybrids. And the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid does more than its logo suggests; In fact, it’s a plug-in hybrid with a 32-mile electric range that’s eligible for a $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit – as a direct refund at participating dealers.

There remains one model, the Honda Odyssey, which does not yet offer a hybrid version. As Honda looks to add more hybrid technology to its established models, this could also be in the product pipeline.

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

The Carnival Hybrid could dramatically increase fuel economy and provide significant fuel savings and lower operating costs. In the Kia Sorento Hybrid, a system with similar specifications increases mileage to 37 mpg overall. The 2024 Kia ​​Carnival consumes just 22 mpg combined.

So far, Kia hasn’t said whether the Carnival Hybrid could be offered as a plug-in hybrid – but there is one Sorento plug-in hybrid offers an electric range of 32 miles.

Kia hasn’t yet announced pricing or gone through all the trim differences in the 2025 Carnival Hybrid lineup, but says the hybrid will be offered in all models except the base LX – leaving the LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige versions . The hybrid-enriched Carnival range is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2024.