Test-Driving The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

Forbes

a day ago

Crossover SUVs may be firmly en vogue for hauling people around these days, but the humble minivan is still an option, too. Remember those icons of the '90s, transporting kids and their backpacks, soccer balls, science fair presentations, etc. all over suburbia? They largely left automakers' assembly lines, but now, they're making a comeback. One of the top-selling choices is the Kia Carnival.
It's not just an oblong box with a ho-hum, run-of-the-mill powerplant to pull it along, either; Kia's introduced a hybrid variant for 2025, which I recently had the chance to drive for a week in its top SX Prestige form. Starting at $54,335, I liked this thrifty method of mini-mass transit in many ways.
But in others, I was taken aback by it. Considering Carnival's main appeal as a wholesome American family hauler, you wouldn't expect the level of ferocity that it possesses beneath its handsome bodywork.
Exterior and Interior
While a minivan through-and-through, it appears that Kia went to some lengths to stealth up the Carnival's stature. Upon quick glance, it looks more like a bigger crossover with generation cargo area dimensions, rather than something with dual-sliding doors. Its face tells the same story, as it's more athletic and aggressive looking than what's normally in this segment.
Another perspective: Kia has known all along that the minivan is the best method of transporting a family, but being well-aware of its passé status, decided to freshen up the styling in hopes of making it cool again. Regardless, the Carnival is a good-looking vehicle that blends in nicely to the rest of the brand's lineup.
Inside, it's a quintessential van. The driver's seating position is upright and attentive—sadly, without much ability to tilt the seat or add thigh bolstering—and thanks to its large windows and massive rear-view mirror, enables one to be fully aware of their surroundings, inside-out. It's quite commodious in there, too: front-, second- and third-row headroom measure out to 39.7, 37.6, and 36.5 inches, respectively (with sunroof), while legroom across all three reaches 41.1, 40.5 and 35.6. Hip room? Those figures reach 59.8, 66.4 and 50.4. Tight in the way-back, but still not bad. We can't forget cargo room: There's 40.2 cubic feet, at the minimum, which becomes a subdivision-faring freighter when maxed out at 145.1.
Figuring out how to drop and fold seats was a snap, as was deciphering Kia's latest tech amenities. Keeping an eye on speed and other crucial information, as well as moving through infotainment screens, was easy via optional dual 12.3-inch screens. I dug the brand's clever way of changing between sound and HVAC settings—which share the same buttons—and never had to spend more than a quick glance to adjust either. Those who opt for the SX Prestige get ventilated seating up front, too. Finally, for those with unruly backseat passengers, dual 14.6-inch monitors with full-HD resolution and streaming are available.
Driving the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
The Carnival Hybrid tips the scales at 4,985 pounds, and, between its small AC motor and 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, produces 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. These figures move through a six-speed automatic gearbox, and a tiny 1.2 kWh battery supplies the necessary electrons. Despite its heft, this electrified powertrain truly pays off with impressive consumption, as it's rated at 34 mpg city, 31 highway, and 33 combined.
With relaxed inputs around town, it drives like anyone would expect it to. It's no ground-pounding hot rod, but it moves with reasonable swiftness. However, dump the throttle, and it takes on a whole different persona. With traction and stability control clearly enabled, I was shocked by how much its instant-torque electric motor lit up the front tires.
The Carnival was downright angry. Cruising through serene suburban settings, I frightened more than a few passers-by while joining faster thoroughfares as quickly as possible. Wheels pointed straight or not. I can't help but call it the most Lynchian (RIP) vehicle that I've ever tested—wholesome and normal on the outside, something rather disconcerting deep within. Its ferocious jolt of torque was the ear in the field to the exterior's sleepy small town vibe in Blue Velvet.
And the surprises don't end there. 271 lb-ft may not sound like much torque for this stately minivan's heft, but the way it came on was quite deceiving. As the little 1.6 snarled away like an angry house cat, the AC motor ensured the speedo needle moved hastily. I was shocked at how under-the-radar it achieved 95 mph while passing slower traffic during one particular highway stint. Then, its sport mode (hilarious, I know) sharpened up throttle response, inspiring me to sail it through a good number of left-turn arrows, right-turn lanes and even some mildly twisty canyon roads. Respect where it's due: The Carnival can party.
While doubtful that the majority of owners will demand any sportiness in this sleek Kia, its handling confidence ensures good grip and control in varying conditions and driving scenarios. This is a mark of a safe family hauler, and standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature bolster this even further.
Surprisingly Fun
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a great all-around package in the new minivan market. It signifies that the formula is still applicable as ever, and has versatility in spades between its awesome cargo capacity and fuel-sipping demeanor. Its tech amenities are stacked for the segment, too, and be sure to tack on the 12-speaker Bose audio system for optimal Roy Orbison sessions. Just keep an eye on the speedo and be careful with throttle inputs; it's one deceivingly fun wholesome ride.