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NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Kia Carnival HEV Water Review
I'd read somewhere that the Kia Carnival was the best of the MPVs available at present and hadn't given it much thought. Not surprising given I don't have six kids. But if I did I might have taken more notice. Because this latest version is quite something. It goes quietly about doing everything competently, in an understated and refined way. This has room to burn, for eight people and all their gear. Many of the seven-seater SUVs have next to no space left when all seats are occupied. Not this machine; there's a 627L cave-like space behind the third-row seats that seems to extend almost down to ground level. Grab the handles on the back of the third-row seats, pull them back and then lie them flat. There's over 2000L of luggage space then. If you slide the middle row seats forward and fold them over, figure on 2827L to fill it up. Truly, a van-like space. If you're a bit serious about towing, perhaps best not to go for the HEV example you see here; it's rated to tow braked trailers of only 1000kg. The turbodiesel variants can haul up to two tonnes of braked goodness. kia And there are three diesel grades on offer, kicking off at $62,990 for the EX, $72,990 for the Deluxe and $78,990 for the Kia Carnival Premium. Ours, however, is the HEV Water model. It's the most expensive at $81,990 but then it has plenty fitted as standard. The cabin centerpiece is the curved widescreen set-up, incorporating digital instruments and a 12.3-inch IFT screen with integrated sat-nav. We like the separate controls for the dual-zone air system too. Front seat occupants have ingress and egress that's hard to beat. For the rear seat occupants, it's even easier as the side doors automatically slide open. You can then activate the lever on the outside middle-row seat and it slides forward, facilitating third-row access. No problem for an adult to pop back there either. The trio of second-row seats are on sliders so everyone can have the right amount of legroom. It's all so user-friendly for the occupants. Like every modern vehicle with a central touchscreen, there's a little learning involved before you're au fait with silencing the safety arsenal. You might want to turn off the audible overspeed warning, and the lane keeping. We had no issues with the distraction system at all. Safety should be good too; the diesel versions are five-star cars, though the HEV is yet to be rated. The actual drive is very straightforward. There's a pushbutton to start, a rotary controller for Drive and Reverse and you're underway silently in EV mode. This is a parallel hybrid system, featuring a 132kW/265Nm 1.6 turbopetrol mated to a 54kW/305Nm transmission-mounted motor. Together, they're good for 180kW and 367Nm. The motor draws power from a 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery, and the claimed combined fuel consumption figure is 6.4L/100km (rightcar agrees). Without question, this uses less fuel in stop/start traffic and urban environs where we often saw figures of 5.8-6.2L/100km. I believe the worst we saw was 7.7L/100km. With a 72L fuel tank, this has a theoretical range of around 1125km. And remember, there's no external charging to do here; it is a self-charging hybrid. That's really surprising economy for something of this size. It's just over 5.1m long and almost 2m wide, weighing in at 2288kg. The turning circle, by the by, is just under 12m so it's not so difficult to park, aided by a 360-degree parking camera. Just finding a big enough space is the trick. With both power sources going full bore you can get to 100 in under 9sec. That's quite un-van-like. Full engine torque is on tap from 1500rpm so up to 2000rpm is just fine for in town, aided by the motor when you start off. Out of town 2500-3500rpm has you keeping up with anyone else. It's refined too, the engine largely in the background. You can tell when it's EVing because the revs go to nil, and a green EV light illuminates. There are no engine modes to muss with, just three towing options depending on how much you're lugging. And on modes, you can adjust the energy recuperation using paddles behind the wheel. There are four levels, low, medium, high and off. So brakes you don't need to rely on that much, if you don't want to. They're strong and tactile when needed. What you really want in an MPV is room and ride. So you'd not really expect much on the handling front. And yet, this does a more than passable job with fully independent suspension and 235/55R19 rubber. It's certainly not corner shy. Rounding it all off is a new look following a mid-life refresh, incorporating aspects of the 'Opposites United' design language. I'd opt for this Kia Carnival over a seven-seat SUV, especially with its seven-year/150,000km warranty. Most wouldn't, of course, but your passengers will thank you for it. Go diesel if you need to tow. All too much? A base HEV model is under consideration for the local market. Kia Carnival HEV Water$81,990 / 6.4L/100km / 147g/km 0-100 km/h 8.6s Engine 1598cc, 132kW / 265Nm Motor 54kW / 304Nm Hybrid output 180kW / 367Nm Transmission 6-speed auto / FWD Weight (claimed) 2288kg
Car and Driver
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
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 Buy The 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) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k 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 Performance All 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 Times In our testing, the Carnival Hybrid got to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, tying the 2025 Carnival V-6 nonhybrid we tested. View Exterior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel 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 Cargo The 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. View Interior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity While 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. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Kia 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 Coverage Kia'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 Specifications Specifications 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 mpg More Features and Specs
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? Here are other top choices to consider
Americans love the Toyota RAV4. Last year, only the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado outsold it, and its status at the top of the charts is well-deserved. After all, this was the world's first crossover SUV, debuting in Japan in 1994 and stateside two years later. It created the compact SUV segment, which was meant more for mall crawling than boulder-bashing. With its utilitarian shape, high seating position, and decent fuel economy, the RAV4 is the perfect everyday station wagon. This is no off-road warrior; it's big hat, no proof? Well, Toyota dropped the Adventure and TRD Off-Road grades for 2025, as well as the latter's torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Need further proof? Its cargo hold swallows 38 cubic feet of lifestyle debris, or 70 cubic feet if you leave the kids or your mother-in-law at home and fold down the rear seats. Its tech package includes a standard 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch display, which is a bit smaller than today's norm, but it does include a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What's left is what was previously offered: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, transmitted to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional and has a negligible effect on fuel economy, coming in at 29 mpg. While Toyota and its competitors also offer hybrid versions of their compact SUVS, we review them separately. Nevertheless, the RAV4's powerplant is certainly adequate for the task, but no one will accuse the RAV4 of having best-in-class power, handling, or driver engagement. Actually, given the range of choices in this class, we'd suggest you at least try these key competitors before deciding on a fifth in U.S. sales last year, the Honda CR-V shares some of the RAV4's faults, such as average acceleration, uninspiring interior design, and a middling tech package. But it proves to be a remarkably balanced SUV, one that expertly balances a pleasing demeanor, decent handling, and a reasonably comfortable ride. Driving enthusiasts will likely prefer the Volkswagen or Mazda, though. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims get a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. Acceleration is average at best. All-wheel drive models return 28 mpg, while front-wheel drive models get 30 mpg. The instrument panel looks like the Civic's, providing a functionalism typical of classic Hondas. Thankfully, designers have resisted doing away with as many switches and knobs as possible, for which we say, 'bravo.' That said, the standard screen on the LX and EX measures a minuscule 7 inches. EX-L models get a slightly larger 9-inch unit with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo space is impressive, at 39 cubic feet or 77 cubic feet, with the rear seats down. While Mazda makes the slightly smaller CX-5, we prefer the CX-50 for its far newer design. Like its sibling, the Mazda-CX-50, it offers up an athletic, engaging driving experience with great handling, a powerplant that's a willing accomplice, and a cabin that feels as if it should be in something far more expensive. The CX-50's appearance has a solid stance, and its larger size seems more accommodating than the CX-5. Its cargo space is rated at 31 cubic feet or 56 cubic feet with the seats folded. While that outdoes the CX-5, it's not as large as some of its competitors. We are less enthusiastic about its cumbersome infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch screen that is adequate but not optimal in size. What's worse is that it's controlled solely by a wheel on the center for the CX-50 is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 187 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. The same engine is offered in turbocharged form, and we recommend it for its 256 horsepower and ability to tow 3,500 pounds. That said, its 25-mpg fuel economy rating is 3 less than the non-turbo driveline. All-wheel drive is also standard, which is unusual for this crowd. This is the off-road warrior of the bunch, with similar off-road chops to its bigger sibling and standard all-wheel drive. It's also closer in size to the original, making for a more authentic experience. That said, it shares its underpinnings with the Ford Escape, including its 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and eight-speed transmission. A far more desirable 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available, but only on the top trim level. If you are hitting the trails with any regularity, we recommend the Badlands trim, which includes essential off-road gear you'll need once the sidewalk ends. It can tow 2,200 pounds, and its cargo space is average for the class at 29 cubic the Bronco Sport's trucklike persona renders this the truest SUV here, possessing a steady, reassuring character that's reflected in its slightly lesser interior trim quality. It has been cost-accounted to death by Ford's whiz kids, but it does have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a navigation system. If you'd like an affordable Germanic compact SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a satisfying answer. Redesigned for 2025, the Tiguan's styling gets a bit more modern and generic, losing some of its distinctive Volkswagen design crispness in an effort to look more like the ID.4 EV. Volkswagen has at least upgraded its interior quality, using walnut and double-stitched leather trim even as it loses its optional third row. Inside is a 12.9-inch infotainment display that can be paired with an optional head-up display and a 15-inch infotainment screen. Interestingly, VW added a new option that allows you to synchronize the interior's ambient lighting with your music, giving the Tiguan's cabin a club-like vibe. Wireless phone charging is also standard. As before, the 2025 Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 201 horsepower, which is a notable improvement from last year's 184 horses. If you don't mind the lower power rating and the minuscule third row, you might be able to swing a deal on a leftover 2024 model. It possesses a certain athleticism and crisp, classic VW style that's and not rapid, the redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester looks much like a Merrill hiking boot with alloy wheels. Yet its sensible sheet metal contains a far more refined cabin, anchored by a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 11.6-inch display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. While the onscreen buttons are large and easy to use, its design is graceless and lacks a visual hierarchy to make controls easy to find. A 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission provide 180 horsepower to all four wheels. Power delivery is smooth, even if you'd wish for more of it. The ride is comfortable, and body motions are well-controlled. Its cabin looks bigger than it is, with 30 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 74 cubic feet when needed. For the 17th year in a row, the Forester has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick designation. Since the Toyota RAV4 doesn't excel in any particular area, it's a good idea to try a rival or two to see if their personality is more pleasing. The Honda has a copious amount of space and is more fun to drive than the RAV4, but Mazda and Volkswagen offer an SUV that a driving enthusiast can appreciate, even if the Mazda is the smallest one here. For those who need real SUV capability or just want to make an unmistakable fashion statement, the Ford Bronco Sport is your ride. Finally, the Subaru offers a plain, unprepossessing aura that's reassuring, practical, and safe. With such a variety of personas, settling for a RAV4 seems silly. Or then again, maybe not. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
