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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
ArabGT
5 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
The 2026 Kia Carnival is the most affordable minivan with SUV performance
In a market where affordability and family practicality are more important than ever, the 2026 Kia Carnival stands out as the most budget-friendly minivan available in the U.S., offering generous space, modern features, and unmatched value. Kia's entry-level Carnival LX FWD starts at just $38,425 before destination charges, with a total drive-away cost of $39,820 (approx. SAR 149,325). That's over $2,000 (SAR 7,500) cheaper than its nearest minivan rival—solidifying its reputation as the go-to option for families looking for maximum space without overspending. Versatility Through Nine Trim Levels Kia ensures the 2026 Kia Carnival suits every taste and budget with nine distinct configurations, including both gas and hybrid models: LX FWD – $39,820 (SAR 149,325) LXS FWD – $41,820 (SAR 156,825) EX FWD – $44,020 (SAR 165,075) SX FWD – $48,920 (SAR 183,450) SX Prestige FWD – $53,920 (SAR 202,200) HEV LXS FWD – $42,820 (SAR 160,575) HEV EX FWD – $44,820 (SAR 168,075) HEV SX FWD – $49,720 (SAR 186,450) HEV SX Prestige FWD – $53,920 (SAR 202,200) From entry-level practicality to upscale luxury and hybrid efficiency, the Carnival offers a solution for nearly every type of family buyer. Design That Blends SUV Boldness with Minivan Utility Following its 2025 refresh, the 2026 Kia Carnival carries over the bold design language introduced last year—an SUV-like front fascia with a wide grille and striking LED lighting that gives the van a strong road presence. Powertrain Options That Fit Every Lifestyle Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Carnival offers two refined setups: A robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox—ideal for smooth, confident daily driving. A hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 242 hp, aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Premium Features, Even at the Base Level Even the most affordable Carnival trim is packed with comfort and tech, including: A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Power sliding side doors and liftgate Built-in Wi-Fi supporting up to four devices Eight USB-C charging ports throughout all rows 115V household-style outlets for rear passengers Higher trims offer extras like ventilated leather seats, premium sound systems, and panoramic sunroofs—giving families a luxury feel without luxury pricing. Stable Pricing Despite Industry Challenges While many automakers have increased prices due to tariffs and inflation, Kia has held the line—raising Carnival prices by just $190 (SAR 713) compared to the previous model. This pricing stability reinforces Kia's dedication to value and positions the Carnival as one of the smartest buys in today's market. With its spacious interior, diverse configurations, and impressive standard tech, the 2026 Kia Carnival proves that families can enjoy both practicality and premium features—without overpaying. It remains a benchmark in the segment, showing that affordable doesn't have to mean basic. 2026 Kia Carnival Gallery:
Motor 1
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
2026 Kia Carnival Is Still the Cheapest Minivan on Sale
The Kia Carnival is proof that affordable utility isn't dead. America's cheapest minivan returns for 2026, now starting at $38,425 including destination. That's over $2,000 less than the nearest competitor. The Carnival Hybrid, meanwhile, starts at $42,425. Kia gave the Carnival a heavy refresh in 2025 , complete with a new fascia and a handful of design changes to make it appear more like an SUV. Buyers can choose between a lovely 3.5-liter V-6 making 287 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain rated at 242 horsepower. In total, there are nine trims available. Here's the full pricing breakdown: Trim Price Carnival LX FWD $38,425 Carnival LXS FWD $40,425 Carnival EX FWD $42,625 Carnival SX FWD $47,525 Carnival SX Prestige FWD $52,525 Carnival HEV LXS FWD $42,425 Carnival HEV EX FWD $44,625 Carnival HEV SX FWD $49,525 Carnival HEV SX Prestige $52,525 The 2026 Carnival comes well-equipped out of the box, with stuff like a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with power-sliding doors and a power rear tailgate. There's available onboard Wi-Fi, and up to nine USB-C charging ports. You can even get two 115-volt home wall-style inverters and wireless phone charging. If you want rear-seat entertainment for your kids, you'll have to go for the SX trim. The two most expensive models, the Prestige trims, come standard with VIP-style lounge seats—a must-have for those who want their occupants to have the most relaxing experience possible. Kia offers a "Dark Edition" package for those who want to go stealth, painting items like wheels, C-pillar, roof rails, and grille in a dark blue hue. The company says adding this package "further amplifies" the Carnival's SUV-like presence. Expect the 2026 Kia Carnival to begin arriving at dealerships this summer. More on the Carnival The Kia Carnival Is Way Better as a Hybrid: First Drive 2025 Kia Carnival Gets An Updated Interior And Hybrid Power Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
This Type of Vehicle is Shockingly on the Rise in the U.S.
Once written off as relics of the past, family haulers are rebounding thanks to hybrids, refreshes, and price-conscious buyers. A surprising start to 2025 It's not often that the minivan earns a headline, but 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point. Sales of several top models, including the Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey, are up significantly through April, signaling a comeback few expected. While SUVs still dominate American driveways, minivans are quietly carving out more space on the sales charts. The Kia Carnival has been the biggest mover so far, up 60% year-to-date compared to the same period in 2024. A massive April helped fuel the surge, with Carnival sales jumping 87% over April of last year. Part of that momentum may be tied to the introduction of a new hybrid version, which removes a key disadvantage the Carnival had against rivals like the Sienna and Pacifica Hybrid. Minivans make a strong case for practicality According to Edmunds' head of insights, Jessica Caldwell, the current sales rally could be tied to both product improvements and market forces. 'Buyers in this segment are planners, and with tariffs in the conversation, some may be pulling the trigger early — helping fuel the Q1 sales surge,' Caldwell told Road & Track. 'Minivans might not stir the soul, but in 2025, they're making a strong case for themselves.' 2025 Kia Carnival — Source: Kia That case is being made with improved fuel efficiency, added tech features, and refreshed designs. The Toyota Sienna, which was refreshed for 2025, saw a 54% boost in sales through April. The Sienna's steady rise — from just over 6,400 sales in January to more than 10,000 in April — shows growing consumer interest in efficient and spacious family vehicles. Honda Odyssey keeps pace, Pacifica stays steady The Honda Odyssey isn't quite keeping up with the Carnival and Sienna, but it's still having a solid year. Sales are up 29% through April, totaling nearly 32,000 units. That's on pace with Toyota's numbers and shows that minivan shoppers are still loyal to the long-running Honda. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda Odyssey — Source: Honda The Chrysler Pacifica, on the other hand, is the only mainstream minivan not riding the 2025 wave — at least not yet. First-quarter sales dropped slightly by 2% compared to Q1 2024, though total volume remained strong at more than 32,000 units. Chrysler reports sales quarterly, but assuming April followed the upward trend seen across the rest of the market, the Pacifica could still end up as the year's top-selling minivan. Final thoughts Despite the segment's surge, minivans aren't overtaking SUVs anytime soon. Three-row crossovers like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander continue to post strong sales, appealing to buyers who want the look and feel of an SUV with similar levels of interior space. What's changed in 2025, however, is that minivans are no longer the obvious second choice. 2025 Chrysler Pacifica — Source: Stellantis Thanks to new hybrid options, refreshed designs, and rising awareness around value and practicality, today's minivan is shedding some of its old stigma. For growing families, road-trippers, or anyone who just wants sliding doors and a ton of space, the current crop of vans is more appealing than it's been in years. If trends continue, 2025 could mark the start of a long-overdue minivan revival.
West Australian
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2025 Kia Carnival GT-Line diesel review
If you know, you know. For many people, a Kia Carnival is a car you rent on holiday, thoroughly enjoy for its practicality, and then completely rule out buying because – gasp – you can't buy a people mover! But for those who get past the people mover stigma and purchase one, it proves an invaluable family car. Here's something that can carry eight people (even adults!) in comfort, and carry a very decent amount of luggage too. Good luck finding an SUV that can do that. Not to mention, the Kia Carnival – particularly in GT-Line diesel trim, as tested here – is a sensational road trip vehicle. People movers never quite reached the heights of popularity here as they did in markets like the US and Europe, but years ago the Carnival took the top spot in the segment and never relinquished it. Last year, it had 74 per cent share of the total people mover market here – a virtually unheard of percentage in our fragmented market. Frankly, the Carnival could be a 20 per cent worse vehicle and it would still be worth recommending, even setting aside the relative scarcity of competition. Fortunately for us, Kia takes the Carnival very seriously. That's perhaps because of the greater sales volumes people movers enjoy in the US, where the big Kia goes up against rivals from Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. But Australians get to enjoy the spoils of Kia's continuously evolving people mover, which in 2024 gained a hybrid version. It also received a substantial facelift which, like the Sorento , arguably looks neither better nor worse but now has the new Kia corporate look. In short, Kia didn't bollocks it up, and the Carnival still has a handsome, vaguely SUV-like look and doesn't look like a dorky van. Our tester was a GT-Line diesel, previously the top of the Carnival tent but now the second most expensive member of the lineup following the release of the hybrids including a GT-Line flagship. It wears a price tag of $73,330 before on-road costs, sliding in under the GT-Line hybrid at $76,630 before on-roads. The Carnival lineup was recently expanded – Kia now offers three trim levels with the hybrid powertrain, and you can get the diesel across five trim levels. If you want to save some money upfront – if not at the bowser – you can get the GT-Line with a petrol V6 for $71,100 before on-roads. For context, the related Hyundai Staria tops out at $67,950 before on-roads in diesel-powered Highlander guise, though while it adds all-wheel drive over the Kia it misses out in other areas. More on that later. To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like the exterior, the pre-update Carnival's interior was already quite nice but it has nevertheless been substantially refreshed. Headline changes include a new curved display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Kia's latest generation of infotainment system. The infotainment system has attractive graphics, logical menu structures, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Likewise, the instrument cluster is also attractive and intuitive, though there's still no map view. There's still far too much gloss black trim in the front of the cabin, which will be covered in smudges and dust quickly. That said, the strip of gloss black trim running across the very top of the dash is an attractive design detail, while other visually appealing elements include the intricately patterned speaker grilles, ambient lighting, and backlit graphics on the driver's door. The new climate control/media array, previously seen in models like the Kia Sportage , is a clever way to minimise dashboard clutter without burying functions in a touchscreen menu. It features a pair of knobs plus various touch-capacitive switches which control either the HVAC settings or, with the press of a button, media settings. You peer out over a surprisingly long bonnet for a people mover. Visibility out the back is already decent, but it's aided by the inclusion of a digital rear-view mirror. There's also a surround-view camera, and it boasts impressive resolution and a trick 3D view. You therefore shouldn't have any difficulties parking this big people mover. Storage could be better. The front doors don't have large bottle holders at all, while the centre console has a small shelf underneath on the passenger side but not the kind of open, expansive shelf you'll find in many of today's SUVs. However, there's a decently sized shelf atop the console with a wireless phone charger, plus a fairly deep, square-shaped bin. I took a previous-generation, top-spec Carnival on a road trip a few years ago and found the driver's seat absolutely abysmal, leaving my back in pain after the long drive – an issue I virtually never have with cars. The new-generation Carnival's seats are more comfortable, and my back felt okay after an almost identical drive. Still, they're firm, flat and unsupportive, which detracts from the Carnival's otherwise impressive road trip credentials. You and your seven passengers will be able to enjoy some carpool karaoke – hopefully without James Corden – thanks to the 12-speaker Bose sound system. Bose may not be the gold standard in sound systems, but this sound system is pretty damn good. Getting into the back of the Carnival is easy thanks to power sliding doors, which can also be operated using the key fob. The second row is exceptionally roomy, and is full of amenities including cupholders at the rear of the centre console; USB-C outlets in the front seatbacks; and climate controls on the driver's side. There are also controls on the front passenger seatback allowing second-row occupants to move it to free up more space, while each individual second-row seat can slide and recline. A second sunroof bathes the second row (and, to a lesser extend, the third row) in light, and can be opened or concealed with a sunshade. The centre seat folds down to reveal a flat surface perfect for games, and another couple of cup holders (there are nine in the cabin in total). The air vents for the second and third rows can be found in the ceiling. It's easy to get into the third row, as the second-row seats tilt and slide with the push of a button. The third row can actually comfortably fit adults, something many large SUVs can't boast. Unlike the Staria, you get ISOFIX child-seat anchor points for all second-row seats instead of just the outboard ones, while there are also top-tether and ISOFIX anchor points in the third row. That makes the Carnival a much more desirable option for people-mover buyers with young children. Also making the Carnival more desirable is the superior cargo space. Open the (power-assisted) tailgate and there's a deep well behind the rearmost seats. There's a whopping 627L of boot space, and flat-folding the third-row seats – which you can do one-handed – ups that to an enormous 2827L. The second-row seats don't fold into the floor, however. Unlike the hybrid, you do get a spare wheel in the GT-Line diesel albeit one of the space-saver variety. To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool On a drive from Blackbutt in regional Queensland back to Brisbane, we observed fuel consumption of just 6.5L/100km. Not bad for a big bus! The Carnival has the same 2000kg braked towing capacity with either a petrol or diesel engine. This is twice as much as the hybrid, which can tow only 1000kg. To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Carnival GT-Line diesel is a fabulous road trip companion. It provides a fantastically well-sorted ride, which ironed out some patchy, cracked and just generally crappy surfaces in urban and rural Queensland. You barely feel a thing, and yet the Carnival feels nicely tied down as well with great body control and an absence of float. Tyre roar can make the cabin a bit boomy on coarser-chip surfaces, but otherwise the Carnival is quite refined. Kia engineers have employed enough sound-proofing to drown out much of the clatter inherent with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder, leaving a rather muted engine note. We didn't whip out the decibel meter, but our impression is the Carnival is even quieter than a Hyundai Palisade with the same powertrain. You still enjoy the benefits of a turbo-diesel engine, chiefly an abundance of low-end grunt. The eight-speed torque-converter auto – as opposed to the eight-speed dual-clutch used in the related Sorento diesel – shifts smoothly, quickly and unobtrusively. There are paddles, but we never felt any need to use them, nor did we bother with Sport mode. The steering is light, which in a car like this is probably wise. It makes it easy to steer this around a carpark, but on a winding road it does make the car feel a bit harder to place and therefore more cumbersome. Those who despise automatic stop/start systems will be delighted to find the Carnival doesn't have one, so you will hear the faint sound of the diesel engine clattering away while you wait in the school pickup line. The safety systems are a mixed bag, but Hyundai Motor Group is ahead of many rivals with the suite of technology it offers. For example, instead of simply sounding an alarm, the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic systems can actually intervene to help save you from a collision, while the Blind-Spot View Monitor projects camera footage of your blind spot onto the instrument cluster. There's also Highway Driving Assist 2, which can perform automated lane changes. This is a bit more gimmicky, as if it detects too much steering input the system spits the dummy and cancels… but then if it detects you don't have your hands on the steering wheel it does the same thing. The lane-keep assist is intrusive and feels a bit like 10-pin bowling with the bumpers up. Yes, it's very good at detecting lane markings, but it's domineering. On narrower or more winding roads I found myself turning it off – something easily done with the press of a button on the steering wheel. The emergency steering assist, however, only interfered once, gently activating on a bend in the road with cars on both side. There's a radar-based rear occupant alert which went off as it was supposed to when I left somebody – an adult, I hasten to add – in the car while I ducked into the shops. It works as follows. You get an alert as you exit the vehicle to check the rear seats, and then if any movement is detected after the driver's door is closed and all doors are locked the horn will sound for 25 seconds. Given the number of tragic, avoidable deaths that have occurred when children and pets have been left in a hot car, this is a welcome feature. One feature we can do without is the overspeed alert that chimes not only when you exceed the speed limit, but even when you simply enter a new speed zone. It defaults to on, too, which is frustrting. To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There are five trim levels in the Carnival range. 2025 Kia Carnival S standard equipment highlights: Carnival Sport adds: Carnival Sport+ adds: Carnival GT-Line Lite adds: Carnival GT-Line adds: To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Kia Carnival has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2021. Standard safety equipment includes: Carnival Sport adds: Sport+ and up add: To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Kia Carnival has one of the best warranties in the business, and it's backed by seven years of capped-price servicing. That said, servicing isn't cheap and averages out to $594 per workshop visit. The diesel and petrol Carnivals' service intervals are longer than those of the hybrids, which must be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km. To see how the Kia Carnival lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If you're looking for a vehicle that can seat eight people and lug a decent amount of luggage, then ignore the Kia Carnival at your peril. Yes, SUVs are the trendier choice, but at the risk of shouting into a void here (or preaching to the choir), the Carnival is a far superior option unless you absolutely need all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance. The related Hyundai Staria can get you the former if not the latter, though you trade the handsome, quasi-upscale styling of the Carnival for something that – for better or worse – looks like a shuttlecraft out of Star Trek. It can't match the child- and luggage-hauling capabilities of the Kia, while almost everything else in the people mover segment looks and feels like a van with seats. Diesels may be falling out of favour, but the lower upfront cost than the hybrid and the superior driveability over the petrol versions make this a no-brainer. If the GT-Line is too extravagant for you, save the $4000 and get the still quite comprehensively equipped GT-Line Lite. You'll still be able to smile smugly at other families at your kids' cricket match, as they try to wedge gear and people into their less practical SUVs. Interested in buying a Kia Carnival? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Kia Carnival
