- Gasoline-electric Kia Carnival launches in 2025
- The powertrain delivers 242 net horsepower
- Three levels of brake regeneration are controlled by paddle shifters
Kia on Monday announced pricing for this model. New hybrid version of its Carnival minivan.
The Kia Carnival Hybrid 2025 start at $41,895 (including mandatory destination charge of $1,395) for base LXS class. That’s $2,000 more than the non-hybrid Carnival LXS. Kia also offers the lower-spec Carnival LX, which starts at $37,895 including destination, but is not available with the hybrid powertrain.
EX ($44,095), SX ($48,995) and SX Prestige ($53,995) trims are also available. These models also cost $2,000 more than comparable hybrid versions.
Kia Carnival Hybrid 2025
Introduced as part of the Carnival’s mid-cycle revamp, which includes technology upgrades and more SUV-inspired styling, the Carnival Hybrid is powered by 1.6 liter turbo-4 gasoline engine with 54 kw (72 horsepower) electric motor on the input shaft of the 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power only to the front wheels.
Production hybrid model 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Non-hybrid models have a 3.5-liter V-6 making 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft, with an 8-speed automatic transmission. V-6 models are EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, but ratings for the Carnival Hybrid have not yet been released. In the Kia Sorento Hybrid, also upgraded for 2025, the same powertrain returns 36 mpg combined.
The Carnival Hybrid also offers three levels of regenerative braking selectable via steering wheel paddles, 17-inch wheels with a more aerodynamic design and active spoilers.
Kia Carnival Hybrid 2025
All 2025 Carnival models receive significant updates to their infotainment technology. ONE 12.3 inch touch screen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster console are standard, while EX grades and above include a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster The 12.3-inch number is mounted in a single curved housing. A digital rearview mirror and an upgraded voice recognition system are also available.
The Carnival Hybrid joins two other hybrid minivans in the US Toyota Sienna Available only as a hybrid, it’s not much more expensive than the non-hybrid version and offers the option of all-wheel drive. The Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is in fact a plug-in hybrid with a 32 mile electric range qualify for a $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. The Honda Odyssey is not currently available as a hybrid, but that could be in the lineup as well.
Kia has not yet said whether the Carnival will be offered as a plug-in hybrid. There’s a Sorento Plug-In Hybrid that offers 32 miles of electric range in pre-facelift form. That model will also return in 2025.
