The Carnival undergoes a mid-cycle update for 2025. There are some exterior styling tweaks and cabin revisions but the big news is an available hybrid model. There is more standard active safety equipment for 2025.

Kia posits the Carnival as to be something other than a minivan but a minivan it is. With just the Chrysler Pacifica (and Grand Caravan spin-off), the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna left, the minivan segment is now very small and now clustered in the luxury car price arena. The Carnival is very much a Kia and also very good looking. The proportions of the Carnival suggest crossover instead of minivan, which may tempt people who really want a versatile and roomy minivan but don’t buy one as minivans are unfashionable.

The cabin design is chic and comprised of attractive components. The base trim is equipped with traditional gauges but other trims feature a wide, shallow computer tablet. The tablet rests upon a slimline, horizontally-focused dashboard. Like other Hyundai-Kia products, controls inside the Carnival are logical and easy to use. Either seven or eight occupants can be welcomed, depending on whether the second row is equipped with captain seats or a bench seat. The captain chairs have extendable foot rests.

Unlike Toyota, who abandoned their silky V6 for the current Sienna, Kia has retained its sonorous, naturally aspirated V6 for the conventional Carnival. The 3.5L-V6 produces 290 horsepower, power from with reaches the front wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6L turbo hybrid delivers enough power and good official fuel economy but real-world fuel economy has been unimpressive in other Hyundai-Kia vehicles it is used in.

Kia has reduced the number of trims for 2025, but unlike Toyota and Honda, who have abandoned mainstream trims and only offer super-luxury variants, Kia still offer a mainstream, quasi-affordable base model. The V6-powered LX trim includes a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane-keep assist system, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, active cruise control, navigation, the iOS-Android cellphone interface and deep tint glass. The LX+ upgrade adds a power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel and power sliding side doors. The SX adds leather seating, a dual-panel sunroof, ventilated front seats, a Bose-branded audio system, a head up display system, a 360 degree camera system and rear auto braking. The SX+ range topper boasts ventilated, second-row Ottoman style seats. The hybrid power train, offered in LX+, EX and SX+ trims, is priced around $2500 higher than an equivalent V6 Carnival.

Average reliability predicted during the warranty period but engines that lack durability long-term make leasing a good option.