2025 Kia Carnival COTY Review: Not Minivan Enough?
The anti-minivan remains locked in conflict with itself, and the 2025 update doesn’t help.
When Kia introduced the Carnival as the Sedona’s replacement in 2021, it marketed the sliding-door vehicle as an “MPV,” not a minivan. For 2025, Kia has given the Carnival more SUV-like touches, including upside-down-L-shaped headlights similar to its latest SUVs, and added a new hybrid powertrain option.
The Carnival remains attractive, but its functionality is limited by its design. The low roof and high floor pinch the cabin’s height, making it less practical than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey. The second-row seats are comfortable but frustrating to adjust, with similar-looking levers and paddles that control recline and tilt-and-slide functions.
The new hybrid powertrain is more efficient on paper but delivers similar real-world mpg to the V-6 engine. The added weight of the hybrid system negatively impacts performance, and the firm ride doesn’t help. Kia’s attempt to position the Carnival as a three-row SUV with sliding doors results in a vehicle that suffers from some of the same problems as its SUV counterparts.
Key specifications for the 2025 Kia Carnival include:
- Base Price: $51,995 (V6), $53,995 (Hybrid)
- Power: 287 hp (V6), 242 hp (Hybrid combined)
- EPA Combined mpg: 21 (V6), 33 (Hybrid)
- Curb Weight: 4,783 lb (V6), 4,900 lb (Hybrid)
Ultimately, the 2025 Kia Carnival’s new look and powertrain aren’t enough to overcome its fundamental flaws. The vehicle’s identity crisis and functional shortcomings make it a less compelling choice in the competitive minivan segment.
