2025 Carnival Hybrid test drive
Bold and strong design stands out
Quiet ride, fuel efficiency 33 MPG
Significantly improved advanced driving assistance specifications
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid MPV vehicle is running on the freeway. Reporter Park Nak-hee
Kia added a hybrid (HEV) trim to the 2025 Carnival model, which is leading the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment, and presented a new alternative to consumers who feel burdened by the fuel costs of mid-to-large SUVs in the era of high oil prices.
Media officials who participated in the Asian Media Test Drive held in Irvine and Temecula on the 22nd were able to experience the 2025 Carnival MPV HEV firsthand by driving about 140 miles of freeway and local roads.
The 2025 Kia Carnival HEV features a family look design, including a large tiger nose grille, vertical LED cube headlights, and amber signature star map daytime running lights (DRL). Reporter Park Nak-hee
▶New appearance and improved specifications
The Carnival, which debuted in 2001, entered its fourth generation in 2022, and its design was so complete that it could be said to be a completely different car, and its driving performance was greatly improved.
The facelifted 2025 Carnival HEV SX Prestige trim has a family look design, including the large tiger nose grille that Kia introduced in the 2025 Sorento, vertical LED cube headlights, and ‘ㄱ’-shaped amber signature star map daytime running lights (DRL). By applying it, it shows a bold and strong appearance.
This exterior reflects consumer preferences for SUVs and is interpreted as part of a differentiation strategy from minivans. The rear also features star map rear lamps similar to the front DRL design, giving it a simple yet sophisticated look.
The spacious windshield and large display that provide an open front view stand out. Reporter Park Nak-hee
The interior has also been upgraded. First, unlike the previous model, it is equipped with a panoramic curved screen that integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display into one panel, creating a modern and luxurious look.
The audio and air conditioning control touch panel has been slimmed down, and the center console is equipped with a dual cup holder that can hold a large-capacity tumbler and a dial-type transmission to reflect recent trends. In addition, there is a full display mirror that can be switched to a rear camera view, six USB-C charging terminals, two power outlets, and two 115V inverters.
You can control some functions, such as opening and closing windows and adjusting the indoor air conditioner, with the voice command “Hey Kia,” and wireless smartphone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto provide convenience. Digital Key 2, which allows vehicle control with a smartphone, is also available as an option.
The VIP lounge seat package can seat 8 people and can accommodate 7 people, and the second row of seats can be adjusted to relaxation mode. An optional 14.6-inch full HD monitor can be installed in the second row. You can enjoy a variety of entertainment contents through Wi-Fi OTA streaming or external device mirroring through the HDMI port, making it reminiscent of business class on an airplane.
Three rows of seats are provided as standard, and excluding the first row, it provides a best-in-class loading space of 145.1 cubic feet.
Optional 14.6-inch full HD monitor and VIP lounge seat. Reporter Park Nak-hee
▶Upgraded advanced driving functions
Carnival HEV combines a 1.6 turbo hybrid engine and a 54kW motor to produce 242 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, and has a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds.
Acceleration performance from a stop was a beat slower than the Carnival gas model equipped with a 290 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, but it provided a smooth and comfortable ride except when driving on steep hills.
A difference in power was felt depending on the drive mode, such as eco and sport, and in smart mode, the regenerative braking level could be adjusted to three levels with the shift paddles.
When driving at 60 miles per hour, the interior noise was 68 to 70 dB, which was 4 to 5 dB quieter than the gas model.
It is equipped with a variety of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In particular, semi-autonomous driving was possible by activating highway driving assist 2 (HDA 2), smart cruise control, and lane keeping assist (LKA/LFA), and the driving stability was significantly improved compared to before, which was impressive. In the case of semi-autonomous driving, after a certain period of time, Hands on Detection (HOD) activates and a warning sound sounds for safe driving.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 34 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the freeway, and it provides a combined fuel efficiency of 33 MPG, but on this day, even during a test drive with rapid acceleration in sports mode, it recorded 30 MPG, demonstrating the advantages of HEV to the fullest.
A simple yet sophisticated rear with star map rear lamps. Reporter Park Nak-hee
The 2025 Carnival HEV has four trims, including LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, and the price starts at $40,500, and the SX Prestige trim, which was tested, starts at $52,600.
It is said that the majority of carnival buyers are millennials, and I can see why it is popular for families and leisure purposes. One thing that remains disappointing is that we were unable to fully examine all the features and specifications due to the lack of test drive vehicles.
Text and photo = Reporter Park Nak-hee [email protected]
