2025 Kia Carnival | MotorWeek First Look

When Kia retired the Sedona name and introduced the all-new Carnival in 2021, this minivan or MPV became one of our favorites in the segment. For 2025, it sees a mid cycle refresh with a host of new updates including new looks, new tech, and a highly anticipated hybrid powertrain.

Jessica Ray heads to Detroit, Michigan to get a First Look at the new 2025 Kia Carnival.

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[dohc]

The Carnival is distinctively styled inside and out. The hybrid is an upgrade except for the turbo. The Sienna is NA and has AWD. My preferred choice.

[paulomeireles]

What a difference in value. Here in Brazil, this car costs 650 thousand reais (118 thousand US dollars), that is, only the very rich can afford to buy it. Remember that the minimum wage for a worker here is around 250 US dollars, that is, a worker who earns the minimum wage would take 460 months (38 years) to have enough money to buy this car. Here we are robbed by the government. It's a lot of taxes!!

[davidandersson]

I liked the soft music and more personal feel of this episode over the usual "in your face" style. Felt more informational somehow.

[s]

I'm getting one of these next year offered to me by my work. Only mine is 2.2 L turbo diesel.

[ichiBushi]

hi from Japan :) Our cars #1 only super perfect #1. We no engine fires transmission recalls. 🎌🏁🎌

[twotrackjack]

This seems like a solid mid-cycle update, i just hope Kia has worked all the bugs out of that 1.6 turbo engine..

[gorillaplays]

In Asia amd Europe they call them MPV's

[bikdav]

It’s nice that KIA didn’t use the old “semi cab over” configuration.

[jovar.]

1.6 liter engine in a nearly 2 1/2 ton van? good luck getting those mpg numbers

[LandonMillertotheMaxx]

i'll take that, after all, the Hybrid has a real automatic transmission, a 6-speed, and not those fake shitty CVTs. the tiger nose grille looks like a space age. thankfully the gas one still gets the V6 and 8-speed auto

[drfats]

Nice van. It's sad how the Americans gave away the minivan market...well, we gave away all markets except pickups. The Caravan went ugly and cheap looking compared to the imports. Then Chrysler had the bright idea to bring out the Pacifica instead of giving it to dodge and calling it a Caravan

[ChillguyTravels]

mini van ? damn thing looks mighty like a stretched suv .... gonna get some drive time on a 2024 Carnival next month

[_que]

Not sure why Hyundai group don't bring their Staria to North America, had a ride in one, quite nice, fuel efficiency good in diesel...

[Butchcub]

Like the looks even more now. but dark wheels are not my favorite. PHEV are they way to go now (our 2024 G80 electrified is ok but charging not at home sucks)

[TimJoseph]

Kia could have put the electronic shifter as an electronic column mount shifter to free up space, just like old Mercedes electronic shifter.

[LrulestheworldM]

Im 100% sure that most owners will still opt for the more powerful V6. When you add a hybrid system to an already cramped engine bay, you're asking for trouble.

[jackgonzalez]

1.6 liter turbo on that huge vehicle? Even with the help of an electric motor is a lot of load for such a tiny engine that is already stressed by the turbo compression. The Toyota Siena hybrid, has a natural aspirated 2.5 liters plus the hybrid motor and makes about 245 hp and 35 mpg. Guess which engine is going to last a lot longer?

[gross]

Honda Odyssey is the only minivan to own, it doesn’t need awd, I live in northern Alberta, probably tougher conditions then most of the viewers here, good set of snow tires is all you need, cheap just this van

[nedharris]

What about the refreshed Odyssey for next year?

[flyjarrett]

Drove a 2024 Carnival as a rental with 800 miles on it. Part way through the trip, the power doors quit working.