Having just completed my third test drive of the Kia Carnival, I can confidently say this vehicle remains one of my all-time favorites from the manufacturer. The 2025 model enhances everything I already loved while adding a hybrid option that's perfect for both daily family duty and epic road trips with the guys.
Don't Call It a Minivan (But We All Know What It Is)
Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, the Carnival is a minivan. Kia marketing though insists on calling it an "MPV" or Multi-Purpose Vehicle and to be fair, it is that too. This strategic rebranding started when the Carnival replaced the Sedona and honestly, it works. The term "MPV" better captures what this vehicle actually offers but for any Gen X buyer that grew up being transported around in mom's Caravan ... it's still a minivan!
Interestingly, I've noticed a pattern among my social circle: my male friends seem far less bothered by the minivan stigma than their wives or girlfriends, who often refuse to drive "what their moms did" back in the day. My father-in-law even remarked that it looks more like an approachable full-size SUV. While his comparison to a Suburban might be a stretch, the Carnival definitely projects a more muscular and exciting presence than your typical "mom wagon."
SUV-Like Design with Minivan Functionality
The 2025 refresh fully embraces Kia's "Opposites United" design language, giving the Carnival a bold, assertive front end with a sculptural grille and distinctive Star Map daytime running lights. The rear has been refined with repositioned license plate housing and crisp contours in the taillights that add depth.
For those who want an even more distinctive look, the Carnival Dark Edition offers darkened exterior elements, including roof rails, skid plates, and wheels. The result is a vehicle that commands attention in parking lots without screaming "I've surrendered to parenthood."
Hybrid Power: Efficiency Meets Capability
The 2025 model strengthens its position as a true multi-purpose vehicle by introducing a new hybrid option. While the standard 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine still delivers a respectable 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the new 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid setup paired with a 54kW motor generates a combined 242 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque.
This hybrid system includes some thoughtful performance features like Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) in Eco/Smart mode, which lets you adjust regenerative braking levels using the paddle shifters. The hybrid also comes with E-Handling to improve responsiveness in corners and E-Ride for a smoother experience over bumps.
Carnival Is The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
From a driving perspective, the Carnival has everything you could possibly ask for in the perfect road trip vehicle. Visibility and gas mileage are excellent, especially with the new hybrid powertrain. The available Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) helps reduce fatigue on long highway stretches, letting you focus more on enjoying the journey rather than the tedium of maintaining speed and lane position.
For parents (including those who travel with their fur babies!) the interior camera is also a nice touch since there's no need to turn your head around and distract from driving, you can simply open the camera display and check to see why the kids are suddenly quiet ... or what they are fighting about, depending on the situation.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with supportive seats that prevent backaches even after hours behind the wheel. Getting in and out is far easier than with high-riding SUVs - a significant advantage for friends or family members with mobility concerns.
Tech That Actually Improves the Experience
The 2025 Carnival comes equipped with Kia's next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, which processes faster and with higher fidelity than previous versions. The curved panoramic dual-display featuring a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen creates a functional and impressive ultramodern cockpit.
For passengers, the available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System with dual 14.6-inch full HD monitors allows streaming from popular platforms, perfect for keeping kids entertained on family trips or letting your buddies watch the game while you're driving to your weekend getaway.
Seven standard USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensure everyone's devices stay charged, while the multi-zone voice recognition feature lets you control various functions with simple "Hey Kia!" commands.
Unmatched Versatility for Guys on the Go
The Carnival maintains its best-in-class 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, making it perfect for hauling everything from home improvement supplies to camping gear. The removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats provide flexibility that trucks and SUVs simply can't match. To put this in comparison - the MUCH LARGER GMC Yukon only has about 122 cu-ft of cargo space and Toyota's Grand Highlander is 97 cu-ft.
For 8-passenger configurations, the "Slide-Flex" seating allows multiple arrangements, including a sliding second-row center seat that gives the front passenger easy access to a child riding in it, a feature that's surprisingly useful even on guys' trips when someone inevitably needs to pass snacks or grab something from a bag in the back.
On our version, we had the second-row LuxuryVIP Lounge Seats that felt almost like you were getting a first-class airline experience with a nice big seat-back video screen, comfy seats that lay back, and even featured leg extensions.
The Only Drawbacks: Where's the Excitement?
My only real critique is that the driving experience lacks excitement.
The engine and transmission on this hybrid version are tuned for smooth, efficient performance rather than anything that could be considered thrilling. While that's perfectly appropriate for the vehicle's primary purpose, I can't help but think that a Carnival GT with a more aggressive powertrain could be a lot of fun!
The Bottom Line: A Vehicle That Makes Sense
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid represents a practical choice that doesn't force you to sacrifice comfort, technology, or capability. It's a vehicle that acknowledges the realities of adult life while refusing to be boring or embarrassing.
Whether you're hauling kids to soccer practice, picking up lumber for weekend projects, or heading out with your buddies for a fishing trip, the Carnival proves that choosing the right tool for the job doesn't mean surrendering your identity. In the truest sense, it's a multi-purpose vehicle that is ready for whatever life throws your way. However it's also my top pick for a long guys trip if your adventure is taking you primarily on highways ... exploring a national park, visiting a neighboring city for your team's away game etc.
Kia did a great job with this vehicle ... even my wife agrees ... but still refuses to allow herself to buy a mini van.
