2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige - An excellent family hauler.

 

Sometimes I think there are too many acronyms. SUV, MPV, CUV; it gets confusing. Once there were sedans, hardtops, and station wagons. Then came vans and mini-vans. We all knew what they were. Now I get confused. What is the difference between a Sport Utility Vehicle, Multi Purpose Vehicle, or Crossover Utility Vehicle? And who cares?

So whatever Kia, or you, call the Carnival, I'm just going to call it a very nice car.

There are two seating configurations - 8 or 7 seats. The Carnivale I drove had the optional 7-seats; two up front, two center, and three in what we used to call "the way back." The SX Prestige is so darn nice inside that I hesitate to call it a family car. Take a look -

This photo courtesy of Kia

If I ignore the white (actually Deep Navy & Misty Gray) interior color (Off-Black is an option) I have to admit that this is one classy interior.

Kia seems to have gone down the rabbit hole of complexity in some of their controls. Some controls were easy to find and use, others not so much.

I looked all over and the only place I could find to adjust the sound system volume was on the steering wheel. The top photo shows what seemed to be the default for the center screen. Maybe there is a way to go in and change it, I certainly hope so. I like my tunes so I'd prefer the screen to stay on my station. 

Enough of that, let's look at the powertrain. For a 2.5 ton vehicle you may think a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder might seem puny. But combine it with the electric motor and there is 241.7 hp on tap. The power goes out through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. Acceleration is good - 0-60 mph comes up in 7.8 seconds.

The real benefit of the hybrid system is fuel economy. How does 34-mpg around town, and 31-mpg on the highway.

In the greater scheme of things the Carnival is not huge but it isn't small either. It is just shy of 17' long, just under 6' tall (with roof rack), and 7.5' wide mirror to mirror. Parked in one of the ever shrinking parking spots I was glad the rear doors were sliders. I wish the fronts had been. I am so tired of squeezing my bulk through a narrow slot to get in or out of the front seat. This isn't a dig at the Carnival, and part of the problem is my girth, but sooner or later I'll need to park so far away from a store that I'll have to call a taxi!

Besides seating room the attraction of the Carnival is the capacity to carry stuff, a lot of stuff. 

There is a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet of space in there for your stuff, with a minimum of 40.2 cu. ft. If you need more space you can tow up to 2,500 lbs (with trailer brakes).

Don't expect the Carnival to handle like a sport sedan but it won't embarrass you. The ride is a good combination of comfort and control. 

A base Kia Carnival Hybrid LXS starts at $40,800, the top of the line SX Prestige at $52,900. This is only $2,000 above the non-hybrid version and the fuel economy is way better. Prices are from kia.com, check with your local dealer.

If you need family transportation you owe it to yourself to check out a Kia Carnival.