Auto Guide
2025 Kia Carnival
Used

Review and specifications

2025 Kia Carnival

Kia's replacement for the Sedona minivan brings major upgrades in terms of active safety, amenities, and connectivity. The Carnival is powered by a punchy 290-hp V6 that has lots of power in reserve, mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. Its 21 mpg overall is similar to other V6 competitors, but no match for the Toyota Sienna hybrid. Unlike the Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, the Carnival isn't available with AWD. The ride is comfortable and handling is secure but not agile. Controls are easy to use. High-end versions come with a lounge-like reclining feature for the second row. The midsection of the second row can handily slide fore and aft, but owners have to remove the heavy second-row seats for maximum cargo capacity. Standard active safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW. For 2025, the Carnival received a refresh which included mild interior and exterior styling updates, and standard adaptive cruise control. A new hybrid version powered by a 242-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder hybrid engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission was also introduced.

Market value
$35,325
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
8
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Model year 2025
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 3/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
minivan
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Minivans 3-row
Generation began
2022

Pricing

Current retail median
$35,325
Retail value range
$31,450 - $42,250
Original MSRP range
$36,800 - $50,900
Trade-in range
$30,440 - $41,600

Ratings

Road test score
85/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
65%
Reliability
3/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
18 MPG
EPA highway
26 MPG
EPA combined
21 MPG
Tested city
13 MPG
Tested highway
32 MPG
Tested overall
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,880
Cruising range
395 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.4 sec
0-60 mph
8.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
129 ft
Avoidance speed
52 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
203 in
Width
79 in
Height
70 in
Wheelbase
122 in
Weight
4,595 lb
Maximum load
1,325 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 lb

Interior

Seating
8 people
Front head room
8 in
Front leg room
41.5 in
Rear head room
4 in
Rear leg room
31 in
Cargo volume
72 cu ft

Owner feedback

Comfort
4/5
Driving
5/5
Styling
5/5
Value
2/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Kia

For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.

Vehicle ID: 30504 First published: February 21, 2024 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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