The 2025 Kia Carnival SX-Prestige Is A Turbo Electric Multi Purpose Family Hauler

When you want to carry 7 people and all their stuff, nothing beats a minivan in practicality. For 2025, the #KiaCarnival gets some big changes including a new #CarnivalHybrid option for the first-time. The #KiaCarnivalHEV combines a 1.6L turbo engine with a powerful electric motor to generate 242 HP and 271 lb-ft of torque, giving this minivan more torque than the standard V6 engine.
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[@marzoval9551]

They did a good job styling it like an SUV

[@chadrobinson4852]

You are the GOAT at expressing only the pertinent information in a short period of time. You talk as fast as a someone spelling out prescription drug disclaimers while not wasting a single word. Totally impressive.

[@rohanmehta4208]

Absolutely true 👍

[@Mikcago]

I was thinking that as well, ESPECIALLY compared to how he was say 7-10 years ago. The growth for the channel has been great to see.

[@CeeJayy720]

I thought i was the only one that thought this 😂

[@rickygreengiant]

This is insane for a mini van. Imagine pulling up in this? 🤩

[@betsheelllouis6908]

Looking for a new vehicle since we're about to be a part of five and this is by far the best review of the carnival that I have seen on the internet. Great job and thanks for all the info!

[@BrianScottie43]

I had its previous iteration, a 2018 Sedona. It was a great vehicle with a superb engine and good electronic features. Gave it to my nephew after 5 years and his family of 5 just love it. If I was ever to buy another van it would be a Carnival for certain. Kia make great vehicles.

[@georgeballow7028]

Another great review Soyfan. I like the middle row’s ability to move way back giving those passengers limo like space. Had a 93 Villager that did a similar move although I had to grind down stoppers in the tracks. So comfortable. That van had only the passenger side door but it felt very secure on the drivers side.

[@HiiImChris]

By far the best looking van, not even close. Stylish, which is hard to do with such a huge vehicle body

[@NawfalHasan]

Agree, though I liked the previous design better!

[@Natethegreat200c]

Pacifica has that hands down.

[@NadeemAhmed-nv2br]

​@@Natethegreat200cnot even close, it looks like a mutilated peanut butter m&m while kia looks like a land rover

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@NadeemAhmed-nv2br not even close. This looks like a wanna be. Like most kias. The Pacifica is it’s own Car. I don’t want or need my car to look like another brand.

[@jamesf791]

​@@Natethegreat200cwell you are clearly in the minority, like by yourself, in design. Everyone who has style knows this vehicle is beautiful while the Pacifica looks like the new creep mobile.

[@chewie94116]

Great review! Love it! Very informative of all the reviewers out there.

[@mikb2619]

Insanely helpful review! Thank you!

[@truckercowboyed2638]

I keep forgetting we're actually in 2024 so 2025s are coming out by the summer and fall

[@steve0szymanski]

Honestly... I love it. They nailed it. Hopefully the pricing isn't crazy. It's definitely on my shortlist as we need a bigger main vehicle.

[@dpolendo]

Get it!

[@phatgringo2.0]

Completely unreliable

[@PhilosophicalThumbs]

Right, now the 2024 with all bells and whistle are going for 55,500

[@BCJDM]

The Blue is nice more manufactures need to do the dark blue

[@kevinlucas8437]

Very nice design !!! Perfect for the family !!!

[@RimRunnerRR]

Minivans aka MPV's are one of the most practical vehicles you can buy.

[@jtek5si]

Awesome, i hope Kia will bring the EV version of this car soon. Thanks for the videos!

[@md8744]

This is the one I keep saying and waiting for whole my family are excited. Love it the healthy specs with 2.5l

[@gocelts]

Same. Can't wait to trade in my gas-guzzling Odyssey for this. Was hoping to get the Sienna but Toyota pissed me off with their supply issues and dealers adding ridiculous premiums. Hope Kia makes these available everywhere.

[@carycoller3140]

I was at the show and reviewed this vehicle also. The 2nd row seats have a button on the rear lower part of the seats on the outbound side. They lift forward like the X7.

[@stephenmarktecson1216]

When you start seeing the herse vibes that the C pillar so generously provides, you won't be able to unsee it.

[@jimjohnson530]

Only true for the black. Nothing else looks like a herse

[@reload1982]

funny how at 10:27 rob gives the seat the finger!

[@xJayPlayz]

Ikr 😂

[@keithrodes1591]

So glad they finally added a hybrid!!

[@mikekruk3]

Hopefully you are going to be at the Car show on Saturday when my son and I will be there. Hope to see you there we are big fans!!

[@xJayPlayz]

10:26 The camera man wasn’t too happy about the seat 🤣

[@sukjinaigoo716]

He was saying this seat is #1 lol...

[@peteryang8652]

From 2022+ Kia Carnival General Discussion Forum : I just got the 2023 SX Prestige but there has been some rattling noise when I driver on the bumpy road/ uneven surfaced road. I have this also. Same (perceived) location. Can't really pinpoint location. May be in driver's door as it sometimes goes away if I open and close the door at a stop. I just got a new Kia carnival 2024 sx and am hearing the same rattling near the front side/seat belt column area on both drivers and passengers door. Yep. Same issue with me. It seems to only make the noise on the highway. But it is totally random. I’m having the same issue with my 2024 SX prestige. The noise seems to be from driver/sliding door on driver side. I have the 2024 Kia Carnival and I hear rattling noise when I drive over uneven roads/pavement coming from the rear of the vehicle. Got our 2023 SX Prestige last week and from the first mile itself, I could hear some clunking noise from the back when I go over bad patches of road/speed bumps. did anyone had same problem as mine... squeaking / creaking sound from dashboard when drive on uneven / bumpy road... Yes! Got our car on Oct 22, 2022. It’s an ex 2023. Today 10/27/2022 I started to notice. Creaking noise when I stop and go and on some slightly bumpy roads…. I don’t like it I have a kia carnival sx prestige, I have the creaking sound just whenever it wants to make the noise, I have replaced the struts and mounts, leftside lower control arm and the brakes and still the same sound, took it to kia and they charged me for 2 hours of trying to figure it out, 465.00 . I had someone tell me it sounds like 2 pieces of plastic scraping rubbing together and the noise sounds like under the driver's seat to him. I about to trade it for a dodge. I have a noise at random times on the highway. Sounds like it is coming from the lower part of the driver side door. Anyone find a fix for this, my 22 EX+ model is doing this, seems like plastic trim behind the dual screens in the noise source.

[@66siabtuagame]

Still waiting for the AWD option

[@xtremecoast]

Cannot believe they don't have it. People go camping and stuff, getting stuck in a tiny bit of wet mud in some campsite wouldn't be fun. I'm not an offroad enthusiast by any stretch, but AWD can save your a$$ where FWD you'd be screwed.

[@mohammadsaeed1321]

Test drove it and Love it. just was hoping it had an AWD option since I live up in the northeast.

[@matthewgeissinger2856]

Upgrade the tires to an all weather or dedicated snow and you will be fine.

[@vinothpermal8223]

You are well and that I can be a great weekend to see if it is a few minutes 🙂😁

[@noelsilva8887]

Nice and looks good. Too bad no awd but besides that it a sweet ride.

[@Thatsmessedupman]

But can you take the rear seats out? I don't know why you didn't go with all-wheel drive first?

[@ThinkBeFree99]

If your at the pint in yiu4 life where u need the space and features a van iffers u sbiuldnt care whst people think. This is a very nice looking and comfortable vehicle for families, and they can option it out to be very premium

[@USATFJUMPER]

I heard initally they were talking about a BEV version is this not happening only a HEV?

[@chewie94116]

I like this over the other minivans because of it's VIP seats!

[@Big_Mike_1116]

Love the amber light DRLs. Glad Kia is embracing it is part of their distinctive design language. Wish Hyundai did Amber DRLs too. Always preferred the long amber DRLs of the gen 1 telluride over the 2 dots on the gen 2. Just like you said glad they went with a hybrid on this one. Hoping it beats out Toyota’s 36 MPGs combined. Disappointed no AWD. As for the exterior I still wish they were able to integrate the rear door track into the black cladding under the windows like the Toyota sienna does instead of in the body panel. Also, I’m still not a fan of the chrome detail on the C pillar. Maybe the night package would black it out to give the roof a more floating look but doubtful the package would black out this detail (the blacked-out trims in the 2024 model leave this chrome). No cars need exterior chrome cladding/trim anymore. Black and gunmetal would be nice. Could be fixed with a vinyl wrap on that pillar though. One thing I don’t like about the design language that both Kia and Hyundai seem to be going with are these super light-colored interiors. I can live with the blue plastic on this Carnival, but that whitish gray is garbage for little kids. They are going to get dirtied and scuffed up in no time flat. They need a nice brown, something like the Terracotta leather or Mahogany leather on the telluride. That would look great in contrast to the blue plastic interior. Paddle shifters are odd with the 6 speed automatic. Usually they only have it on their Dual clutch transmission vehicles. Are you sure they aren’t for regen braking? Should have power telescoping and tilt steering wheel adjustment for the top trim. Not a fan of the dial shifter, wish they could do the column shifter Hyundai is doing now.

[@jeffs6090]

I don't. DRLs should always be white. Amber is (or should be) for turn signals only.

[@volcalstone]

The Ioniq 6 has amber DRLs.

[@audiS4fan2009]

I don't know I you pointed it out, but that thing has a heads up display.

[@MrMountainHawk]

Color too! Fancy!!!

[@bradleyscarreviews]

Glad they are finally offering a hybrid, this would definitely be the minivan I get if I were to. Very premium, lots of tech and features, spacious, efficient, and doesn’t look like your average minivan. Plus, the motor is very good, the 1.6T hybrid. I haven’t had to replace any of those engines, not to mention the 3.5 V6 in the standard gas one. Great engine also. And I love that they dropped the 6 Speed DCT that they offered on the Tuscon/Sportage/Sonata/Elantra Hybrids. Now they are using a 6 speed conventional auto for longevity in the carnival hybrid. Just wish it came with AWD. It would sell like hotcakes with AWD.

[@SStrunks]

LoL was going to ask if it finally has AWD. Thanks for saving me the time.

[@bradleyscarreviews]

@@SStrunks no problem! Kia needs to make it make sense. They’ve added what people wanted, the Hybrid, now add the AWD to the damn thing!!!

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Umm Honda doesn't offer AWD on the Odyssey either

[@JT-fq2bl]

Tucson/Sportage & Sonata/K5 do not use DCTs in their hybrid forms. They all have the same trusted 6 speed auto as the Carnival Hybrid that's been used in the Sonata Hybrid since 2011. As for the (dry) 6 speed DCT that's in the Elantra/Kona/Niro, it's at its best when paired with hybrid tech, but it's horrible without it. I hope H/K move this hybrid tech to the next gen Venue/Soul and let the next gen Elantra/Kona/Niro get their larger siblings hybrid transmission and pair it with the Nu 2.0 engine to keep up with the Toyota Prius.

[@shannonha2331]

@@JT-fq2bl Hopefully KIA America/Canada voice for the KIA Soul for the North American market. Apparently the Soul has been discontinued in the South Korean market for some years already. The Niro/Kona and the local Korean model called the KIA Ray (a compact boxy car) do pretty well there.

[@danporges]

If they came out with an electric rear axle like some companies are doing to create AWD I would strongly consider replacing my Telluride with this as my family grows.

[@prainmantis]

AWD effects such a small percentage of people that its not worth the cost to implement. AWD is actually really expensive to put into vehicles. It would raise the price the to an unnecessary amount. The Hybrid addition is totally worth it though.

[@jimjohnson530]

Thank you for stating this obvious fact. Tired of seeing comments about lack of AWD.

[@daddyshome6990]

Heads up display?

[@BuRNingFLaN]

Will the 2025 Carnival get HDA2? Thanks!

[@ChiefComplaintX]

AWD would be nice for Canada😊

[@scottbrawley407]

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid HEV MPV SX Prestige!

[@mr.hondamods]

Long love the 2006 Mazda MPV

[@Paulog1990]

Really wish they sold this in AWD. Would be a great deal.

[@totallynotdex7639]

rob with the middle finger 🤣🤣

[@AlmightyPyro]

doesn’t look like a minivan at all. It’s awesome.

[@persaud101]

Don’t fall for that’s it’s a mini van

[@KB-om9ol]

Looks like they just took the GMC Yukon head lights and added more long ass lines. I’ve seen like 3 Kia’s that rip off gm designs

[@HumanStateOfEmergency]

​@KB-om9ol and they end up doing it better.

[@ashleynash903]

​@@persaud101fall for what? It is the most suv styled minivan on the market so far. Outside of the sliding side doors (which anyone with more than one small child will tell you is a godsend in a crowded parking lot), nothing really makes this a minivan more than you would call a chevy suburban or a lincoln navigator a minivan. Those things are land yachts.

[@persaud101]

@@ashleynash903 Mini vans and large SUVs are not the same and are not built the same… This clearly a minivan… I know because I owned one until I traded it in. Once the looks wear off you’re basically driving a mini van with low ground clearance and no awd… Interior wise its awesome, drives very well and tons of space… Problem is that is has a lot recalls and possible defect in the engine block… Mines was burning coolant at 15k miles so I got rid of it for the new Honda Pilot (same passenger space with a little less cargo sapce). Grand Highlander was over msrp so I skipped that at the time… If you need a mini van, I would stick to Toyota and Honda better reliability is better than a better interior with headaches… Forget the long warranty Kia provides, no ones to waste time dealership every other weekend fixing tons of recalls and problems…

[@alexmassengale433]

I'm looking forward to seeing what Honda does. Its their turn to release a new one. This looks like a much more compelling option than the Sienna though I do worry about the long term ownership proposition of a tiny hybrid turbo. That is a really complex powertrain. I hope they've addressed the mediocre rear safety ratings from IIHS. The tech is lightyears ahead of the competitors. The lounge seats don't appeal to me and I'm glad they let you get a bench seat. I do wish they had AWD.

[@skylermchale6462]

For sure would be my choice if I were in the market for a family vehicle

[@kensarauer]

I wonder if they moved the turn signals up from the bottom of the rear bumper. What a rediculous location for the blinker. Honeslty one of my biggest pet peeves with our 22 Karnival. That and storage for a purse etc... in the front row.

[@ZapFlashD]

They did. If you noticed when Sofyan opened the liftgate, the brake lights flashed twice. Now the turn signals are also the brake lights. The reverse lights are still in the bumper.

[@RicardoLandinginJr]

Did we lose 2nd row middle seat ?

[@superfreak401]

Sofyan, did you say this Kia has “C&C music factory”?

[@mnfw123]

looks like the chevy traverse u just reviewed from the side and back 😅

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

Awesome that there is another Hybrid choice in this segment. Wonder if they will do a PHEV version?

[@shannonha2331]

I think the next generation Carnival (late 2027 or 2028 ish) will likely do a PHEV, considering KIA/Hyundai plan to electrify all their existing models. Even the Palisade of Hyundai and North American KIA Telluride will likely get a HEV option down the line when the company redesigns them. I am not too sure about AWD on the next generation Carnival but hopefully it might have that option too for snow driving.

[@ameliaandaidensfunlife9924]

It's a shame they cut off a lot of features comparing the korean version like the multi function massage rear seats and tray for the reat passengers under the front arm rest.

[@ericB3444]

Are there ongoing carnivals in this vehicle? Am I supposed to play pin the tail on the donkey while driving this vehicle? How is that ultrasafe plus?

[@bengermanb]

Really? By the end of the year? I've tried to look for a release date and heard it speculated early this year. I was hopeful. 🥺

[@Tych333]

This is actually a very nice looking vehicle. If it was PHEV and AWD it would be exactly what I'm looking for. Glad to see a hybrid, but I want to be able to do most drives around town with no gas use. No AWD is just and automatic no unfortunately for our climate and winter hobbies.

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

A very nice looking van, for sure. But MPV? Mazda did that decades ago ;).

[@adamosman6417]

They need to bring the taller roof model to North America.

[@johnallen8248]

I have no clue how they come up with the cargo numbers on vehicles, but I can assure you, you could put way more ish behind the 3rd row of a Suburban.

[@K.C.-Games]

Kia can’t hide the sliding door track?

[@ScottieWP09]

No AWD on the hybrid is disappointing for us as we are looking for a minivan and live in New Hampshire. Need something that can hustle everyone to the ski slopes!

[@bucketlist2325]

What about hybrid telluride 😢

[@bt5252]

Well it has about the same ground clearance as a Sorento HEV so just short AWD to be an SUV.

[@fonzieflores6254]

Could we get a review of the model without the lounge seats I feel like for families that option is kinda obsolete

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

The paddles are for regenerative braking

[@JT-fq2bl]

And manually shifting the transmission while in Sport Mode. That feature was introduced in the now discontinued Ioniq Hybrid refresh.

[@hoinam80]

Does it have an AWD option? Definitely a failure if not.

[@pasta-eo5mt]

PHENOMENAL COSMIC PASSENGER SPACE itty bitty engine power

[@uconnapharm]

For the Carnaval to move to the #1 position on my purchase list , it has to get AWD to make it the best it can be in the snow-belt states

[@elisicamost5959]

what we really need is a plug-in hybrid minivan that can do at least 40 EV miles in winter/ 70 EV miles in summer. The current Pacifica plug-in does 22 EV miles at best in winter....

[@Tych333]

Pacifica is just so ugly I can't consider it. This is actually a great looking vehicle. I want an AWD PHEV family mover. Hopefully soon

[@Open928]

Oh man ! AWD and winter tires and I would have been sold

[@LanceEJones]

Maybe I’m 40, but AWD, a diff, a little more ground clearance, you’re going places!

[@MrTigz]

They should have done a PHEV version.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@persaud101]

My Kia carnival was burning coolant at 15k miles so I got rid of it… While it’s nice and appointed luxuriously and drives nice… It still a Kia. Tons of recalls and coolant burning/engine block problem. One recall was for the fuel rail problem which can cause a fire in the engine bay 🔥 so literally your new Kia can catch on fire at anytime with family in the vehicle…

[@KB-om9ol]

Your comment will just be ignored by these trashy Kia fan boys. Kia’s are the best car ever in their eyes and the only car that will ever take them to their jobs at the Arby’s and McDonald’s.

[@hby7768]

I love the styling however no 4x4 is a deal breaker

[@jonathantyree8172]

Will they make this without the massive center console?

[@jimjohnson530]

Speak for yourself I need it with all the familys crap,

[@UncleAlpha1]

Do a ev van

[@chengcheng9876]

I want to buy it

[@samaraiza]

So close, so close. But won’t trade in my awd Volvo for a fwd “mpv”. A hybrid engine is something I want in my next vehicle, and can’t compromise on the awd. I have so much more confidence driving my family around safely in the rain with an awd. So sad. Oh well.

[@oldmancycling7440]

What a shame you dont get the diesel version. The 1.6 turbo is a small motor when the electric motor cuts off

[@Hanzothedach1323]

Kia doesn't want you to call it a mini van. Keeps calling it a mini van 😅 Nice review btw.

[@gm12551]

Also Sofyan: says features like the digital display were first on the EV6. How about the Sportage?

[@user-rg5cp7tq1z]

V6 , AWD and 5000lbs towing capacity, AND I’d be all over this ….

[@xtremecoast]

No AWD? That is ridiculous. How did they drop the ball so much? They could have had a huge portion of the market. 2wd can't make it up my driveway with even a tiny bit of snow. Sad. I wanted this one .

[@firefalcoln]

I wonder if in a few years people will dislike the SUV look and associate it with their parents like people already commonly do with minivans? I tend to think of giant 3 row large vehicles as giant, ugly and practical only if they’re actually often transporting a lot of people or stuff. It never really mattered to me whether the vehicle looked like a big SUV or a minivan. Neither seemed cool to me. But a lot of people seem to think the SUVs look cooler and more luxurious, while vans are more practical and useful on the inside. This vehicle seems to do a good job of providing the best of both for that typical consumer.

[@HerroYuy246]

Finally!!!!!

[@michellegarvey1]

7 people?wheres the 8 seater?thats why i loved it because the 8 seats

[@HighlanderRside]

Mpg guess would be nice. Bet you could guess well!:)

[@bgizze01]

Love my 2023 Carnival and will be swapping it out for a newer one in about a year or so

[@victreebel170]

Why? That's insane, you're gonna lose like $15k selling a 2 year old Carnival.

[@bgizze01]

@@victreebel170 No I wouldn’t lose no where near that much. I got my Carnival for less than what the Sorento’s and Tellurides are going for and this is when the dealer couldn’t keep them in the lot. Will I be losing some money yea sure, but you know what they say can’t take it with you.

[@KB-om9ol]

@@bgizze01you’re gonna be in for a shock. Kia’s aren’t as great as people like to think and you’re gonna loose a decent amount I promise you.

[@bgizze01]

@@KB-om9ol A couple things here. Do or or have you owned a Kia? Are you a Mechanic? What time frame will I see that Kia isn’t as great as people think? 🤔 This isn’t my first Kia and I have had them for awhile. Also Kia is one of the best selling car brands in America for the past few years. They also have one of the best Phev in their line up. I appreciate the engagement but please add a little context next time.

[@MMCDOWELL56]

Most of our country sees snow. They have AWD elsewhere. I cannot figure out why not here? You cannot be an all purpose van in the US without it.

[@fishytank1land]

Good vehicle to lease.

[@Adam_e.m]

Is this different than the sorento?

[@devongee1776]

Same platform I think or at least it wears the same face as the Sorento. It's definitely on the same platform as the Telluride and Palisade. Don't know if Sorento made the cut. Gonna give you more passenger room than a Sorento and easier step-in height (for kids). That's the difference.

[@Yourleftismyright88]

Also a larger and deeper cargo area and better more usable 3rd row.@@devongee1776

[@jimjohnson530]

Its bigger…

[@SothyRSem]

hybridation of this minivan comes 5 years late compared to the japanese alternatives everything else is pretty much as late too.

[@RellupNorth]

Still looks like a van. Overstyled imo but this and the Chrysler are the best in the segment

[@letsgocapsbeatpens]

I can see the hybrid version going for $60k+

[@yaweizhi7966]

Need awd

[@scotteasterday1957]

Add AWD and I'm in.

[@vvvprince9487]

They never charged more for the 2024 or 2023 for the VIP seats, probably will stick with this pricing

[@xtremecoast]

Kia basically just said eff you to all of Canada. Why alienate such a huge portion of your possible buyers? It's not only people in the north that want AWD either.

[@UncleAlpha1]

Still waiting for the first ev van from any car makers

[@davidtate7699]

very nice but no AWD?... that a hard pass for me .. to-bad

[@krane15]

Looks like a stretched Sorento.

[@user-rk5nw3zd2f]

Small engine for that weight. I don't need that. Thanks.