The 2027 Kia Carnival splits its nine trims between a 242-hp hybrid rated at 33 mpg combined and a 287-hp V6 rated at 21 mpg combined, giving minivan buyers a genuine choice between efficiency and output in the same body.
Every trim but the LX seats 8, and cargo space stays at 145.1 cu ft no matter which engine you pick.
The hybrid's 32 mpg highway figure beats the V6's 26 mpg highway rating by a wide margin.
Nine configurations split between a 242-hp hybrid and a 287-hp V6, so you pick the powertrain that fits your driving pattern and budget.
Every Carnival trim, gas or hybrid, is front-wheel drive.
The Carnival is a minivan body style through and through; cross-shoppers wanting a Sport Utility shape should look at a different vehicle.
The cheapest hybrid, the LXS Hybrid, starts at $41,490 — more than the base V6 LX.
EX Hybrid adds mid-tier features over the LXS Hybrid while keeping the same 242-hp hybrid powertrain and 33 mpg combined rating, landing in the sweet spot of the lineup.
LXS Hybrid is the cheapest way into the hybrid powertrain, delivering the same 33 mpg combined rating as pricier hybrid trims for the lowest hybrid MSRP.
LX is the lowest-priced Carnival overall, pairing the 287-hp V6 with the lineup's base feature set, though it seats one fewer passenger than every other trim.
SX Prestige Hybrid tops the lineup with the most features and the efficient 242-hp hybrid powertrain — it's not the value pick, but it's the most fully equipped Carnival you can buy.
*MSRP excludes destination charge.
| Vehicle | Choose It If… |
|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna | you want a hybrid-only minivan lineup with a reputation for strong resale value. |
| Chrysler Voyager | you want a lower-priced minivan body style and don't need a hybrid option. |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | you'd rather have an SUV body style instead of minivan sliding doors. |
The Carnival's hybrid trims make the strongest case: 33 mpg combined with the same usable space as the V6 models, at a modest price premium.
you want a minivan with real fuel-economy range and don't need all-wheel drive.
you're cross-shopping and want to see how pricing settles on these hybrid trims.
you need all-wheel drive or prefer an SUV body style — the Hyundai Santa Fe fits that brief.
