Carnival FAQ

Our buyer's guide rates it: Buy.

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.

The Carnival ranges from $37,490 (LX) to $53,590 (SX Prestige Hybrid) across 9 trims.

The Carnival ranges from $37,490 (LX) to $53,590 (SX Prestige Hybrid) across 9 trims. Prices are starting MSRP and exclude taxes and fees.

The Carnival comes in 9 trims: LX, LXS, LXS Hybrid, EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid.

The Carnival is offered in 9 trims (LX, LXS, LXS Hybrid, EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid). Higher trims layer on equipment and features; see the trim comparison for exactly what each one adds.

The LXS at $39,490 hits a practical sweet spot — it seats 8 (the LX seats only 7) and uses the same 287-hp 3.

The LXS at $39,490 hits a practical sweet spot — it seats 8 (the LX seats only 7) and uses the same 287-hp 3.5L V-6 as every other gasoline trim, so you get full passenger capacity without paying for upper-trim features you may not need.

No — every trim in the lineup is front-wheel drive only, including all hybrid configurations.

17-inch wheels are available on the LX, LXS, LXS Hybrid.

The diameter of the wheels fitted to the car. Larger wheels change the stance; smaller wheels tend to ride more comfortably. 17-inch wheels are available on the LX, LXS, LXS Hybrid.

19-inch wheels are available on the EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid.

The diameter of the wheels fitted to the car. Larger wheels change the stance; smaller wheels tend to ride more comfortably. 19-inch wheels are available on the EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid.

242 horsepower is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Peak power the engine — or, on a hybrid, the combined system — can produce. More horsepower generally means easier merging, passing, and confident acceleration. 242 horsepower is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

287 horsepower is available on the LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige.

Peak power the engine — or, on a hybrid, the combined system — can produce. More horsepower generally means easier merging, passing, and confident acceleration. 287 horsepower is available on the LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige.

6-Speed Automatic is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

How the engine's power is geared and delivered to the wheels. It shapes how the car responds when you accelerate and how it settles at a cruise. 6-Speed Automatic is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Yes — a hybrid-electric powertrain is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Pairs a gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery that recharges as you drive — no plugging in. Hybrids typically use noticeably less fuel than a comparable gas-only engine, especially in city driving.

The hybrid trims return 33 mpg combined versus 21 mpg combined for the equivalent gasoline trims — a meaningful gap for high-mileage family driving.

The hybrid trims return 33 mpg combined versus 21 mpg combined for the equivalent gasoline trims — a meaningful gap for high-mileage family driving. The entry point is the LXS Hybrid at $41,490, which is $2,000 more than the gasoline LXS; how quickly that pays back depends on how many miles you drive annually and local fuel prices.

Gasoline trims use a 3.

Gasoline trims use a 3.5L V-6 making 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic; hybrid trims swap in a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder gas-electric system producing 242 hp and 270 lb-ft through a 6-speed automatic. The V-6 has a horsepower edge, while the hybrid counters with more torque and significantly better fuel economy.

Hybrid-Electric Powertrain is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Pairs a gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery that recharges as you drive — no plugging in. Hybrids typically use noticeably less fuel than a comparable gas-only engine, especially in city driving. Hybrid-Electric Powertrain is available on the LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Any hybrid trim — LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, or SX Prestige Hybrid — delivers 34 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined, identical across all four.

Any hybrid trim — LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, or SX Prestige Hybrid — delivers 34 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined, identical across all four. The LXS Hybrid at $41,490 gets you that efficiency at the lowest price in the hybrid range.

Yes — 168.2 cu-ft passenger volume is standard on every Carnival trim.

The total interior space measured for passengers. More passenger volume means more room to stretch out, front and back. Yes — 168.2 cu-ft passenger volume is standard on every Carnival trim.

Seating for 7 is available on the LX.

How many occupants the cabin is designed to seat. It determines whether the whole family or carpool rides comfortably. Seating for 7 is available on the LX.

Seating for 8 is available on the LXS, LXS Hybrid, EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid.

How many occupants the cabin is designed to seat. It determines whether the whole family or carpool rides comfortably. Seating for 8 is available on the LXS, LXS Hybrid, EX, EX Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige, SX Prestige Hybrid.

Every trim except the LX seats 8; the LX seats 7.

Every trim except the LX seats 8; the LX seats 7. Cargo volume is 145.1 cu ft across the entire lineup regardless of trim or powertrain, so choosing a hybrid or a higher trim doesn't cost you any hauling space.

Yes — 145.1 cu-ft of cargo space is standard on every Carnival trim.

How much the trunk holds with the rear seats up. It sets how much luggage, gear, or groceries you can carry. Yes — 145.1 cu-ft of cargo space is standard on every Carnival trim.

There are 2 recall campaigns on record for the Carnival.

There are 2 recall campaigns on record for the Carnival. Recall data comes from NHTSA; check the recall center for the latest campaigns and remedies.

See our full breakdown: carnival vs Voyager.

We have a detailed side-by-side comparison — carnival vs Voyager — covering price, fuel economy, space, and features.

See our full breakdown: Carnival vs Sienna.

We have a detailed side-by-side comparison — Carnival vs Sienna — covering price, fuel economy, space, and features.

See our full breakdown: carnival vs santa-fe.

We have a detailed side-by-side comparison — carnival vs santa-fe — covering price, fuel economy, space, and features.

The Sienna is hybrid-only and standard AWD, while the Carnival gives you a choice between a gasoline V-6 and a hybrid four-cylinder, all in FWD.

The Sienna is hybrid-only and standard AWD, while the Carnival gives you a choice between a gasoline V-6 and a hybrid four-cylinder, all in FWD. If AWD is a priority, the Sienna is the direct answer; if you want powertrain flexibility or a lower entry price ($37,490 for the LX), the Carnival has the edge.