2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

How does the Carnival Hybrid drive? The Carnival Hybrid gets a big boost in fuel economy without giving up much to the V6 on the standard version. The Kia is easy to pilot, with smooth acceleration and braking, though the Toyota Sienna's hybrid powertrain does feel a touch more refined for day-to-day driving. A few of our test drivers thought the hybrid system was a little too slow to react when pressing on the gas. The steering feel is light and that makes it easy to maneuver the Carnival Hybrid in parking lots.

How comfortable is the Carnival Hybrid? The Carnival may well have the most comfortable front seats in the minivan class. They are well suited for long drives, and the heating and available ventilation functions work great. The optional second-row lounge-style seats have some flashy features, but try them before buying because we think they're a bit gimmicky. You can only fully recline and extend the leg rests if you slide the seats fully toward the center and rear of the van. Even then, adults will not be able to fully extend the leg rests without having their feet touch the front-row seats. The third row isn't quite as spacious as the back rows in other minivans, but kids won't mind.

Our test Carnival Hybrid managed to smooth out most bumps, but a few bad sections of freeway made our van shudder significantly more than any other we've driven through the same stretch. This minivan just doesn't feel quite as smooth or car-like as some other rivals. The climate control system heats and cools the cabin effectively, but the system's touch-sensitive controls are cumbersome to interact with on the move.

How’s the interior? The Carnival Hybrid has quintessential minivan interior qualities. It's spacious, versatile, and easy to get in and out of. The Carnival's exterior design makes the rear sliding doors look smaller than those on other vans, but functionally the openings are just as big. Another advantage is the highly adjustable driver's seat; drivers of all sizes should find a comfortable spot. There's loads of minivan spaciousness here, with one exception: Second-row legroom isn't as much as what you get from other minivans when you've got people sitting in the third-row seat.

Outward visibility is excellent. The big windows and available surround-view camera system make it easy to know what's around you. Note that the optional lounge-style seats can't be removed. We think the second-row bench seating will be the way to go for most.

How’s the storage? Naturally, the Carnival Hybrid does cargo space well. In the eight-passenger configuration, the second-row bench is divided into three sections that slide independently for flexibility. They can also be removed, though it's necessary to store them somewhere. The third-row seats conveniently fold flat into the floor. There is 40.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the third row down and the second-row bench seat removed. Both figures are among the best in the class and match the gas version as well.

The Carnival's cabin, however, lacks the same amount of small-item storage you'll get in other minivans that are chock full of shelves and pockets to fit your stuff. Got young children? There's plenty of room for installing safety seats, but the lower seat anchors are a little difficult to access and the upper LATCH anchors are all the way down at the bottom of the second-row seats and can be hard to find. Other minivans make it a little easier to install safety seats.

Is the Carnival Hybrid a good value? Kia offers vehicles with strong value propositions, and with the hybrid powertrain this minivan's appeal becomes stronger still. This powertrain adds extra dollars onto the price tag, but it gets over 50% better fuel economy and that allows you to eat into that difference with savings at the pump. Build quality is very good and the interior materials are impressive. Another bonus is Kia's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Kia is pushing the not-a-minivan marketing angle, and you might find the Carnival Hybrid has a bit of counterculture personality with its rugged exterior. But in the end, everything substantive about the vehicle is straight out of the minivan playbook. The hybrid powertrain isn't sexy, but it's highly effective at reducing fuel costs, and saving money is fun.