Kia Carnival MPV Gets an Update with a Hybrid Powertrain

The Kia Corp entered a car into the luxury segment under the title of an “MPV”. Standing for “multi-purpose vehicle”, this was the Kia Carnival. Not an SUV, not a minivan, this MPV was the perfect way to break into a new kind of demographic to pitch to. Getting an update for the 2025 model year, not only will the Kia Carnival get a style update based on the “Opposites United” philosophy, but the inside gets a new sleek, high-tech interior. Also in 2024, Kia will launch the first hybrid powertrain for the Kia Carnival.

Starting at $40,500 (plus destination fee), the 2024 Kia Carnival Hybrid LXS base model comes standard with a 4.2-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard. Equipped with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, consumers can get a little over 24-inches of digital screens with a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment displays on a curved panoramic panel (plus navigation) on all trims past the base model. Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system has been added to the Kia Carnival for over-the-air updates. A Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System with dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution for streaming shows and movies has also been made available to the MPV. The exterior gets some upgrades to follow the new design language with a grand sculptural grille, cube-like headlights, Kia’s signature Star Map lighting in the front and rear fascia, and geometric wheel designs ranging from 17- to 19-inches (19-inch wheels are standard on EX trims and above).

Those are the updates for the Kia Carnival inside and out, but the newly added Carnival Hybrid is just starting out. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor, the combined output of the Kia Carnival Hybrid is 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, except for smooth rides and longer distances with that little plus an electric motor can do for the fuel economy. There’s also the standard and paddle regenerative braking that helps recharge the battery every time the Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid decelerates. Able to ride on 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard past the base LSX trim), the Carnival Hybrid sports Active Air Flaps integrated in the front fascia.

The same MPV, but with an electric motor added to the powertrain, the Kia Carnival still comes with a suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Keeping consumers safe, the 2024 Kia Carnival comes standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist plus Junction Crossing (FCA-JC),  Lange-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), and Lange-change Side (FCA-LS) assist. Past the EX model, the Kia Carnival also gets Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA). The Kia Carnival SX and SX Prestige trims come standard with Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2), a great smart system that aids drivers maintain a predetermined distance between the vehicle and other vehicles detected in front, keep the vehicle aligned within detected lane markers (on select highways), and assist the driver in making lane changes (under certain conditions).

Interested in the Kia Carnival? Want that little boost of driving range with a hybrid? Find the new Kia Carnival MPV and Kia Carnival Hybrid at Miami Lakes Automall today.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media