What you get in each 2025 Kia Carnival trim
The 2025 Kia Carnival comes in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Each step up adds features, comfort upgrades, and technology rather than changing the core vehicle. The LX is the base model with cloth seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth. The EX adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and wireless phone charging. The SX brings a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SX Prestige tops the lineup with premium leather, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system.
All trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the Carnival. All models come standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available on any trim.
Seating is eight passengers across all trims, with the standard layout being two front seats, three middle-row seats, and three rear-row seats. You can reconfigure the middle and rear rows with different seating arrangements depending on your needs, though the specific options vary slightly by trim.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Carnival offers four trims (LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige), each adding comfort and technology features but using the same V6 engine and transmission.
- All models seat eight passengers and come with front-wheel drive only; all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrains are not offered.
- The LX starts with basic features like cloth seats and a 10.1-inch screen, while the SX Prestige adds leather, a sunroof, and a surround-view camera.
- Middle and rear-row seating can be reconfigured across trims, though the exact options depend on which trim you choose.
- Interior color and upholstery choices vary by trim level, with higher trims offering more leather and premium material options.
Engine and transmission details
The 2025 Carnival is powered by a single engine choice: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models.
Kia does not offer a turbocharged engine, diesel engine, or hybrid option for the Carnival. If fuel economy is a priority, the V6 is your only choice, and the combined rating of 22 mpg is typical for a minivan of this size and weight.
Interior seating and configuration options
The standard eight-passenger seating layout includes two front bucket seats, a three-seat middle row, and a three-seat rear row. The middle and rear rows can be removed or reconfigured depending on the trim and your preferences. Some owners choose to remove the rear row entirely for more cargo space, while others keep all seats for maximum passenger capacity.
The LX and EX trims offer cloth or leather upholstery options. The SX and SX Prestige come standard with leather. Seat heating is available on the EX and standard on the SX and SX Prestige. The SX Prestige adds ventilated front seats, which cool the driver and front passenger on hot days.
All trims include a power liftgate on the EX and above; the LX has a manual liftgate. The second and third rows fold flat to create a large cargo area, and both rows can be removed if you need maximum space for hauling.
Technology and infotainment across trims
The LX comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth audio streaming. The EX upgrades to wireless phone charging and adds a few more convenience features. The SX introduces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional gauges with a customizable screen.
The SX Prestige adds a surround-view camera system, which displays a 360-degree view of the vehicle on the touchscreen to help with parking and tight maneuvers. Navigation is available as an add-on across all trims but is not standard on any model.
All trims include a six-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims can be equipped with a Harman Kardon premium audio upgrade, though this is typically a paid option.
Safety features by trim level
All 2025 Carnival trims come with the same core safety equipment: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the EX and above. The SX Prestige adds a surround-view camera, which aids in parking and low-speed maneuvering.
Kia includes eight airbags across all trims, and the Carnival achieved a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its most recent testing. All models come with electronic stability control and traction control as standard.
Exterior colors and paint options
The 2025 Carnival is offered in eight exterior colors: Ebony Black, Platinum Graphite, Bright Silver, Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Sapphire Blue, Olive Green, and Moonlight Beige. All colors are available on all trims. Some colors carry a modest upcharge over the base color, typically $300 to $500, though this varies by dealer and region.
The paint finish on all colors is a standard clear-coat, which provides UV protection and durability. Kia does not offer a matte finish or special pearl options beyond the Pearl White.
Cargo space and storage
With all three rows of seating in place, the Carnival offers 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row. Folding the third row flat increases this to 76.3 cubic feet. Removing both the second and third rows creates 153.7 cubic feet of open space, which is useful for hauling large items or equipment.
All trims include under-seat storage in the front, a center console with a sliding armrest, and door pockets. The SX and SX Prestige add a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full or you are parked in a tight space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get all-wheel drive on the 2025 Carnival?
No. The 2025 Carnival is front-wheel drive only across all trims. Kia does not offer an all-wheel-drive version of this model. If all-wheel drive is important to you, you would need to look at other minivans or crossovers in Kia's lineup.
What is the difference between the SX and SX Prestige?
The SX Prestige adds a surround-view camera system, ventilated front seats, and premium leather upholstery over the SX. Both have the same engine, transmission, and core features. The Prestige is the top trim and costs more, but the practical differences are mainly in comfort and camera technology rather than performance.
Can I remove the middle or rear rows of seats?
Yes. Both the middle and rear rows can be removed to create more cargo space. However, this is typically done at the time of purchase or by a dealer, not as an straightforward at-home modification. If you think you will want to remove seats, discuss this with your dealer before buying.
Is there a hybrid or electric version of the Carnival?
No. The 2025 Carnival uses only the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Kia does not offer a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric Carnival. The V6 is your only powertrain choice.
What is included in the SX Prestige's surround-view camera?
The surround-view camera displays a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle on the touchscreen, stitched together from cameras mounted around the body. This helps you see obstacles, curbs, and tight spaces when parking or maneuvering in confined areas. It is standard only on the SX Prestige but may be available as an add-on on the SX depending on your dealer.