2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid Review: A Stylish Option for Discerning Parents

      The SUV has overshadowed the minivan. Sure, it’s an old reference for an outdated vehicle type. For most families, a minivan is generally more practical and useful than an SUV. However, once people noticed the tougher designs and four-wheel drive of SUVs, they realized these vehicles allowed them to transport their families while still looking stylish. Consequently, driving a minivan began to seem like a concession made for convenience. Minivans became comparable to automotive sweatpants, and many buyers still hold that perception.

      However, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid stands out. It’s not like a pair of drab Kirkland Signature sweatpants; it resembles a stylish pair of Nike Elite sweats: practical, comfortable, yet fashionable. It’s the minivan that trendy parents might drive.

      When Kia first introduced the Carnival (the fourth generation, but the debut in North America), it surprised many American soccer moms and dads. It boasted an attractive exterior and an appealing interior, demonstrating that minivans could be visually engaging, not just functional. For 2025, Kia has enhanced its aesthetics even further. While it may be the newest minivan available, making it seem fresh and intriguing, competitors like Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler appear outdated in comparison.

      Beyond the visual and technological improvements of the ‘25 Carnival, the most significant change is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. While this addition raises the cost, it greatly enhances fuel efficiency. With this setup, I doubt there’s much more I could ask for in a family vehicle. Trade in your SUV keys and take a Carnival Hybrid for a test drive; you’ll likely be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

      Kia now enters a rare niche with the Carnival Hybrid, joining an even rarer segment. With its arrival, there are only three hybrid minivans available in the U.S.: this one, the aging Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, and the Toyota Sienna. While I cannot speak for the Sienna, I can say that the Carnival surpasses the Pacifica in terms of being a refined, family-friendly fuel-efficient vehicle.

      Most buyers may not prioritize the powertrain; they are drawn to the Carnival for its stylish appearance—just the coolest minivan in the U.S. market in a long time. The refreshed look features upgraded headlights, a larger “Tiger Shark” grille, and sleek new wheels, while much of the design remains unchanged since if it works, why fix it?

      What truly astonished me was the interior—not in terms of looks or build quality since Hyundai and Kia have been producing exceptional cabins lately. Instead, I appreciated the comfortable seating, driving position, outward visibility, and overall ergonomics. Sitting in the Carnival gives the impression that automotive enthusiasts designed it.

      My only complaint about the interior pertains to the climate controls. It has two dials and a row of touch buttons that interchange between climate and infotainment functions via another touch button. This layout saves space, but if you last used it for infotainment, you must press another button to access air vent settings, which is an extra step that distracts from the road—quite frustrating.

      Now, regarding the hybrid powertrain: it combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. While it has fewer horsepower than the 3.5-liter V6’s 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, the performance remains comparable. However, performance is not highly significant in a minivan. What truly sets the hybrid apart from the older V6 is fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 33 mpg compared to the six-cylinder’s 21 mpg.

      Once I settled into the Carnival Hybrid’s comfortable seating, I quickly understood why car enthusiasts appreciate minivans. Despite its size and passenger capacity, the Carnival feels more like a sedan while driving rather than an SUV. The seating position, forward visibility, and ergonomics suggest that Kia's designers would prefer crafting sports cars instead of family vehicles.

      The Carnival Hybrid boasts light yet precise steering, excellent brake pedal feedback, and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, making it enjoyable to drive. One of its electric motors functions as a belt-alternator starter for the engine's accessories, while the other is positioned between the engine and transmission, effectively replacing the torque converter. This system works smoothly, with minimal disturbance when switching between electric and combustion propulsion, and is generally quiet and composed. It may feel slightly sluggish at higher speeds, but it provides ample power for typical suburban driving.

      Incredibly, the Carnival is surprisingly fun to maneuver, despite its length and weight. Its stiffer suspension offers a sportier ride than expected. Some buyers might prefer a softer ride for a more comfortable family journey, but for parents who previously enjoyed sports sedans, the Carnival serves as a reminder that they needn't settle for a dull vehicle just because they have kids.

      Parents who favor a softer ride will