DecodedCars2025 Kia Carnival
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- HEV Minivan, Minivan
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 34 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 203.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,630–4,852 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2025 minivan (26.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints196 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a minivan offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,852 lb (HEV Minivan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (34 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2025 minivan average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 196 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2025
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 33
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Carnival →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Carnival configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV Minivan | 203.1 in | 78.3 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 68.9 / 68.9 in | 4,852 lb | 55/45 |
| Minivan | 203.1 in | 78.3 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 68.9 / 68.9 in | 4,630 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 31 / 33 | +24% | $2,050 | 274 |
| Carnival | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -21% | $3,200 | 426 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Carnival PV FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 14% |
Similar 2025 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Carnival (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2025 Toyota Sienna | 36 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2025 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz | 234 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2025 Chrysler Voyager | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2025 Chrysler Pacifica | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Apr 10, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V232000 · 141,032 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.
Not every 2025 Kia Carnival is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Kia Carnival buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 107 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 32 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Carnival years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Carnival | 33 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Carnival | 32 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 54 |
| 2024 Carnival | 22 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 75 |
| 2023 Carnival | 22 | 202.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 52 |
| 2022 Carnival | 22 | 202.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 136 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →