2025 Kia Carnival Review – Is This Canada’s Best Family Van?
The 2025 Kia Carnival has redefined what it means to drive a family van. With a bold SUV-inspired design, spacious interior, advanced technology, and exceptional practicality, this multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is built for modern Canadian families. But does it have what it takes to be Canada’s best family van?
In this in-depth review, we break down the 2025 Kia Carnival’s performance, interior space, features, safety, and pricing, comparing it to its top competitors. If you are looking for a van that offers style, power, and versatility, the Carnival may be the ultimate choice.
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What’s New for the 2025 Kia Carnival?
For 2025, Kia has made subtle yet impactful improvements to the Carnival, focusing on refinement and technology.
- Fresh Exterior Updates – The bold SUV-like stance is now more refined with updated lighting elements and grille design.
- New Standard Safety Features – More advanced driver-assist features across all trims.
- Hybrid Powertrain Option (Expected in Late 2025) – While not yet confirmed for Canada, Kia is expected to introduce a hybrid variant soon.
- Upgraded Infotainment System – A larger touchscreen and improved Kia Connect system.
2025 Kia Carnival: Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 Kia Carnival retains its robust 3.5L V6 engine, delivering strong performance for a minivan-class vehicle.
| Specification | 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 Toyota Sienna | 2025 Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Hybrid | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 245 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | eCVT | 10-speed automatic |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
The Kia Carnival’s V6 engine offers more power than the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, making it one of the strongest performers in the minivan segment.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Carnival achieves:
- 12.0 L/100 km (19.6 mpg US) city
- 8.9 L/100 km (26.4 mpg US) highway
While the Toyota Sienna outperforms it in fuel economy due to its hybrid system, the Carnival’s power advantage makes it the better choice for highway driving and towing.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA CARNIVAL TODAY AT KIA 417!Interior & Comfort – Best-in-Class Space
If you are looking for a spacious and luxurious family van, the 2025 Kia Carnival stands out as one of the best options.
| Feature | 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 Toyota Sienna | 2025 Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 1,139 L (40.2 cu-ft) | 949 L (33.5 cu-ft) | 929 L (32.8 cu-ft) |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 4,110 L (145.2 cu-ft) | 2,860 L (101 cu-ft) | 3,984 L (140.7 cu-ft) |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment | Available | Available | Available |
| VIP Lounge Seating | Yes | No | No |
The Kia Carnival dominates in cargo capacity, offering more storage space than the Odyssey and Sienna.
Its VIP Lounge Seats in higher trims provide fully reclining second-row seats with leg rests, a feature not available in other minivans.
For families needing space, luxury, and comfort, the Carnival is the top choice.
Technology & Infotainment – A Step Above the Competition
The 2025 Kia Carnival comes with a cutting-edge infotainment system, ensuring connectivity and convenience for all passengers.
| Feature | 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 Toyota Sienna | 2025 Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 12.3-inch | 9.0-inch | 8.0-inch |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | No | Yes |
| Kia Connect Remote Start & Control | Yes | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Yes | Yes | No |
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is one of the largest in the minivan class, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims.
For families who rely on technology for road trips and daily commutes, Carnival’s tech suite is superior.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA CARNIVAL TODAY AT KIA 417!Safety Features – Leading the Pack
Kia has made safety a priority in the 2025 Carnival, offering one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- 360-Degree Surround View Camera (Available on higher trims)
The Carnival has received top safety ratings, making it a great choice for families looking for peace of mind on the road.
Pricing & Value – Is the Kia Carnival Worth It?
| Trim Level | Starting Price (CAD/USD) |
|---|---|
| LX | $41,000 CAD ($30,750 USD) |
| EX | $45,000 CAD ($33,750 USD) |
| SX | $51,500 CAD ($38,625 USD) |
| SX Prestige | $55,000 CAD ($41,250 USD) |
The Kia Carnival is competitively priced, offering premium features for less than competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.
Looking for the best deal on a 2025 Kia Carnival? Check out exclusive offers at Kia 417.
Final Verdict – Is the 2025 Kia Carnival Canada’s Best Family Van?
The 2025 Kia Carnival offers a powerful engine, class-leading cargo space, luxury seating options, and advanced technology, making it one of the best family vehicles on the market today.
Why Choose the 2025 Kia Carnival?
- Best-in-class cargo space and VIP Lounge seating
- More horsepower than hybrid rivals
- Superior technology and infotainment
- Comprehensive safety features
- Competitive pricing compared to the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey
For Canadian families who want SUV styling with minivan practicality, the 2025 Kia Carnival is an unbeatable choice.
Ready to test drive the Carnival? Visit Kia 417 to book your appointment today.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA CARNIVAL TODAY AT KIA 417!
