Best Kia Carnival Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

The 2025 brought the redesign and the first Carnival Hybrid: a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid with 242 hp and 271 lb-ft combined, rated 33 mpg combined by the EPA. It started at $40,800 for the Hybrid LXS, and NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the 2025 Carnival HEV.

The 2024 is the last year of the original look, with the 290 hp, 262 lb-ft V6 and 3,500 lb towing. It earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA, started at $33,600, and NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for it.

The 2026 keeps the redesigned look with a 287.1 hp V6, rated 21 mpg combined, and adds Dark Edition styling. IIHS rates its updated side test Acceptable, and NHTSA lists 28 owner complaints.

The 2026 Hybrid has 241.7 hp and 270.5 lb-ft total combined and is rated 32 mpg combined. It started at $41,390, and NHTSA lists 24 owner complaints for it.

The 2027 Hybrid is rated 33 mpg combined with 241.7 hp, starts at $41,490, and adds available second-row Captain’s Chairs on EX and SX.

The 2023 is a carryover with the 290 hp V6 and an IIHS Top Safety Pick with specific headlights. It launched at $32,600, and NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for it.

The 2025 V6 has 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, a new standard dashboard screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates. It started at $36,800, but NHTSA lists 126 owner complaints.

The 2027 V6 has 287.1 hp, starts at $37,490 and adds available Captain’s Chairs, a Dark Edition Package on the EX and Iceberg Green paint.

The 2022 was the first Carnival, with a 290 hp V6, up to 3,500 lbs towing and a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick (LED projector headlights, built after March 2021). It started at $32,300, but NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns, the most of any Carnival year.

The 2021 Sedona is the minivan the Carnival replaced, with a 3.3-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic. It earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA, started at $30,400, and NHTSA lists 9 owner complaints.