2025 Kia Carnival (HEV & Gas Models)

Clean, Modern, and Actually Comfortable
The front row feels really clean and modern, with a sleek dash layout and big, beautiful screens that make this a genuinely nice place to spend time. Kia interiors always look good, and this one is no exception. Everything feels intuitive and easy to use, which matters when you’re driving kids around all day.

Passenger View Is a Great Feature
One of my favorite features up front is Passenger View. It turns on a camera that shows me a live view of the second and third rows right on the screen, so I can see all four of my car seats without turning around. I can see all four of my car seats from the driver’s seat without turning around, which is huge. It’s one of those features that you don’t think you need until you have it, and then you never want to give it up.

Cup Holders and Console Space That Actually Make Sense
You get large cup holders right in the center console that can hold a big drink, and the layout is simple and functional. It’s easy to reach what you need without digging around.

The Power Door Button My Kids Can Use
There’s a small button on the door handle that opens the power sliding door. My kids can press it themselves and the door opens automatically. It sounds small, but this is something we use every single day, and I love that they can do it without struggling with the handle.

Easy-to-Use Controls and Voice Features
The infotainment and climate controls are laid out in a really minimal, easy-to-use way, and you can even say “Hey Kia” to adjust things like windows and climate. It’s simple, user friendly, and doesn’t feel overwhelming.

The second row is where the Carnival really stands out. You have a sliding bench where every seat can move and even be removed, tons of flexibility for car seats, and the ability to create an easy walk-through to the third row. It’s one of those setups that looks simple, but once you start using it, you realize how well it works.

The second row is incredibly car seat friendly.
Every seating position has its own lower anchors and tether anchor, which gives you real flexibility for installs. I was able to set up two rear-facing seats here comfortably without crowding, and still make this row work for everyday life.

Easy Third Row Access Without the Gymnastics
Because any of these seats can be removed, I can take out one outboard seat and create a true walk-through to the third row. That means I don’t have to tilt a seat with a car seat installed just to get kids to the back. For families with multiple car seats and older kids, this setup is a game changer.

If you have all three second-row seats in, you have to use the tilt-and-slide to get back to the third row. It works, but it’s not my favorite, and it’s not compatible with car seats. This is why removing an outboard seat in the second row is such a great setup.

The Bench Seat Is the Real MVP
Every seat in the bench can slide forward and backward, and any of them can be removed. You can turn this into captain’s chairs, leave the middle open, or stagger the seats for more leg room. It’s incredibly flexible, and this is how you “hack” the Carnival to make it work for multiple kids and different ages.
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If you plan to put a car seat in the middle, just know it’s a little narrower than the outboard seats. A slimmer car seat works best here so you’re not crowding the seats next to it.

Amenities Back Here Are Solid
You get ceiling vents for both the second and third rows, charging on the back of the seats, cup holders, sunshades, and even a sunroof back here. It’s a comfortable space, not just a place to put kids.

This is where minivans always win. The trunk in the Carnival goes deep, not just wide, which makes a big difference when you’re loading strollers, groceries, sports gear, or all of the above.

The third-row headrests are removable, which is a big deal for car seat setups and something you don’t always get. You know who can’t do this? The Pacifica. That’s can be frustrating when you’re trying to make car seats fit well back here.

When you’re ready for more cargo space, the third row folds flat right into the floor with almost no effort, giving you a huge, usable storage area in seconds.