2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid and K5 Revealed

As a part of the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, Kia has unveiled upcoming refreshes of the Carnival and K5. Highlighting the reveal is the Hybrid Powertrain version of the 2025 Kia Carnival, bringing the advanced fuel economy of hybrid vehicles to the minivan line. The updated K5 features new design elements both inside and out to reflect the K5’s sporty intentions.

The Carnival’s hybrid upgrades aim to improve the performance and fuel economy of the vehicle, while also working towards an overall comfortable ride. Aerodynamic 17” wheels are exclusive to the Carnival HEV. In Eco/Smart mode, Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) kicks in with the flick of the paddle shift lever to adjust the amount of regenerative braking with a three-level deceleration control.

The hybrid version also includes exclusive features such as E-Handling, which improves the vehicle’s responsiveness when entering and exiting a corner; E-Ride which can help smooth out the action of going over bumps with specially tuned shocks; and E-Evasive Handling Assist which is designed to help control the vehicle movement during emergency steering.

The updated Carnival line for 2025 is brimming with Kia’s next-generation connected car technology. At the center of this update are the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system and the newly available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) system. Together, these updates elevate the experience for passengers from the first row to the third.

Rear passengers can enjoy entertainment via dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution for streaming from popular platforms. Passengers can connect Bluetooth headsets and mirrors from external devices with an HDMI port.

Also available is an advanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0 that allows customers to use their compatible smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys. With this addition, owners can unlock their Carnival without having to hold their smartphone. And key access can be shared with family and friends over text messages on compatible devices.

Inside the new Carnival is a curved panoramic dual-display featuring full digital instrumentation with an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display elegantly integrated into one single panel for an ultramodern appeal. Taking a page from the EV9’s book, there is also an available heads-up display that projects information such as navigation onto the windshield directly in the driver’s line of sight. Additionally, seven USB-C ports located throughout the cabin help passengers stay charged up in any part of the vehicle.

The Carnival’s spacious and flexible interior space for 7 or 8 passengers is unchanged and maintains its best-in-class 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. The Carnival’s “side-flex” seating for 8-passenger versions continues to allow multiple configurations with a sliding second row that helps the front passenger easily access a baby or child riding behind them. Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats continue to be a Carnival staple.

Kia also took the wraps off of the 2025 K5 at the Chicago Auto Show. The new model features a new-for-K5 2.5-liter engine, updated design cues inside and out, drivetrain refinements, and numerous tech upgrades across five trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line, and the turbocharged GT.

“The updates for 2025 position the K5 in the sweet spot for those needing room for five but prefer to make a bold statement when it comes to their vehicle,” Commented Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America.

For the 2025 model year, subtle refinements highlight more standard features across the lineup with a focus on the popular EX trim. Standard additions for the EX trim include BOSE premium audio speakers, a powered driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, Digital Key 2.0, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

As far as design goes, a notable change is the new standard Star Map LED front headlights. This K5 will feature striking amber positioning lights that sit above the standard LED headlights, uniquely accentuating the leading edge of the front fender. Around the back, the Star Map theme continues. The taillights reach across the wide deck lid and take a decidedly downward turn at the corners, mimicking the aggressive nature of the front end’s illuminated eyebrows. They cast a bright red glow just beneath the new trunk lid, which is highlighted by a standard integrated spoiler across all trims.

More updates can be found inside. Front and center to the driver is a new available single-pane curved display that houses the 12-inch instrument screen and a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation unit. Complementing the new display is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is now standard across the K5 line.

Under the hood is a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Found in LXS, EX, and GT-Line, power for the new engine is increased by 11 horsepower over the previous 1.6-liter turbo. Torque comes in at a robust 181 lb.-ft. For those who live where the weather can be inhospitable, all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line.

Keep your eye on all of Kia Country of Charleston’s channels, both social and our website to learn more about these exciting upcoming vehicles and when you can test drive them.