2025 Kia Carnival
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a Minivan priced from $36,800 to $50,900 with 5 available trims. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
The 2025 Kia Carnival earns a F for fuel cost among mid-range Minivans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, but there is a high volume of owner-reported problems on file.
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal.
Limits and cautions
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file, compared to an average of 83 for 2025 Minivans. Top reported areas include Electrical, Engine, Speed Control.
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Most expensive to fuel among gas Minivans.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $36,800 - $50,900
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,100/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $2,750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 138 on file
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Among Minivans, the average recall count is 2.1. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival. This is above the average of 83 complaints for 2025 Minivans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
10 in the last 90 days · 61 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-02-22
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical84
- Engine25
- Speed Control21
- Powertrain16
- Fuel System10
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2025 Kia Carnival Fuel Economy?
The 2025 Kia Carnival achieves up to 21 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100. That is $422 more per year than the $1,678 average for mid-range Minivans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
| LXS | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
| EX | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
| SX | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
| SX Prestige | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Kia Carnival ranges from $91,120 to $105,220 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 5 options side by side.
How Do the 2025 Kia Carnival Trims Compare?
5 trims are available for the 2025 Kia Carnival, spanning $36,800 to $50,900. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $36,800 | 4,555 lbs | $91,120 |
| LXS | $38,800 | 4,630 lbs | $93,120 |
| EX | $41,000 | 4,725 lbs | $95,320 |
| SX | $45,900 | 4,810 lbs | $100,220 |
| SX Prestige | $50,900 | 4,720 lbs | $105,220 |
The entry price has increased $3,200 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- LXS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- LX Seat Package (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- SX Prestige $46,700 (2024) → $50,900 (2025) +$4,200
- SX $42,300 (2024) → $45,900 (2025) +$3,600
- LX $33,600 (2024) → $36,800 (2025) +$3,200
- EX $39,100 (2024) → $41,000 (2025) +$1,900
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $33,600 22 MPG | $36,800 21 MPG | $37,390 21 MPG |
| LX Seat Package | $35,600 22 MPG | — | — |
| EX | $39,100 22 MPG | $41,000 21 MPG | $41,590 21 MPG |
| SX | $42,300 22 MPG | $45,900 21 MPG | $46,490 21 MPG |
| SX Prestige | $46,700 22 MPG | $50,900 21 MPG | $51,490 21 MPG |
| LXS | — | $38,800 21 MPG | $39,390 21 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Kia Carnival?
The 2025 Kia Carnival scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for mid-range Minivans. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Kia's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Carnival. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia Carnival Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2025 Kia Carnival as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 287 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal |
| Length | 203.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.5 in |
| Height | 68.5 - 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,555 - 4,810 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Kia Carnival?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- nhtsa changed
- Recall status changed
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2025 Kia Carnival: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
That is the complete data picture for the 2025 Kia Carnival based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
Verify this data
2025 Kia Carnival FAQ
How does the 2025 Kia Carnival compare to other minivans?
Based on published data, the 2025 Kia Carnival has a fuel cost grade of F, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar minivans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page.
Which 2025 Kia Carnival trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the LX has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $91,120, starting at $36,800 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $105,220. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2025 Kia Carnival insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2025 Kia Carnival. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2025 Kia Carnival maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2025 Kia Carnival depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $36,800, that represents about 69% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2025 Kia Carnival?
The most efficient 2025 Kia Carnival trim costs an estimated $2,100 per year in fuel, or about $175 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $422 more than the average for similar minivans.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia Carnival?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2025 Kia Carnival include 2025 Toyota Sienna, 2025 Chrysler Voyager, and 2025 Honda Odyssey. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 Minivans.
What changed on the 2025 Kia Carnival from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 1 trim was dropped, and the entry price increased by $3,200 for the Kia Carnival lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Kia Carnival cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Kia Carnival include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $175 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,307 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Has the 2025 Kia Carnival been recalled?
No. As of this writing, NHTSA has zero recall campaigns on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Recalls can be issued at any time, so this status may change. You can check for updates on the NHTSA website. See our Zero-recall cars 2025 list.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.