2025 Kia Carnival: Price, Safety & Specifications
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2025 Kia Carnival scores well for reliability but below average for fuel cost among mid-range Minivans. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 2.2 average for Minivans.
- Starting MSRP
- $36,800 - $50,900
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,850 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $2,750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 143 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,370 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2025 Kia Carnival is a Minivan priced from $36,800 to $50,900 with 5 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- Fuel cost $672 per year above mid-range Minivans average
- Base price $3,200 more than 2024 model
2025 Kia Carnival at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal.
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- NHTSA has 143 owner complaints on file, compared to an average of 101 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
The five-star NHTSA scale gives you the broad picture. The IIHS breakdown below shows how the 2025 Kia Carnival performed in specific test categories, which can highlight strengths or gaps the star rating does not capture.
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2025 Kia Carnival performs as intended under real-world conditions.
Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival, affecting FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. This is fewer than the 2.2 average for Minivans. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Most recent: April 2026
What Do 2025 Kia Carnival Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 143 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival. This is above the average of 101 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 · 56 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-04-13
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical87
- Engine25
- Speed Control21
- Powertrain17
- Fuel System10
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2025 Kia Carnival's efficiency compares to other Minivans in its price range.
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 $2,850. That is $672 more per year than the $2,178 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 | $2,850 per year |
| LXS | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,850 per year |
| EX | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,850 per year |
| SX | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,850 per year |
| SX Prestige | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,850 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $14,250 based on EPA data.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 4% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows 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
added 2025
- LXS
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- LX Seat Package
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
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
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.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Kia includes.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia Carnival Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Carnival. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia Carnival Specs?
Core specifications for the 2025 Kia Carnival as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Minivan
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 287 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 119.3 - 126.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $128 - $177 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 399 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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 safety rating changed
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2025 Kia Carnival. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
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.
Verify this data
2025 Kia Carnival FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia Carnival?
In the minivan segment, the closest alternatives to the 2025 Kia Carnival are 2025 Toyota Sienna (starting at $39,485, 5-star NHTSA, 35-36 MPG); and 2025 Chrysler Voyager (starting at $39,995, 5-star NHTSA, 22 MPG); and 2025 Honda Odyssey (starting at $42,220, 5-star NHTSA, 22 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $238 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,370 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is headquartered in South Korea. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our South Korea-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2025?
Kia offers multiple models for 2025. Our Kia models page lists every available Kia vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
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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.