CHICAGO – Kia Motors is adding a hybrid model to its Carnival minivan to meet growing consumer demand for technology and help meet strict federal fuel economy standards.
Hybrids are a growing option for automakers as they strive to make vehicles more efficient and avoid costly federal fuel economy and emissions standards. They are also less expensive and a less dramatic adjustment for consumers who want to be greener but aren't ready to buy all-electric vehicles.
Sales of electric vehicles have been slower than expected in the US auto industry.
Hybrid vehicles typically include a traditional internal combustion engine combined with electric vehicle technologies, such as an electric motor and a small battery. They operate like traditional vehicles and do not need to be plugged in like electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The Carnival hybrid, announced at the Chicago Auto Show, is expected to go on sale along with an updated version of the traditional minivan in the summer. Both models feature updated interior styling and technologies compared to the current model, which made waves in the family vehicle segment with its SUV-inspired design when it was introduced in 2021.
Interior of the Kia Carnival 2025
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Kia did not release pricing or fuel economy expectations for the new models. The current Carnival costs between $33,000 and $47,000. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine, it achieves up to 20.6 miles per gallon city/highway combined, with a total range of 418 miles.
That V6 engine will continue to be offered alongside the 1.6-liter turbohybrid four-cylinder engine that produces 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, according to Kia.
Kia expects the hybrid model to account for half of Carnival sales, according to the company.
It will be Kia's fourth hybrid. The automaker also offers three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Aside from the hybrid option, the updated minivan features a redesigned front and rear, including new lights and a larger, more open grille at the front of the vehicle. The updated interior includes Kia's new infotainment system and other newer technology. It continues to offer “VIP lounge seating” with power controls and leg extensions, much like a traditional recliner.
Kia Carnival 2025 “VIP lounge seats” with power controls and leg extensions much like a traditional reclining chair.
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While the minivan segment in the United States is a long way from its peak of about 1.5 million vehicles in the mid-1990s, some auto companies such as Hyundai and Chrysler remain in the category.
Kia parent Hyundai, which sold fewer than 44,000 Carnivals last year, achieved a 14% market share in the roughly 305,500-unit U.S. minivan market last year, according to automotive data firm Motor Intelligence.
Chrysler was the segment leader last year with sales of its Pacifica minivan, including a plug-in hybrid electric version, with more than 120,550 units, or about 40% market share.
