2026 Kia Carnival

Price Range: $36,990 - $51,090

The 2026 Kia Carnival is a great choice for families, especially for those attracted to its SUV-like design and state-of-the-art technology that provides a little something extra for the parents up front. But know that it has less rear passenger space than rival minivans.Read full review

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Kia Carnival for Sale

Pricing

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National Market Price

$36,155

Prices based on sales in ND thru 6/23/25

Final assembly in South Korea

2026 Kia Carnival Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Lots of features for the price
Comfortable seats
Rival-beating cargo capacity
Great warranty

Cons

Ride can be a bit uncomfortable over bumps
Storage space for small items is a bit lacking
Disappointing acceleration
A bit harder to install child seats

What's new

No changes for 2026
Part of the first Carnival generation introduced for 2022

Overview

The 2026 Kia Carnival is a good minivan choice for those who are being dragged kicking and screaming into #minivanlife. In terms of appearance at least, it doesn't scream "minivan!" as loudly as its rivals do, while its front interior design is more reminiscent of a crossover SUV. Rest assured, though, the Carnival is still very much a minivan and a very good one at that. While in our overall rankings it falls a bit short of the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, it's not far behind, and we could easily see shoppers valuing this big Kia's distinctive attributes. Also, note that there is a Carnival Hybrid that we review separately and rate slightly higher.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

Not EPA tested

$206/mo

Avg. Large Minivan

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Unique second-row "free mode" seat

It's easy to go "wow!" when looking at the Kia Carnival's available second-row VIP Lounge seats, which feature pop-up footrests and a deep recline. Don't be fooled, though — we discovered that those footrests are of little use to anyone other than the shortest teens or adults. Really, the Carnival's second-row bench seat is the better way to go. Its middle seat can independently slide fore-aft to free up shoulder room when all seats are occupied. Alternatively, you can remove it entirely to create non-VIP captain's chairs that slide far more than those in the Odyssey and Pacifica.

Competitors to consider

There are only four minivans for sale, so why not consider them all? The Chrysler Pacifica has a dated design, but its available plug-in hybrid powertrain and available fold-into-the-floor second-row seats remain unique selling points. The Honda Odyssey is arguably the best suited to small children thanks to clever storage details and its unique second-row seat design that more easily accommodates three car seats. It's not available as a hybrid, though. The Toyota Sienna is notable because it comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and offers available all-wheel drive.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Carnival drive? The Carnival's V6 engine makes a stout 290 hp, but in our testing we found the Carnival to be no quicker than the average minivan. Our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The gas pedal is a little slow to respond in stop-and-go traffic, and the brake pedal is a bit sensitive, but you'll likely adjust to both over time.

The Carnival's steering has some vagueness off-center, so driving down a long straight highway requires a bit more attention to keep it in line. Drivability in most situations is on par for a minivan. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly but isn't especially quick. If the minivan segment has a van built for the driving experience, it's the Honda Odyssey. All others, including the Carnival, sit together in the drives-like-a-minivan zone.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Carnival? The Carnival has very comfortable front seats. They are well suited for long drives, and the heating and cooling functions worked just as expected. The optional second-row lounge-style seats have some flashy features, but try them before buying because we think they're a bit gimmicky. You can only fully recline and extend the legrests if you slide the seats fully toward the center and rear of the van. Even then, adults will not be able to fully extend the legrests without having their feet touch the front-row seats. The third row isn't quite as spacious as in other minivans, but kids won't mind.

Our test Carnival managed to smooth out most bumps, but a few bad sections of freeway made our van shudder significantly more than any other we've driven through the same stretch. This minivan just doesn't feel quite as smooth or car-like as some rivals.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? The Carnival has quintessential minivan interior qualities. It's spacious, versatile, and easy to get in and out of. The Carnival's exterior design makes the rear sliding doors look smaller than those on other vans, but functionally the openings are just as big. Another advantage is the highly adjustable driver's seat; drivers of all sizes should find a comfortable spot. Outward visibility is excellent. The big windows and available surround-view camera system make it easy to know what's around you.

We're less impressed by the Carnival's smudge-prone piano black surfaces and touch-based cabin controls that can be distracting to use while driving. Also note that the optional lounge-style seats can't be removed. We think the second-row bench seating will be the way to go for most.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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National average sale prices for the 2026 Kia Carnival

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Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Technology is a highlight for the Carnival. The touchscreen infotainment display is big and has crisp-looking graphics and an easy-to-use menu structure. Thankfully, there is also wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay since the native navigation leaves much to be desired. The available surround-view parking camera system helps take the guesswork out of parking in tight spaces.

The Carnival's standard driver aids worked well in our testing. The adaptive cruise control accelerates and brakes the vehicle smoothly, for example, and the lane keeping system was able to keep the van inside its lane without being overly abrupt with its steering adjustments.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Naturally, the Carnival does cargo space well. In the eight-passenger configuration, the second-row bench is divided into three sections that slide independently for flexibility. They can also be removed, though it's necessary to store them someplace. The third-row seats conveniently fold flat into the floor. There is 40.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the third row down and the second-row bench seat removed. Both figures are among the best in the class.

The Carnival cabin has plenty of nooks and pockets for storing things, but you can find more clever solutions in other vans. Are you transporting children at the car-seat or booster-seat age? There's plenty of room for installing safety seats, but the Carnival's lower seat anchors are a little difficult to access.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Carnival gets 21 mpg combined. Compared to other V6-equipped minivans, that EPA fuel economy estimate is average. A hybrid powertrain isn't available. On Edmunds' real-world evaluation route, the Carnival returned 26.2 mpg, which suggests the van may exceed the EPA's estimates in some driving situations.

Value

8/10

Is the Carnival a good value? Kia continues to offer vehicles with strong value propositions. The Carnival has a competitive entry price, and each trim level upgrade seems to sneak in a feature that either the other guys don't have or only offer at a higher price point. Build quality is very good and the interior materials are impressive. Another bonus is Kia's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Wildcard

8/10

Kia is pushing the not-a-minivan marketing angle, and you might find the Carnival has a bit of counterculture personality. But in the end, everything substantive about the vehicle is straight out of the minivan playbook. Where the Carnival does stand out is with its technology features and value.

Which Carnival does Edmunds recommend?

We would recommend the Carnival Hybrid before one of the V6-only versions, but if that's the way you're going, we recommend the EX. It adds an enormous list of extra features over the LXS for a reasonable premium. Meanwhile, we could definitely live without the SX's extras.

Compare 2026 Kia Carnival trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Kia Carnival Owner Reviews

4.1

37 reviews

5(65%)

4(10%)

3(2%)

2(10%)

1(13%)

See all 37 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Quietest and most comfortable vehicle ever owned!

Joe C, 01/30/2023

2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

I am 78 and have owned everything from a Chevy vega to a BMW M3 convertible. At last count, I believe we have owned 43 or 44 new vehicles over the years, Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, Honda, Toyota, etc. This time we wanted a minivan as they are the most practical when you get older. the seats are slightly higher, but the ground clearance is lower. We wanted the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid …

Never saw me in a mini van

Bob never me in a mini van , 12/27/2022

2023 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

After looking at the carnival and taking a ride we purchased a 2023 model. It is a base model and we are very happy with it so far have 7,000 miles on it already. Very comfortable very sporty and handles like a dream. Gas mileage is not bad for the size it is very roomy inside. So far nothing I don't like about it I would recommend it to friends and family

Upgraded from Soul EX

Kathryn M, 09/08/2023

2023 Kia Carnival LX Seat Package 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

I had owned 3 Souls since 2012 and since moving to Florida i needed more space for camping, fishing and kayak/paddleboard gear. I was looking at Bigger SUV's or even a Toyota Pickup but in the rain, nothing would be protected so I saw the Carnival in the dealer showroom and after looking at all the features and how much room it had i kinda fell for it! Everyone that see's it in my …

5 months ownership

B. Kieffer, 08/30/2024

2024 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

Pros: Excellent ride quality, adequate acceleration, comfortable seating, roomy interior, great tech and infotainment. Cons: Loose steering except in sport drive mode, long break travel, cruise control is slow to react to changes in elevation. Having owned my Kia Carnival for the past 5 months, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a minivan.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Kia Carnival, so we've included reviews for other years of the Carnival since its last redesign.

See all 37 reviews of the Kia Carnival

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Helpful shopping links

2026 Kia Carnival video

The Best New & Upcoming Cars 2022-2023 | Highlights From the LA Auto Show 2021

NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Kia Carnival, but since the 2026 Kia Carnival is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

2026 Kia Carnival Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,990
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	40.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Kia Carnival

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Safety

Key safety features on the Carnival include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Acceptable
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

FAQ

Is the Kia Carnival a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Carnival both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Carnival gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 37 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Carnival has 40.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Carnival. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Kia Carnival?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Kia Carnival:

No changes for 2026
Part of the first Carnival generation introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Carnival is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Carnival. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Carnival's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Kia Carnival a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Kia Carnival is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Carnival and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Carnival gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 37 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Carnival is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Kia Carnival?

The least-expensive 2026 Kia Carnival is the 2026 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,990.

Other versions include:

LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $36,990
LXS 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,990
EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,190
SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $46,090
SX Prestige 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,090

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Carnival?

If you're interested in the Kia Carnival, the next question is, which Carnival model is right for you? Carnival variants include LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), LXS 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), EX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and SX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Carnival models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Kia Carnival

Pricing

2026 Kia Carnival Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Unique second-row "free mode" seat

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $1,153 with Edmunds

National Market Price

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Carnival does Edmunds recommend?

Kia Carnival Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Quietest and most comfortable vehicle ever owned!

Never saw me in a mini van

Upgraded from Soul EX

5 months ownership

Helpful shopping links

2026 Kia Carnival video

The Best New & Upcoming Cars 2022-2023 | Highlights From the LA Auto Show 2021

2026 Kia Carnival Features & Specs

Compare the Kia Carnival

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Carnival include:

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Kia Carnival a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Kia Carnival?

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

Is the 2026 Kia Carnival a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Kia Carnival?

What are the different models of Kia Carnival?

Related 2026 Kia Carnival info

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