2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid review

There’s finally a hybrid version of the Kia Carnival with way better fuel consumption than the old V6. But is it better than the diesel?

New looks, increased spec, new variant names, plus higher pricing – is the Kia Carnival still king of the people movers?

The mid-range Carnival Si offers goodness in the right areas, including acres of space, a torquey and frugal diesel, and exceptional on-road manners.

A new Kia Carnival has come to town, and attractions include a longer list of safety equipment and a punchier V6 engine.

The positively non-van-like Kia Carnival accounts for more than half of all the people-movers sold in Australia. There is a new one around the corner, but the outgoing model remains our MPV of choice. And don't forget - runout deals are imminent.

Kia dominates the people mover segment in Australia with its Carnival, the only car of its kind with a V6 engine. The Carnival is even a little – gasp! – stylish.