This post was created with content production support from KS Autoplan.
Review of the 2025 Carnival: Approaching 70,000 Units! What Makes It Popular?
Hello, I'm Double View, an automotive influencer.
When reflecting on 2024, the car I recommended most to friends was undoubtedly the Kia Carnival.
Since I share a similar age group with parents who have somewhat grown children,
I often received questions about what family car to choose.
Of course, my answers varied based on family composition, primary usage, parking conditions, and financial capabilities,
but in conclusion, I believe there’s no better family car than the Carnival.
Carnival: 7-Seater or 9-Seater? Offering Various Options Based on Purpose.
You can choose between the 7-seater and 9-seater Carnival,
and even opt for the Hi-Limousine for more spacious accommodations.
The Hi-Limousine offers configurations for 7, 9, and even 4 passengers, allowing you to select the best option based on your primary usage.
If you choose the 9-seater model, you can fold down the fourth-row seats and utilize two independent seats from the first to the third rows, providing ample space for all passengers.
When carrying more than six passengers in the 9-seater model, you can also use the bus-only lanes,
making it an excellent choice for families taking weekend trips with parents and children.
Given the heavy traffic on highways these days,
having just one 9-seater Carnival makes it easy to travel without fatigue.
If you have young children, you might want to choose the side step option so they can easily get in and out of the higher vehicle.
Since it is a beloved family car, I also found various options available for family members.
I remember discussing with friends about the necessary options while laying them out.
Since the actual purchase price can vary significantly depending on the options, I recall making careful decisions.
The hybrid launch expands your options!
Moreover, with the addition of the gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid engine in the second half of last year,
it has absorbed demand from those deliberating between the existing gasoline 3.5 and diesel 2.2 options.
The Carnival Hybrid has demonstrated immense popularity, requiring a waiting period of over 12 months for delivery.
Due to declining trust in electric vehicles, those considering large electric vehicles like the EV9 now find the 2025 Carnival Hi-Limousine to be their only option.
Although it does not qualify for eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits with a combined fuel efficiency of 31.8 miles per gallon (13.5 km/L),
it continues to be loved for its performance and output that exceed expectations.
Initially, there were concerns that applying the gasoline turbo 1.6 hybrid engine to a large RV model would lead to insufficient power.
However, the maximum output of 180 horsepower and maximum torque of 19.8 kg·m proved adequate for a large RV model.
Though this engine has been used in the Sorento and Sportage models,
However, by increasing the motor output to 73.4 horsepower, it delivered performance beyond initial concerns, even if not overly abundant.
Of course, when accelerating over 62 mph (100 km/h) on the highway, I could sense a lack of power.
This disappointing driving performance became evident.
Overall, it performed well for city driving or on highways in the second or third lanes.
If the Palisade full-change model launches with the gasoline turbo 2.5 hybrid engine, I hope Kia applies it to the Carnival to address these shortcomings.
Approaching 70,000 Units in 2024! High Sales Forecast Amidst Ongoing Delivery Delays
From January to November 2024, the 2025 Carnival recorded sales of 64,552 units.
It achieved an average monthly sales volume of 5,868 units, and with full-capacity production and sales maintaining consistency,
annual sales of 70,000 units appear to be achievable.
In 2023, it fell just short of the 70,000 mark with 69,857 units sold, but the addition of the hybrid engine requiring a 12-month delivery wait is expected to easily surpass last year's record.
By responding to customers' diverse needs in terms of passenger capacity, Hi-Limousine features, powertrains, and options,
the Carnival is expected to continue breaking records in the future.
Specifications and Estimated Pricing Information for the 2025 Carnival Hybrid
Next, let's take a look at the specifications and estimated pricing information for the highly recommended 2024 Carnival Hybrid 7-seater Signature trim.
Vehicle Type: Large MPV
Overall Length: 202.8 inches / Overall Width: 78.5 inches / Overall Height: 70.2 inches
Wheelbase: 121.7 inches
Front Track: 68.4 inches / Rear Track: 68.3 inches
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder / Displacement: 97.6 cu in (1,598 cc)
Tire Size: 235/55R 19
Curb Weight: 4,769 lbs (2,165 kg)
Engine Max Output: 180 horsepower / Engine Max Torque: 19.8 kg·m
Motor Max Output: 73.4 horsepower / Motor Max Torque: 31.0 kg·m
Combined Fuel Efficiency: 31.8 miles per gallon (13.5 km/L) (City: 33.2 / Highway: 30.5)
Full Tank Range: 604 miles (972 km)
Estimated Pricing Information for the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid 7-Seater SignatureLet's also check the estimated pricing information.
Vehicle Price: 38,000,000 KRW (approximately $28,800 USD)
Acquisition Tax: 3,240,000 KRW (approximately $2,400 USD)
Bond Discount: 20,000 KRW (approximately $15 USD)
=> Estimated Actual Purchase Price: 38,500,000 KRW (approximately $29,000 USD)
With recommended options from Double View like Comfort (1,190,000 KRW or approximately $900 USD), Drive Wise (790,000 KRW or approximately $600 USD),
Monitoring Pack (1,270,000 KRW or approximately $950 USD), HUD & Built-in Cam 2 (1,270,000 KRW or approximately $950 USD),
the estimated actual purchase price can rise to 39,000,000 KRW (approximately $29,600 USD).
However, after a 12-month wait, there may be another model year change,
which could improve the base options but likely lead to a price increase.
So, it might be wise to receive your vehicle as soon as possible
and enjoy excellent fuel efficiency while traveling with your family.
For those eager to receive the 2025 Carnival Hybrid quickly,
I recommend considering the long-term rental or leasing options from KS Autoplan, which has secured inventory through advance orders of popular models.
KS Autoplan, a specialist in long-term car rentals and leases, has won awards for brand power in Asia's economy and currently holds numerous 2025 Carnival models available for immediate delivery.
Additionally, during the Christmas special event, you can become the owner of a popular model at a reduced price.
You can check KS Autoplan's year-end discount special event on their website, and you can also find a list of vehicles available for immediate delivery.
You can easily apply for estimates on their website,
and you can quickly receive the lowest price comparison estimates any day of the week, so if you have a desired vehicle, consider comparing estimates and delivery times with other companies before making your decision.
In addition to the 2025 Carnival HEV, KS Autoplan also has immediate inventory for vehicles with long delivery waits, such as the Sorento HEV, Grandeur HEV, and Santa Fe HEV.