2025 Kia Carnival Review | Spacious Family Van With Comfort & Tech

Australia’s love affair with big, family-friendly vehicles continues to grow, and the 2025 Kia Carnival is stepping up as one of the strongest contenders in the people mover segment. With SUVs dominating the market, many assume vans have lost their shine—but the Carnival proves otherwise. It combines spacious practicality, cutting-edge tech, and premium comfort in ways that rival SUVs can’t always match.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore what makes the 2025 Kia Carnival such an appealing option for Australian families—from design and interior features to performance, safety, and long-term ownership.

Design and Road Presence

The Kia Carnival has evolved into a vehicle that looks far more like a stylish SUV than a traditional van. Its bold grille, LED headlights, and squared-off stance give it road presence that many parents will appreciate. The 2025 version refines this design further, with sharper lines, improved aerodynamics, and a more modern front fascia.

While still large, Kia has worked hard to ensure the Carnival doesn’t feel dated or boxy. In fact, its sleek styling often gets mistaken for a crossover SUV—a smart move in a market where many buyers associate SUVs with status and modernity.

Interior Comfort and Space

If there’s one area where the 2025 Kia Carnival shines, it’s the interior. Designed as a true people mover, the Carnival comfortably seats up to eight passengers, making it perfect for large families, school runs, or road trips.

• Seating Layouts: Depending on the trim, you can configure the Carnival with either 7 or 8 seats. Higher trims offer “VIP lounge” second-row seats that recline, feature ottomans, and provide heating and cooling functions.
• Materials: Premium soft-touch materials and leather upholstery are available, creating a cabin that feels closer to a luxury SUV than a typical van.
• Space: Both legroom and headroom are generous across all three rows, with adults able to sit comfortably in the third row—something few SUVs manage well.
• Storage: The Carnival offers massive boot space, even with all seats in use. Folding the rear rows down creates a cavernous cargo area ideal for camping gear, strollers, or sports equipment.

For families who prioritize comfort and flexibility, the Carnival is almost unmatched in its segment.

Technology and Infotainment

Kia has packed the 2025 Carnival with tech features that rival premium brands.

• Dual 12.3-inch screens combine the digital driver display with a large infotainment system for seamless integration.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, though higher trims may switch to wired for better connectivity.
• Multiple USB-C ports are scattered throughout all three rows, ensuring kids’ devices stay charged on long trips.
• Rear-seat entertainment options are available, including dual screens for passengers.
• Premium audio system from Bose delivers crystal-clear sound for podcasts, music, and road trip playlists.

Tech isn’t limited to entertainment. Kia includes over-the-air updates, meaning the Carnival’s software and navigation stay up-to-date without a dealership visit.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For family buyers, safety is just as important as space. Kia has ensured the Carnival delivers here too:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (with live camera feed in the digital cluster)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with automatic braking
• Safe Exit Assist that warns passengers before opening doors into oncoming traffic
• Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality

These features combine with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, reinforcing the Carnival’s reputation as a secure and family-friendly vehicle.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Kia Carnival in Australia offers multiple powertrains:

• 2.2-litre turbo-diesel: Known for its fuel efficiency and torque, making it ideal for highway cruising and towing small trailers.
• 3.5-litre V6 petrol: A more powerful option for those prioritizing performance over fuel economy.
• Hybrid variant (expected in late 2025): Combining petrol power with electric assistance, designed to cut running costs and emissions.

The Carnival isn’t a performance car, but it offers smooth handling, a comfortable ride, and confident highway cruising. It’s tuned for long-distance comfort rather than sporty driving, which is exactly what family buyers want.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

Fuel efficiency depends on the engine choice:

• The diesel engine averages around 6.5–7.0L/100km, making it the best pick for cost-conscious families who drive long distances.
• The petrol V6 sits closer to 10–11L/100km, which may be more appealing to buyers who drive mainly in the city.
• The upcoming hybrid option promises a big improvement, expected to achieve under 6.0L/100km in mixed driving.

Kia also backs the Carnival with its 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, one of the best in the market, helping keep long-term ownership costs predictable.

Ride and Handling

Despite its size, the Carnival is surprisingly easy to maneuver. Kia’s engineers have tuned the suspension to strike a balance between comfort and stability.

• Urban driving: Light steering and a commanding driving position make it easy to navigate city streets and parking lots.
• Highway driving: Stable, smooth, and quiet, making long-distance trips comfortable.
• Towing: While not a heavy-duty hauler like a ute, the diesel variant can tow up to 2,000kg, covering small boats and trailers.

Noise insulation has also been improved, meaning passengers can enjoy quiet conversations without engine or wind noise dominating the cabin.

Ownership Experience

For families, ownership is about more than just features—it’s about long-term reliability and ease of use.

• Warranty: 7 years of peace of mind.
• Service intervals: Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Capped-price servicing: Kia offers predictable servicing costs across the first 7 years.
• Resale value: The Carnival traditionally holds strong resale in Australia, especially diesel models.

Combined with its reputation for durability, the Carnival is a sensible long-term choice.

Comparing the Carnival to SUVs

Some families still lean toward large SUVs like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade, or Mazda CX-9. But the Carnival offers unique advantages:

• More space: True 8-seater comfort compared to many SUVs that only offer tight third rows.
• Cargo capacity: Far greater boot space, even with all seats up.
• Sliding doors: Perfect for tight parking spots and safer for kids getting in and out.

SUVs may look sportier, but for sheer practicality, the Carnival edges ahead for many Australian families.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia Carnival?

The Carnival is best suited to:

• Large families needing space for kids, gear, and grandparents.
• Families who road trip often, thanks to comfort, efficiency, and tech.
• Buyers torn between SUVs and vans who want SUV-like styling without sacrificing practicality.
• Value-conscious buyers, thanks to Kia’s long warranty and capped servicing.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Kia Carnival isn’t just a van—it’s a modern, tech-filled family hub on wheels. It blends the comfort of a luxury SUV with the practicality of a minivan, all while offering excellent safety and reliability.

For Australian families looking for a spacious, comfortable, and versatile vehicle, the Carnival remains one of the best options available. It’s proof that the family van isn’t going anywhere—it’s just evolving into something smarter and more stylish.