The 2027 Kia Carnival is Back and Better Than Ever

If you’re shopping for a family vehicle that offers the space of a minivan with the styling and technology of an SUV, the 2027 Kia Carnival deserves a close look. For the 2027 model year, Kia continues to position the Carnival as a versatile three-row family vehicle, while adding more seating flexibility, new styling options, and a wide range of available technology and driver-assistance features.

Whether you’re searching for a 2027 Kia Carnival near me, comparing Carnival trims, or wondering if the Kia Carnival Hybrid is right for your family, here’s what you need to know about the latest model.

What’s New for the 2027 Kia Carnival?

The 2027 Carnival carries forward the SUV-inspired design, flexible interior, available hybrid powertrain and extensive technology that have made the Carnival a popular alternative to traditional minivans.

For 2027, Kia has made several updates worth knowing about:

• Second-row Captain’s Chairs are now available on EX and SX trims, giving shoppers more seating flexibility and easier access to the third row.
• Iceberg Green is now available on EX, SX and SX Prestige models.
• The Dark Edition Package expands to the EX trim.
• Flare Red has been discontinued.
• Rear Seat Entertainment is now exclusive to Hybrid SX Prestige models equipped with VIP Lounge Seats.
• The Carnival continues to offer both a traditional V6 powertrain and an available turbocharged hybrid powertrain.

Those changes give drivers even more flexibility around the way they actually use their three rows.

2027 Kia Carnival Pricing

The 2027 Kia Carnival lineup starts at $37,490 MSRP, excluding the $1,545 destination charge. The non-hybrid lineup includes five trim levels, while the Carnival Hybrid is available in four trims.

*Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual dealer pricing may vary.

For shoppers comparing the 2027 Kia Carnival price across trims, the LXS is an interesting starting point for those who want additional comfort and seating flexibility, while EX and higher trims add more technology, convenience and premium features.

2027 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Is It Worth Considering?

One of the biggest reasons to consider the Carnival is that you don’t have to choose between family-friendly space and hybrid efficiency.

The 2027 Kia Carnival Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 242 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia lists the Hybrid LXS and EX at an EPA-estimated 34 city/31 highway/32 combined MPG.

The hybrid lineup includes:

• Carnival Hybrid LXS
• Carnival Hybrid EX
• Carnival Hybrid SX
• Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige

Kia also advertises an estimated 32 MPG combined and up to 608 miles of total driving range for the 2027 Carnival Hybrid.

For families who spend a lot of time commuting, running errands or taking road trips, the Carnival Hybrid can be an appealing alternative to a traditional gasoline-powered three-row vehicle.

2027 Kia Carnival V6 Performance

Prefer a traditional gas powertrain? The standard 2027 Carnival uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia lists the gas Carnival at an EPA-estimated 18 city/26 highway/21 combined MPG.

That gives shoppers two distinct approaches:

Carnival V6: More traditional powertrain with 287 horsepower.

Carnival Hybrid: Turbocharged hybrid powertrain with 242 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined.

The right choice depends on how you drive, how much you travel and whether fuel efficiency is a priority.

2027 Kia Carnival Trim Levels Explained

Carnival LX

The 2027 Carnival LX is the entry point to the lineup, but it still comes with a substantial amount of standard equipment.

Highlights include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Hands-free power sliding rear doors
• 7-passenger seating
• Sliding and removable second-row seats
• 60/40 split-folding third-row seats
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors

The LX can make sense for shoppers who want the Carnival’s core combination of passenger space, technology and practicality without moving into the higher-priced trims.

Carnival LXS

Moving to the Carnival LXS brings additional interior flexibility and comfort.

Notable features include:

• 8-passenger seating
• Slide-Flex second-row seating
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• SynTex seating trim
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation

The LXS is also the entry trim for the 2027 Carnival Hybrid, making it an especially important trim for shoppers interested in fuel efficiency.

Carnival EX

The 2027 Carnival EX adds a stronger focus on convenience and premium features.

Highlights include:

• 19-inch wheels
• Smart Power Liftgate
• Power front seats
• Driver memory seat
• Passenger View Camera
• Rear sunshades
• Available second-row Captain’s Chairs
• Expanded technology and convenience features

For 2027, the newly available Captain’s Chairs on the EX give buyers another way to configure the Carnival around family needs.

Carnival SX

The Carnival SX moves the vehicle further into premium territory.

Available highlights include:

• 19-inch black wheels
• Dual power sunroofs
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• 360-degree Surround View Monitor
• Expanded panoramic displays
• Additional driver-assistance technology
• Available second-row Captain’s Chairs

The SX is also available with the Dark Edition, which adds distinctive dark exterior styling and 19-inch dark alloy wheels.

Carnival SX Prestige

At the top of the gasoline Carnival lineup is the SX Prestige.

This trim adds premium features such as:

• Leather seating
• Bose premium audio
• Heated steering wheel
• Head-Up Display
• Digital Rearview Mirror
• LED projector headlights
• LED taillights
• Advanced parking and driver-assistance technology

For shoppers looking for a more upscale three-row vehicle without giving up Carnival’s flexible interior, the SX Prestige offers the most extensive feature set in the gas-powered lineup.

2027 Carnival Interior: Built for Families

One of the Carnival’s biggest advantages is its flexible interior.

Depending on configuration, the Carnival can seat up to eight passengers. Its Slide-Flex seating system allows the second row to be repositioned, while removable and sliding second-row seats help create additional cargo flexibility.

The third-row folds into the floor, making it easier to transition between passenger and cargo duty.

For 2027, shoppers can also choose available second-row Captain’s Chairs on EX and SX trims. Families who frequently carry passengers may appreciate the easier access between the second and third rows, while shoppers who prioritize maximum passenger capacity can choose an eight-passenger configuration where available.

Technology Features in the 2027 Kia Carnival

Technology is another major part of the Carnival’s appeal.

Standard and available technology includes:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• SiriusXM
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Over-the-air software updates
• Wireless phone charging
• Up to nine USB-C ports across the three rows
• 115-volt power inverters
• Available dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays
• Available Digital Key 2.0
• Available Head-Up Display
• Available rear-seat entertainment

Higher trims can also offer VIP Lounge Seats with one-touch relaxation mode, power leg extensions, heating and ventilation, and available ambient lighting.

2027 Kia Carnival Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

If you’re shopping for a family vehicle, safety technology is likely high on your list. The 2027 Carnival offers a broad selection of standard and available driver-assistance features.

Depending on trim and equipment, features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Pedestrian, cyclist and junction-turning detection
• Blind-Spot Detection
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Highway Driving Assist
• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Rear Occupant Alert
• Safe Exit Assist
• Surround View Monitor
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Front, rear and side parking sensors
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

Kia says the 2027 Carnival offers up to 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features, depending on configuration. As with any driver-assistance system, these technologies are designed to assist the driver and do not replace attentive, safe driving.

2027 Kia Carnival Dark Edition

Want the Carnival’s practicality without a traditional minivan appearance?

The Carnival SX Dark Edition adds a more aggressive appearance with:

• 19-inch dark alloy wheels
• Dark exterior accents
• Dark grille treatment
• Dark side treatment
• Dark mirror accents
• Choice of available seven- or eight-passenger configurations

For 2027, Kia has also expanded the Dark Edition Package to the EX trim, giving more shoppers access to the darker styling.

Which 2027 Kia Carnival Is Right for You?

The best Carnival depends on your priorities.

Looking for the lowest starting price? The Carnival LX starts at $37,490.

Want eight-passenger flexibility? Consider the LXS and its Slide-Flex seating system.

Want more comfort and convenience? The EX adds features such as power front seats, a memory driver’s seat, 19-inch wheels and a Smart Power Liftgate.

Want premium technology and styling? The SX adds features such as dual sunroofs, Blind-Spot View Monitor and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.

Want the most luxurious gasoline Carnival? The SX Prestige adds premium seating, Bose audio, a Head-Up Display and additional technology.

Want better fuel efficiency? The Carnival Hybrid lineup starts with the LXS and offers an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined.

Shop the 2027 Kia Carnival Near You

The 2027 Kia Carnival brings together three-row passenger space, flexible seating, family-focused technology, available VIP-style second-row seating and a choice between a V6 and hybrid powertrain.

If you’re considering a 2027 Kia Carnival, the best way to determine which trim and configuration fits your family is to compare the available models in person.

Ready to find your next family vehicle? Contact us today to ask about the 2027 Kia Carnival, available trims, hybrid models, current inventory, pricing and financing options. Our team can help you compare Carnival trims and find the right configuration for your needs.

Want to take the next step? View our current Kia Carnival inventory or contact our sales team to check availability and schedule a test drive.