Despite an undeniable practicality, the minivan continues to suffer the stigma of being, well, a minivan. The 2026 Kia Carnival slips under that judgmental radar thanks to its almost SUV-like styling.
It's all minivan inside, however, delivering ample interior space and limo-like comfort while retaining 40 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. And it manages to fit all that into a package with an overall length nearly two feet shorter than a Chevy Suburban's. A 287-hp V-6 engine provides adequate acceleration and helps the Carnival return respectable fuel efficiency with highway mileage in the mid-to-upper 20s.
Though the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey may offer a bit more overall interior space, neither can match the Carnival's comparatively rugged exterior.
After a mild refresh for 2025, the 2026 Kia Carnival carries over virtually unchanged.
The price of the 2026 Kia Carnival is expected to start around $39,000 and go up to $53,000 depending on the trim and options.
The Carnival is offered in five trim levels ranging from the value-oriented LX to the deluxe SX Prestige, but the EX represents the sweet spot between features and price. The EX trim comes with several convenience features that help to justify the cost of upgrading, including a power-operated rear liftgate, an in-cabin intercom, and a voice-control system that allows rear-seat passengers to provide commands to the Carnival's infotainment system.
The Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 churning out a healthy 287 horsepower; an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive is not on the menu, as the Carnival is offered as a front-wheel-drive model only. Kia also offers the Carnival Hybrid, which gets a 242-hp turbocharged hybrid powertrain, but we review that model separately. We're impressed by the Carnival's well-balanced ride and handling, which is smooth when cruising but still composed in corners.
The refined V-6 engine provides sprightly acceleration and powered the Carnival to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds at our test track.
