The 2025 Kia Carnival comes in three main trim levels, each with different features and pricing

The 2025 Kia Carnival is offered in LX, EX, and SX trim levels. Each trim builds on the one below it, adding comfort features, technology, and safety options. The LX is the base model with the essentials for a family minivan. The EX adds conveniences like power sliding doors and a larger touchscreen. The SX is the top trim with premium seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the most advanced driver information features.

All three trims share the same engine: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower. They all seat up to eight passengers across three rows, though the exact seating configuration varies slightly by trim. The main differences between trims are what you get inside the cabin and how the vehicle is equipped, not how it drives or what powers it.

Key Takeaways

  • The LX trim is the entry-level model with basic comfort features, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and six airbags as standard safety equipment.
  • The EX trim adds power sliding doors, a wireless charging pad, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and more advanced safety technology than the LX.
  • The SX trim includes premium leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and the most comprehensive driver information package.
  • All three trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
  • Specific pricing and exact feature availability can vary by model year and dealer, so checking with a Kia dealer or the official Kia website gives you current information.

LX Trim: What the base model includes

The LX is designed for buyers who want a practical family minivan without extra features they may not need. It comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The climate control is manual, and the seats are cloth upholstery. You get six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard safety features.

The LX does not include power sliding doors—you open and close them by hand. It has manual windows and locks on the rear doors. The steering wheel is not adjustable for reach, only tilt. If you plan to add features later, the LX can be ordered with packages that bundle popular options together, though this varies by dealer and model year.

EX Trim: Added convenience and technology

The EX trim steps up with power sliding doors on both sides, which is especially useful when parking in tight spaces or loading children. The touchscreen grows to 12.3 inches, and you get a wireless charging pad for your phone. The seats are still cloth, but the EX adds a power driver's seat with lumbar support, so you can adjust your seating position electronically.

Safety features expand on the EX to include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The EX also adds a power liftgate, so you can open the rear hatch with a button instead of lifting it by hand. Dual-zone automatic climate control lets the driver and front passenger set different temperatures. The steering wheel becomes adjustable for both tilt and reach, giving you more ways to find a comfortable driving position.

SX Trim: Premium features and the most technology

The SX is the highest trim level and includes everything from the EX, plus additional luxury and safety features. The seats are wrapped in premium leather, and the second-row captain's chairs have power adjustment and heating. The panoramic sunroof spans much of the roof, letting in natural light across the cabin. The power liftgate includes a hands-free opening feature—you can open it by waving your foot under the rear bumper.

The SX adds more advanced driver information technology, including adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to match traffic ahead. Lane keeping information helps keep you centered in your lane. The SX also includes a surround-view camera system that shows you a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking, making it easier to see obstacles around all sides. Heated and cooled cup holders, a power sunshade for the rear window, and ambient interior lighting round out the premium feel.

Seating configurations and passenger capacity

All three trims seat up to eight passengers in a three-row layout. The first row has two seats for the driver and front passenger. The second row typically has either a bench seat that fits three or two captain's chairs with a center console between them. The third row has a bench seat. The exact configuration depends on which options you choose when ordering.

The LX and EX typically come with a second-row bench as standard, though you can order captain's chairs as an option. The SX comes standard with captain's chairs in the second row, which some families prefer because each child gets their own seat and armrest. All second and third-row seats fold flat to create cargo space, and the second row can slide forward and backward to give you more legroom in the third row or more cargo room behind the second row.

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain options

The 2025 Carnival uses a single engine across all trims: a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is designed for smooth acceleration and quiet operation, which matters in a family vehicle where you want a calm driving experience.

You can order any trim with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is standard and is what most buyers choose because it offers better fuel economy and is less expensive. All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels, which some buyers prefer in areas with snow or for added traction in wet conditions. The fuel economy difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions.

Safety features across all trims

Every 2025 Carnival comes with a comprehensive set of safety equipment. All trims include six airbags, electronic stability control, a rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring. The LX adds blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert as you move up the lineup, though these are standard on the EX and SX.

The EX and SX add lane departure warning and lane keeping information, which alert you if you drift out of your lane and can gently steer you back. The SX includes adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and automatically slows down or speeds up. A surround-view camera system on the SX gives you a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking, displayed on the touchscreen. Kia also offers a blind spot view monitor on higher trims, which shows you the blind spot area on the touchscreen when you signal to change lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all-wheel drive on every trim level?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on the LX, EX, and SX. It costs more than front-wheel drive and reduces fuel economy slightly, but it is an option on any trim you choose.

What is the difference between the EX and SX captain's chairs?

The EX offers captain's chairs as an option you can add to the second row. The SX comes with them as standard. The SX captain's chairs have power adjustment and heating, while the EX captain's chairs are manually adjusted. If heated seats matter to you, the SX is the only trim that includes them.

Does the LX have a touchscreen?

Yes. The LX comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX upgrades to a 12.3-inch screen. Both allow you to control music, navigation, and phone calls through the screen or through voice commands.

How much cargo space does the Carnival have?

With all seats in place, you have roughly 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. When you fold down the second and third rows, that expands to around 140 cubic feet. The exact amount varies slightly depending on your seating configuration and whether you have captain's chairs or a bench seat.

Is there a hybrid or electric version of the 2025 Carnival?

No. The 2025 Carnival is only available with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Kia does not currently offer a hybrid or fully electric version of the Carnival for the 2025 model year.