The 2025 Kia Carnival comes in three main trim levels: LX, EX, and SX

Kia offers the 2025 Carnival in three distinct configurations, each building on the previous one with additional features and comfort upgrades. The LX is the base model, the EX adds mid-range conveniences, and the SX is the top-tier option with premium features. All three share the same engine and basic structure — the differences are in what you get inside and what technology comes standard.

Each trim level is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which affects handling, traction, and fuel economy. The choice between trims often comes down to which features matter most to you and your budget, since you cannot pick and choose individual options across all trims the way you might with some other vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The LX trim includes basic seating for up to eight passengers, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.
  • The EX adds heated front seats, a power sliding door, a surround-view camera system, and wireless phone charging compared to the LX.
  • The SX includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium audio as its main upgrades over the EX.
  • All 2025 Carnival models use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and come with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
  • Seating configurations vary by trim, with some offering captain's chairs in the middle row instead of a bench seat.

LX trim: What comes standard

The LX is the entry-level Carnival and includes the essentials for a family minivan. You get seating for eight passengers across three rows, with the third row folding flat into the floor. The infotainment system is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in, so you can mirror your phone for navigation and music.

Safety features on the LX include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring. The doors open and close with power operation, and you get dual automatic sliding rear doors — both open and close at the push of a button or key fob. Air conditioning is dual-zone, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. You also get a backup camera, which is standard across all trims.

The LX does not include heated seats, a sunroof, or premium audio. If you want those features, you would need to step up to the EX or SX. The LX comes with cloth upholstery and basic interior trim.

EX trim: Mid-range comfort and convenience

The EX adds several features that make longer drives more comfortable. Heated front seats come standard, which is useful in cold climates. You also get a power sliding door on the driver's side, so you can open and close that door remotely — helpful when you are parked in a tight space or have your hands full with groceries or children.

The EX includes a surround-view camera system, which shows you a bird's-eye view of the vehicle on the touchscreen when you are parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. This is different from the basic backup camera on the LX. Wireless phone charging is also standard on the EX, so you can place a compatible phone on a pad in the center console and it will charge without a cable.

The middle row seating on the EX can be configured with captain's chairs instead of a bench seat, giving each passenger their own seat with an armrest between them. This is a popular choice for families because it makes the middle row feel more spacious and gives kids their own defined space. The EX still uses cloth upholstery and does not include the premium audio system or sunroof that the SX offers.

SX trim: Premium features and luxury touches

The SX is the highest trim level and includes all the features from the EX plus several upgrades. The most visible difference is the leather upholstery throughout the cabin, which replaces the cloth seats on the LX and EX. Leather is easier to clean than cloth, which matters when you have children or pets.

The SX comes with a panoramic sunroof that spans much of the roof, letting in natural light and making the cabin feel more open. You also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, which replaces the traditional analog gauges and gives you a customizable display for speed, fuel, and other vehicle information.

Premium audio is standard on the SX, with a higher-quality sound system than the base audio on the LX and EX. The SX also includes heated and ventilated front seats, meaning the seats can cool down as well as warm up — useful in hot climates. All the features from the EX carry over, including the surround-view camera, wireless charging, and power sliding driver's door.

Engine and drivetrain options across all trims

Every 2025 Carnival, regardless of trim, uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine produces 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is designed for smooth acceleration and adequate power for a vehicle of this size and weight.

You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on any trim level. Front-wheel drive is standard and offers better fuel economy — the EPA estimates around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway for front-wheel-drive models, though this varies slightly by trim. All-wheel drive adds traction and stability in snow and rain but reduces fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon. All-wheel drive also raises the price of the vehicle by several thousand dollars.

Seating configurations and interior space

The 2025 Carnival seats up to eight passengers across three rows. The first row has two seats for the driver and front passenger. The second row can be configured as either a bench seat that fits three people or as two captain's chairs with an armrest between them. The third row is a bench seat that folds flat into the floor when not in use.

Captain's chairs in the second row are available on the EX and SX trims and are a popular choice because they give each passenger their own seat and more personal space. If you regularly transport eight people, the bench seat in the second row is the better choice because it fits three. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips, as legroom is limited compared to the first and second rows.

All rows have LATCH connectors for child safety seats, and the second and third rows have fold-flat designs that create a large cargo area when seats are not in use. With all seats folded, the Carnival offers over 140 cubic feet of cargo space.

Technology and safety features by trim

All 2025 Carnival trims include a suite of safety features as standard. Automatic emergency braking detects obstacles ahead and applies the brakes if you do not respond. Lane-keeping information gently steers you back into your lane if you drift without signaling. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert warns you when backing out of a parking space.

The infotainment system on the LX and EX is a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The SX upgrades to a larger display, though the exact size varies by model year. All systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which let you use your phone's maps, music, and messaging apps through the vehicle's screen. The EX and SX add a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking.

The SX also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is the display directly behind the steering wheel. This cluster is fully customizable, so you can choose what information appears — speed, fuel level, navigation directions, or vehicle diagnostics. The LX and EX use traditional analog gauges with a smaller digital display in the center.

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 is an option you choose when ordering or purchasing, not limited to specific trims. All-wheel drive increases the price and slightly reduces fuel economy compared to front-wheel drive.

What is the difference between captain's chairs and a bench seat in the second row?

Captain's chairs are two individual seats with an armrest between them, seating two people. A bench seat is one continuous seat that fits three people. Captain's chairs offer more comfort and personal space for two passengers; a bench seat lets you fit an extra person but with less individual space.

Does the LX have a sunroof?

No, the sunroof is exclusive to the SX trim. The LX and EX do not offer a sunroof as an option. If a sunroof is important to you, you would need to choose the SX.

Are heated seats available on the LX?

Heated front seats are standard on the EX and SX but not available on the LX. The LX has manual seat adjustments and no heating function. If heated seats matter to you, the EX is the lowest trim that includes them.

How much cargo space does the Carnival have with all seats in place?

With all three rows of seating in use, cargo space behind the third row is limited — roughly 39 cubic feet. When you fold the third row flat, space increases to around 76 cubic feet. Folding both the second and third rows gives you over 140 cubic feet of flat cargo space for larger items.