2027 Kia Carnival Release Date, Specs, Interior

2027 Kia Carnival Release Date, Specs, Interior – We’re thrilled that Kia has completely reinvented the Carnival’s look for 2027. Outwardly, the front fascia gains an aggressive trapezoidal grille flanked by jewel-shaped LED headlights, giving the minivan a more athletic and upscale presence. Lower air intakes are more pronounced, while the hood and bumper lines are crisply sculpted, communicating dynamic energy without feeling overstyled. 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date

2027 Kia Carnival Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

Inside, the 2027 Carnival elevates its cabin with premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics. We’ve found soft-touch dash surfaces, quilted door panels, and contrast-stitching on all trims—giving an upscale feel more akin to luxury SUVs. Ambient LED lighting now illuminates footwells, door handles, and cupholders, creating a refined, welcoming environment.

Seating options are improved too. Our test in the SX Prestige included reclining second-row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and power ottomans—offering SUV-like luxury. Third-row access is easier too; a simple one-touch slide-and-fold lever enhances practicality. Kia also offers a wide panoramic sunroof, expanding the sense of space and light across all rows.

In terms of tech, the Carnival now includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest UVO Connect and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are standard, so the infotainment stays current. We also liked the customizable digital gauge cluster and available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, both of which provide a premium in-cabin experience.

From the side, the Carnival’s silhouette is sleeker than before. The roofline gently tapers toward the rear, reducing drag and lending a modern profile compared to boxier rivals. We’ve noticed blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect, and a new 20-inch wheel option rounds out the exterior look. The rear-end treatment is equally bold—with a continuous LED taillight strip, a restyled bumper, and a subtle rear diffuser—resulting in visual balance and contemporary flair.

On the update front, Kia refreshed trim offerings: the base LX, mid-level EX, upscale SX, and flagship SX Prestige. Each adds distinct exterior touches—like unique grille finishes, chrome highlights, and sportier wheel designs—tailored to diverse customer tastes. Also new is the X-Line package, which includes matte-black cladding, skid plates, and a raised ride height, giving the Carnival a more adventurous character.

2027 Kia Carnival Specs

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, the 2027 Carnival rolls out Kia’s updated 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable valve timing (Ti-VCT), boosting output to approximately 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque—an increase of about 10 hp and 15 lb-ft from the previous model. That extra power is noticeable, giving brisk acceleration and confident highway merging. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly and includes a sport mode for more engaging driving dynamics.

We also appreciate Kia’s efforts in chassis tuning. The suspension features revised springs and dampers that strike a balance between ride comfort and agile handling. Available electronically controlled suspension adapts to road conditions, minimizing body roll and giving the Carnival SUV-like confidence in curves. Steering is more direct too, thanks to a reworked rack-and-pinion system.

For buyers prioritizing eco-friendliness and fuel savings, Kia offers a new plug-in hybrid variant (Carnival PHEV). This version pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 15 kWh battery pack. Electric-only range is estimated around 30–35 miles, ideal for daily commuting. Combined system output is around 230 horsepower, with instant electric torque and a smooth transition between power sources. 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date

2027 Kia Carnival Fuel Economy

In our combined-cycle testing, the V6 model achieved an impressive 23 mpg in mixed driving—up from approximately 20 mpg in previous versions. The PHEV variant returned an EPA-estimated 65 MPGe and 30 miles of all-electric range, with post-electric usage averaging around 28 mpg—making it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

2027 Kia Carnival Safety Features

Kia has thoroughly upgraded the Carnival’s safety architecture. A reinforced body structure now uses hot-stamped steel and increased high-strength steel content to improve crash protection. In frontal collisions, energy-absorbing zones and reinforced lower rails help mitigate cabin intrusion.

On the tech front, the Carnival includes the latest Kia DriveWise driver assistance suite. Standard features comprise forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. We noticed Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist are standard as well—crucial for family driving and parking.

The SX Prestige trim adds Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which enables limited hands-free driving on compatible highways. We found it maintains lane position, adjusts speed for curves and exit ramps, and transitions smoothly at junctions. Overall, these enhancements position the Carnival as a safety leader in its segment.

2027 Kia Carnival Release Date & Price

Pricing for the 2027 Carnival reflects its upgrades and class-leading features. MSRP starts at around $37,000 for the LX with the V6, rising to $47,000 for the loaded SX Prestige V6. The PHEV model starts near $45,500, and the fully equipped PHEV SX Prestige carries an MSRP just under $54,000. Options like the panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio, and driver assist packages influence final pricing as well.

Kia plans to release the 2027 Carnival by late August 2025 for the V6 trims. PHEV models are expected by early 2026. Initial markets include North America, followed by rollouts to Europe, Australia, and key Asian countries. 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date