New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date, Changes, Dimensions
New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date, Changes, Dimensions – The New 2027 Kia Carnival marks a bold evolution for the brand’s flagship multi-purpose vehicle, introducing sharper styling, advanced tech features, and refined driving dynamics. Built on an updated platform shared with some of Kia’s premium SUVs, the latest Carnival benefits from improved structural rigidity, allowing for better crash safety, quieter cabin acoustics, and a smoother ride. Kia has placed significant emphasis on making the new model more upscale while retaining its core strengths of practicality and spaciousness. New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date
New 2027 Kia Carnival Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The 2027 Kia Carnival’s exterior balances style and practicality. The new alloy wheel designs range from 17-inch for base trims to 20-inch for the premium SX Prestige, with finishes including polished chrome and matte graphite. Roof rails are now more aerodynamic, and optional two-tone paint schemes—such as Deep Ocean Blue with a white roof—add a touch of individuality. Sliding side doors remain a core feature but are now flush-fitting to reduce wind noise and improve efficiency.
Inside, Kia has made significant strides toward premium comfort. The cabin layout has been redesigned for better space utilization, with more legroom in all three rows and improved ergonomics for both driver and passengers. The dashboard now features a seamless dual-screen display—comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch infotainment system—housed under a single curved glass panel. High-grade models offer soft-touch surfaces with real wood trim, ventilated leather seats, and customizable ambient lighting with up to 64 colors.
The Carnival continues to excel in passenger comfort and convenience. The second-row ‘VIP lounge seats’ feature power recline, leg rests, seat ventilation, and individual entertainment screens, making long journeys far more enjoyable. For family practicality, Kia has expanded storage options, with larger underfloor compartments, sliding center consoles, and overhead storage for smaller items. The rear cargo area can swallow an impressive amount of luggage, even with all seats in place, while the fold-flat third row expands cargo space into van-like proportions.
From a design perspective, the front fascia has been completely reimagined. The signature ‘tiger nose’ grille is now larger, featuring a satin-chrome finish and integrated LED daytime running lights that form a dramatic visual signature. The bumper has been redesigned for better airflow management, improving both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Sleeker LED headlamps stretch into the fenders, and the lower front apron incorporates functional air intakes to cool the front brakes.
Kia’s update plan for the 2027 Carnival also focuses on enhanced versatility. Sliding rear doors now operate faster and more quietly, while the vehicle’s side profile gains a cleaner, more sculpted appearance with a stronger character line running from the front to the rear lights. At the back, a full-width LED light bar modernizes the look, while the tailgate has been reshaped to improve loading ease. Combined with a more premium materials palette, these updates push the Carnival firmly into near-luxury territory for family transport.
New 2027 Kia Carnival Specs
Engine & Performance
The 2027 Kia Carnival offers a choice of refined powertrains to cater to different markets and driving needs. The standard engine for North America is a 3.5-liter V6 producing around 294 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers smooth acceleration and confident highway merging while maintaining low NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels.
A new addition to the lineup is a 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain, combining a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total system output of approximately 265 horsepower. This hybrid variant prioritizes fuel efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness, and regenerative braking helps recover energy during deceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, while an optional all-wheel-drive system—new for the Carnival—offers enhanced stability in slippery conditions.
Ride and handling have also been improved through suspension tuning. The updated multi-link rear suspension provides better composure over uneven roads, while electric power steering has been recalibrated for more direct feedback. Noise insulation materials have been added throughout the floorpan, firewall, and wheel wells, resulting in a noticeably quieter cabin at highway speeds. These improvements make the 2027 Carnival not just practical but genuinely enjoyable to drive for an MPV. New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date
New 2027 Kia Carnival Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency varies depending on the powertrain. The V6 model is estimated to achieve around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, thanks to improved aerodynamics and optimized transmission mapping. The new hybrid variant significantly boosts efficiency, with expected ratings of around 34 mpg combined—making it one of the most economical large MPVs on the market. For eco-conscious buyers, the hybrid Carnival offers an excellent blend of practicality and low running costs.
New 2027 Kia Carnival Safety Features
The New 2027 Kia Carnival comes equipped with the latest iteration of Kia’s Drive Wise suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard safety tech includes forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and blind-spot collision warning. Rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit assist ensure safer maneuvers in busy parking areas.
Higher trims benefit from Highway Driving Assist 2, which offers semi-autonomous lane changes and adaptive cruise control with AI-based predictive speed adjustment. A 360-degree surround-view camera system with 3D mode makes parking and maneuvering this large MPV far easier. Kia has also integrated a rear occupant alert system with motion detection, ensuring no child or pet is accidentally left behind.
The 2027 Carnival’s safety structure is built from a combination of ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum reinforcements, designed to maximize crash energy absorption while keeping weight in check. Multiple airbags, including front center airbags, offer additional occupant protection. An advanced driver monitoring system can detect drowsiness or distraction and alert the driver with visual and audible warnings, adding another layer of safety for long trips. New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date
New 2027 Kia Carnival Release Date & Price
Pricing for the 2027 Kia Carnival is expected to start at approximately $36,500 for the base LX trim, with the mid-range EX and SX trims ranging between $40,000 and $48,000. The fully loaded SX Prestige model, with premium features such as VIP lounge seating and the full ADAS package, is projected to reach just over $55,000. Kia will also offer optional accessory packages to tailor the Carnival for family adventures, business shuttles, or long-distance touring.
The official unveiling is slated for late 2026, with pre-orders opening shortly afterward. First deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2027, reaching key markets in North America, Asia, and Australia. With its blend of style, space, efficiency, and safety, the New 2027 Kia Carnival aims to set a new benchmark in the premium MPV segment.
