The 2027 Kia Carnival has arrived and it brings with it some welcome changes. Originally available only on the SX Prestige trim, you can now add second-row captain’s chairs to the EX and SX variants. Meanwhile, the Dark Edition package, is now available on the EX trim. This option adds the blackout treatment to the Carnival for that sinister murdered out look.
Unfortunately, there is one piece of bad news. Kia made the rear seat entertainment exclusive to the SX Prestige model equipped with the second row VIP lounge seats. Additionally, you must select the hybrid. That’s right, you can’t make a gas-only Carnival extra bourgie. What else changed for the 2027 Kia Carnival? Kia discontinued the Flare Red exterior color. Iceberg Green effectively replaces it. However, that hue is only offered on the EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.
As far as pricing goes, the base Carnival LX starts at $39,035. Meanwhile, the Carnival Hybrid starts at $43,035. That’s $4,000 more than the LX, which comes only with the 287-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The hybrid model’s lowest trim is the LXS. A similar trim with the gas engine costs $2,000 less than the hybrid. Total system output on the Carnival Hybrid is 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Gas models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid has a six-speed unit.
All told, a loaded Carnival SX Prestige checks in at around $53,000 for the gas model or $55,000 for the hybrid. The latter’s price balloons to roughly $58,000 with the optional rear seat entertainment system and extra-cost exterior colors. Considering the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica can cost more than $60,000 in some configurations, the Carnival is a steal. What about the Honda Odyssey? Similarly priced to the gas Carnival but with fewer features.
Source: Kia
