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Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a minivan sold since 1998, formerly badged the Kia Sedona in North America until 2021 when the Carnival name took over. REREV calls the 2022 the worst model year in the current generation, with 171 NHTSA complaints, significantly more than any other year, and says the Carnival is worth buying if you avoid the 2022 launch year and verify electrical system health. CarGurus recommends models from 2023 or later to avoid first-year hiccups. Federal data shows the 2022 with the most recalls (6) and 133 complaints.
What the Kia Carnival is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Carnival as a minivan made by Kia since 1998, formerly marketed as the Kia Sedona in North America and other markets until 2021, when the Carnival name replaced it. The 2026 Carnival has a 1.6L hybrid or a 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive, rated 21 to 32 mpg combined by the EPA, about $1,950 to $2,950 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $38,935 for the LX, $43,135 for the EX and $48,035 for the SX.
Best and worst Carnival model years
Federal data shows the 2022 Carnival, the first year sold as the Carnival in the U.S., with 6 recalls and 133 complaints, covering the fuel system, structure, door latches and trailer hitch, both the highest of any year. The 2023 has 4 recalls and 50 complaints, the 2024 has 2 and 70, the 2025 has 1 and 122, and the 2026 has 2.
REREV (opens in a new tab) says the 2022 Kia Carnival is the worst model year in the current generation, with 171 NHTSA complaints, significantly more than any other year, and that the Carnival is worth buying if you avoid the 2022 launch year and verify electrical system health. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says it would recommend models from 2023 or later to avoid any first-year hiccups.
Used prices and choosing a year
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says a one-year-old 2025 Carnival lists for an average of $36,795, while a three-year-old 2023 model averages $29,975. The 2023 and later years, on both CarGurus' and REREV's advice, are the simpler used choice, and a 2022 needs the electrical system checked closely.
Questions buyers ask
Which Kia Carnival year should I avoid?
REREV (opens in a new tab) calls the 2022 the worst model year in the current generation, with 171 NHTSA complaints, significantly more than any other year.
Was the Kia Carnival called something else?
Wikipedia says it was marketed as the Kia Sedona in North America until 2021, when the Carnival name took over.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Kia Carnival is built around 3.5L V6 or 1.6L turbo hybrid, rated at 290 / 242 horsepower across its minivan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 9 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 Carnival seats 7 or 8 and is a Minivan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 Carnival.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Kia Carnival
LX through SX Prestige use the 290-horsepower 3.5L V6; a separate Hybrid line (LXS Hybrid through SX Prestige Hybrid, no gas-only LX equivalent) pairs a 1.6L turbo with a hybrid system for 242 hp combined.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
5 indexed Kia Carnival model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Carnival | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Kia Carnival | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Kia Carnival | 2025 record → | |
| 2024 Kia Carnival | 2024 record → | |
| 2022 Kia Carnival | 2022 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Kia Carnival.
The Kia Carnival is a minivan manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia since 1998, formerly marketed as the Kia Sedona in North America and several other markets. The first-generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short- wheelbase version. Second-generation models were marketed in short and long wheelbase variants.
- Powertrain
- In the United States, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Carnival Good in the small overlap front test (2022~2026 models), Marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test (2023~2026 models). Beginning with 2025 models, structural reinforcements were added to the B-pillar, front and rear doors and rear seat rails.
- Awards
- The American configuration of the Hyundai Entourage earned a five-star safety rating–the highest honor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestows–for all seating positions in frontal and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Entourage "Good"–its highest rating – in front, side and rear impacts.
- Reception
- The Kia Sedona (Carnival) has received the 2007 MotorWeek "Best Minivan" award in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards and The Car Book's 2007 "Best Bet" distinction. Overall, Kia models improved 22% in J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study (IQS), and improved twice as much as any competitor in the last 3 years.
- Trim levels
- The (base) GLS model features 16-inch wheels, removable second-row captain's chairs, 60/40 split-folding third-row fold-in-floor seat, a six-way manual-adjustable driver seat, tri-zone air-conditioning, six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, power windows and door locks and keyless entry.
- Safety
- The third generation Carnival/Sedona debuted in April 2014 at the New York International Auto Show for the 2015 model year. For the United States market, the Sedona features the Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 206 kW (276 hp) and 336 N⋅m, six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Source: Kia Carnival (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Kia Carnival at a glance
- Production
- 1998–present
- Model years
- 1999–present
- Class
- Minivan
- Body style
- 5-door minivan
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
- Also called
- Kia Sedona (1999–2021)
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- April 2026, Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- January 2026, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may… Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Carnival, most often about electrical system (82), unknown or other (19), engine (15).
Year by year
The Kia Carnival across 6 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Carnival | 21–33 | $1,950–$3,100 | 2 | |||
| 2026 Kia Carnival | 21–32 | $1,950–$2,950 | 2 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Kia Carnival | 21–33 | $1,900–$2,950 | 2 | 1 | 122 | |
| 2024 Kia Carnival | 22 | $2,850 | 1 | 2 | 70 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Kia Carnival | 22 | $2,850 | 1 | 4 | 50 | |
| 2022 Kia Carnival | 22 | $2,850 | 1 | 6 | 133 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Kia Carnival, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 26.5 to 27.0 | ||
| 2025 to 2026 | 27.0 to 26.5 | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 1 to 2 | 22.0 to 27.0 | Labels: Carnival Hybrid; Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S6) |
Buying used
What the Kia Carnival recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2025 | 1 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | structure (body); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2023 | 4 | trailer hitches; structure (body); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2022 | 6 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); latches/locks/linkages (electronic lock/latch actuator); trailer hitches; 2 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2022, campaign 23V-179 (Mar 2023): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2023, campaign 23V-179 (Mar 2023): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 126 | 33% | 2025 (82) |
| unknown or other | 100 | 26% | 2022 (34) |
| structure | 55 | 14% | 2022 (33) |
| engine | 44 | 12% | 2022 (16) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 30 | 8% | 2022 (14) |
| visibility/wiper | 11 | 3% | 2022 (11) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Kia Carnival trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,555 | 3,500 | 21 | $39,035 |
| LXS | FWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,630 | 3,500 | 21 | $41,035 |
| EX | FWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,725 | 3,500 | 21 | $43,235 |
| SX | FWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,810 | 3,500 | 21 | $48,135 |
| SX Prestige | FWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,720 | 3,500 | 21 | $53,135 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Kia Carnival model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 4,555–4,810 | 3,500 | 19 |
| 2026 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 4,555–4,810 | 3,500 | 19 |
| 2025 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 4,555–4,810 | – | 19 |
| 2024 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 290 | 4,431–4,581 | 3,500 | 19 |
| 2023 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 290 | 4,376–4,727 | 3,500 | 19 |
| 2022 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 290 | 4,376–4,727 | 3,500 | 19 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Kia Carnival.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2026 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Kia Carnival: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2025 Kia Carnival : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.0).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2022 Kia Carnival : 6 recalls on file, most commonly affecting fuel system and structure.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | not available | electrical system, fuel system |
| 2025 | 1 | 122 | fuel system |
| 2024 | 2 | 70 | structure, fuel system |
| 2023 | 4 | 50 | structure, trailer hitch, fuel system |
| 2022 | 6 | 133 | fuel system, structure, door latches, trailer hitch |
| 2021 | 0 | ||
| 2020 | not available | ||
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia Carnival model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Kia Carnival?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2025 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2022 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Kia Carnival model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2022 Kia Carnival has 6 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting fuel system, structure, door latches. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Kia Carnival model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2025 Kia Carnival has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.0. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Kia Carnival by model year?
2026: electrical system, fuel system. 2025: fuel system. 2024: structure, fuel system. 2023: structure, trailer hitch, fuel system. 2022: fuel system, structure, door latches, trailer hitch.
Q05Why do some Kia Carnival model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia Carnival model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical.
2022 Kia Carnival owners specifically: see Engine and cooling and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Kia Carnival is most often compared with.
Nearest Kia models
Other Kia models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Carnival come in?
The 2027 Kia Carnival (minivan) comes in 9 trims: LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige, LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid.
Q02What are the 2027 Carnival trims?
The 2027 Kia Carnival trims are LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige, LXS Hybrid, EX Hybrid, SX Hybrid, SX Prestige Hybrid, listed from the entry LX up to the top SX Prestige Hybrid.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Carnival use?
The 2027 Kia Carnival is built around 3.5L V6 or 1.6L turbo hybrid, rated at 290 / 242 horsepower across its minivan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Carnival have?
The 2027 Kia Carnival is rated at 290 / 242 horsepower (3.5L V6 or 1.6L turbo hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Carnival?
The 2027 Kia Carnival is offered with FWD.