Verified vehicle record
2027 Kia Carnival
The 2027 Kia Carnival adds second-row Captain's Chairs on EX and SX trims for the first time, plus updated exterior colors, with the base LX FWD at $37,490. Overall MSRP runs $39,035 to $53,135 for the 287-hp V-6 lineup. The Carnival Hybrid is rated 34 mpg city but beat the gas V-6 by only 1 mpg on the highway.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain3.5L V6 or 1.6L turbo hybrid
Output290 / 242 hp
DrivetrainFWD
Seating7 or 8
Decision answers19Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2027
Kia's own newsroom (opens in a new tab) says the 2027 Carnival offers enhanced flexibility with newly available second-row Captain's Chairs on EX and SX trims, providing greater flexibility and improved access between the second and third rows, along with updated exterior color options.
Pricing for 2027
Kia's own newsroom (opens in a new tab) says the Carnival LX FWD has a starting MSRP of $37,490.
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists overall MSRP at $39,035-$53,135 for the 287-hp V-6 lineup.
How it compares within the lineup
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says if superior fuel economy matters, check out the Carnival Hybrid and its 34-mpg city EPA rating, though it returned just 1 mpg better than the nonhybrid version in their real-world 75-mph highway test.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2027 Kia Carnival?
Kia's own newsroom (opens in a new tab) says new second-row Captain's Chairs on EX and SX trims, plus updated colors.
How much does the 2027 Kia Carnival cost?
Kia's own newsroom (opens in a new tab) says the LX FWD starts at $37,490.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
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.
Model-year note
LXS is a distinct trim above LX, not a package name. The Carnival Hybrid is a genuinely separate powertrain family (1.6L turbo hybrid, 242 hp, six-speed transmission) sold alongside the V6 lineup, starting at the LXS Hybrid (no hybrid LX) and topping out at the SX Prestige Hybrid at around $55,135, per Kia's own site. The 2027 gas lineup and trim names are an unchanged carryover.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LX | Entry trim | 3.5L V6 standard, 290 hp, Eight-passenger layout standard, 17-inch wheels and 8-inch touchscreen standard |
| LXS | Trim 2 of 9 | Power sliding doors standard, SynTex seating surfaces standard, Power driver's seat standard |
| EX | Trim 3 of 9 | Roof rails standard, Smart power liftgate standard, Wireless phone charger standard |
| SX | Trim 4 of 9 | LED fog lights standard, Dual sunroof standard, Ventilated front seats standard |
| SX Prestige | Trim 5 of 9 | Heated steering wheel standard, Premium leather seat trim standard, Premium audio system standard |
| LXS Hybrid | Trim 6 of 9 | 1.6L turbo hybrid standard, 242 hp, 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic, LXS-level equipment carries over on the hybrid powertrain |
| EX Hybrid | Trim 7 of 9 | EX-level roof rails carry over on the hybrid powertrain, EX-level smart power liftgate carries over on the hybrid powertrain, EX-level wireless phone charger carries over on the hybrid powertrain |
| SX Hybrid | Trim 8 of 9 | SX-level LED fog lights carry over on the hybrid powertrain, SX-level dual sunroof carries over on the hybrid powertrain, SX-level ventilated front seats carry over on the hybrid powertrain |
| SX Prestige Hybrid | Top trim | SX Prestige-level equipment carries over on the hybrid powertrain, Tops the Carnival range at roughly $55,135 including destination |
01
Entry trim
LX
- 3.5L V6 standard, 290 hp
- Eight-passenger layout standard
- 17-inch wheels and 8-inch touchscreen standard
02
Trim 2 of 9
LXS
- Power sliding doors standard
- SynTex seating surfaces standard
- Power driver's seat standard
03
Trim 3 of 9
EX
- Roof rails standard
- Smart power liftgate standard
- Wireless phone charger standard
04
Trim 4 of 9
SX
- LED fog lights standard
- Dual sunroof standard
- Ventilated front seats standard
05
Trim 5 of 9
SX Prestige
- Heated steering wheel standard
- Premium leather seat trim standard
- Premium audio system standard
06
Trim 6 of 9
LXS Hybrid
- 1.6L turbo hybrid standard, 242 hp, 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic
- LXS-level equipment carries over on the hybrid powertrain
07
Trim 7 of 9
EX Hybrid
- EX-level roof rails carry over on the hybrid powertrain
- EX-level smart power liftgate carries over on the hybrid powertrain
- EX-level wireless phone charger carries over on the hybrid powertrain
08
Trim 8 of 9
SX Hybrid
- SX-level LED fog lights carry over on the hybrid powertrain
- SX-level dual sunroof carries over on the hybrid powertrain
- SX-level ventilated front seats carry over on the hybrid powertrain
09
Top trim
SX Prestige Hybrid
- SX Prestige-level equipment carries over on the hybrid powertrain
- Tops the Carnival range at roughly $55,135 including destination
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2027 Kia Carnival: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 287 | 260 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| LXS | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 287 | 260 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 8 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| EX | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 287 | 260 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 8 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 287 | 260 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 8 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX Prestige | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 287 | 260 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 8 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 4,555 lb | 203 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 6.8 in | 19 gal | 40.9 in | 41.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
| LXS | 4,630 lb | 203 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 6.8 in | 19 gal | 40.9 in | 41.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
| EX | 4,725 lb | 203 in | 68.5 in | 121.7 in | 6.8 in | 19 gal | 40.9 in | 41.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
| SX | 4,810 lb | 203 in | 69.9 in | 121.7 in | 6.8 in | 19 gal | 39.7 in | 41.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
| SX Prestige | 4,720 lb | 203 in | 69.9 in | 121.7 in | 6.8 in | 19 gal | 39.7 in | 41.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2027 Kia Carnival trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | LX | LXS | EX | SX | SX Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power sliding doors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50342Carnival | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 18 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
| 50343Carnival Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular | 34 | 32 | 33 | N/A |
Direct answers
19 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
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.
Source: Kia
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.
Source: Kia
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.
Source: Kia specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Carnival?
The 2027 Kia Carnival is offered with FWD.
Source: Kia specifications
Q05What changed for the 2027 Carnival?
LXS is a distinct trim above LX, not a package name. The Carnival Hybrid is a genuinely separate powertrain family (1.6L turbo hybrid, 242 hp, six-speed transmission) sold alongside the V6 lineup, starting at the LXS Hybrid (no hybrid LX) and topping out at the SX Prestige Hybrid at around $55,135, per Kia's own site. The 2027 gas lineup and trim names are an unchanged carryover.
Source: Kia model-year information
Q06What engine oil does the 2027 Kia Carnival take?
The 2027 Kia Carnival owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2027 Kia Carnival owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q07What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2027 Kia Carnival use?
The 2027 Kia Carnival owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid and R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2027 Kia Carnival owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q08Does the 2027 Kia Carnival come with roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is included for 5 years / 60,000 miles. Documented for the 2027 Kia Carnival in Kia USA Roadside Assistance, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What engine does the 2027 Kia Carnival Hybrid have?
The hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine paired with a hybrid system, making 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed transmission, versus the gas V6's 287 hp.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q10What are the 2027 Kia Carnival trim levels?
Five trims: LX, LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q11How much does the 2027 Kia Carnival cost?
The gas Carnival starts at $39,035 including destination; the Hybrid starts at $43,035, a $2,000 premium, and is not offered on the base LX. The top SX Prestige Hybrid caps the range at $55,135.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q12What changed on the 2027 Kia Carnival?
There are no notable changes for 2027 — the Carnival carries over from the prior year largely unchanged, though prices may creep up slightly.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q13What suspension does the 2027 Kia Carnival use?
MotorTrend describes the 2027 Kia Carnival's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q14What size wheels does the 2027 Kia Carnival have?
The 2027 Kia Carnival's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the LX and LXS and 19 inches on the EX, SX and SX Prestige. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q15How much cargo space does the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van have?
CarDealerships.com lists 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q16What is the GVWR of the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,283 pounds for the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q17What is the payload capacity of the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,728 pounds for the 2027 Kia Carnival LX 4dr Mini-Van.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q18How quickly does the 2027 Kia Carnival accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2027 Kia Carnival: 7.5 seconds for the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV SX Prestige (Motor Trend), 7.8 seconds for the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV HEV SX Prestige (Car and Driver), 7.9 seconds for the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV HEV SX Prestige (Motor Trend) and 8.0 seconds for the 2025 Kia Carnival MPV HEV SX Prestige (MotorWeek).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q19How do the 2027 Kia Carnival trims differ from one another?
All 5 trims share the 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) making 287 hp. The LXS has heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power driver's seat as standard equipment over the LX. The EX has power front seats for driver and passenger, power-folding mirrors and roof rails as standard equipment over the LXS. The SX has fog lights, rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the EX. The SX Prestige has a heated steering wheel, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and a premium audio system as standard equipment over the SX.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2027 Kia Carnival.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Kia Carnival across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kia Carnival official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.