2026 Kia Carnival: The Best Van for Luxury??

The Kia Carnival underwent some major changes last year, including a new design, updated tech, and a new hybrid model! And, one year in, Kia is looking to continue this minivan’s momentum against the steep competition with continued value! But, can it take on the likes of Sienna and Odyssey?? This article will cover the spec breakdowns of the 2026 Kia Carnival but be sure to watch the video below for an in-depth design review!

What’s New for 2026?

Small Price increases

Trims and Pricing

MSRP for FWD

Gas

LX: $36,990

LXS: $38,990

EX: $41,190

SX: $46,090

SX Prestige: $51,090

Hybrid

LXS: $40,990

EX: $43,190

SX: $48,090

SX Prestige: $53,090

The Carnival will have minimal price increases for 2026.

Air Ball and Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk: The luxury and value of the Carnival is best in segment

Air Ball: The Carnival is still lacking AWD, and the VIP Seats don’t fold flat

Design and Features

The Carnival continues for 2026 with the newest Kia elements it added last year, with the iconic “opposites united” design. Signature elements include an the Tiger nose grille and star map LED lighting. Upper end models will swap chrome for darkened chrome accents. As mentioned above, please watch the video linked below for a full in-depth exploration of the exterior design and differences.

Here is the full breakdown of what we know about the feature availability:

Feature	Availability
Exterior
LED Headlights	Standard LED Reflectors \| SX Prestige: Projectors
Fog Lights	SX+
Wheels	17-19-inch alloys on all models
Mirrors	Standard BSM, Heating \| EX+: Power-fold
LED Taillights	SX-Prestige
Towing	Gas: 3,500lbs \| Hybrid: 2,500lbs
Forward Emergency Braking	Standard on all Carnival Models
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Auto High Beams
Highway Drive Assist	Standard: Version 1.0 \| SX+: Version 2.0

When it comes to the Interior, the Carnival will also be well-equipped and practical on all trims.

Interior
Smart Entry and Remote Start	Standard
Digital Key	SX+
Seat Materials	Cloth, Leatherette or Leather Available
Seat Adjustment	Standard: 6-way manual \| LXS+: 8-way power with 4-way lumbar \| EX+: Memory
Push Button Start	Standard
Gauge Cluster	Standard: 4.2-in digital display \| SX+: 12.3-in full digital
Blind-View Camera	SX+
Head-Up Display	SX-Prestige
Steering Wheel	LXS+: Leather Wrapped \| Heating on SX-P
Rain Sensing Wipers	SX+
Wireless Charging	EX+
360 Degree Camera	SX+
3-Zone Climate Controls	Standard
Seat Climate	Heated Seats: LXS+ \| Ventilated Seats: SX+
Audio System	Standard: 6-speaker \| EX/SX: 8-speaker audio \| SX-P: 12-Speakers Bose Premium Audio
Screen	Standard: 12.3-inch display with touchscreen capability and WIRELESS Android Auto and CarPlay \| Standard: Navigation
Cabin Camera and Intercom	EX+
Auto-dimming mirror	Standard \| SX-P: Digital Mirror
Moonroof	Panoramic on SX+

The rear of the Carnival is also well-equipped, with some versatile configurations for passengers.

Rear Amenities
Power Rear Doors with Kick Sensor	Standard
Rear Vents and USBs	Standard
Seating Configurations	LX: 7-seats \| LXS+: 8-seat bench seating \| Optional on SX-Prestige: VIP Lounge package with heated, ventilated, power captain’s chairs
Rear Seat Entertainment	Optional on SX+
Sunshades	EX+ on both 2^nd and 3^rd rows
Tailgate	Hands-Free Power EX+

For in depth details on the 2026 Carnival, watch our full review linked at the bottom of this article.

LOOKING TO BUY One OF THis VEHICLE?

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What’s Under the Hood?

The Carnival offers two unique engine offerings:

Gas
- 3.5L V-6: 290 hp | 262 lb.ft
- Paired w/ 8-speed automatic
Hybrid
- 1.6L Turbo I-4 + elec: 241 hp | 270 lb.ft
- Paired w/ 6-speed automatic
- 54 KWh motor (more than other Kia hybrids)

All models of the Carnival are FWD only. The fuel economy figures for each model are listed below:

Gas: 18/25/21 MPG

Hybrid: 34/31/33 MPG

We hope you have found this overview of the 2026 Kia Carnival helpful! For a more detailed first look of the Carnival, please watch our video below! What do you think of the 2026 Kia Carnival? Let us know in the comments!