Quite a lot, actually.
With Covid-related time warp and supply constraints, it seems like only yesterday that the 2022 Carnival was first arriving to our lot. Yet, here we are, and the revamped 2025s are arriving with styling enhancements, trim level changes and the addition of a new Hybrid version.
Like many mid-life cycle changes, styling changes come by way of updates to the grille, headlights, lower body panels, wheels and rear taillights on the exterior, as well as subtle changes to the center console and dashboard on the interior, including a very sleek panoramic curved display that sprawls across the dash.
The 2025 model adds a sixth trim level, SX+, which squeezes the SX down to allow for a fully-loaded model with 8-passenger capacity. That now leaves the SX+ as the high-end model with 7-passenger seating. Like before, the trim level range still offers the value-oriented LX and LX+ packages, with a lot of prospective buyers falling into the EX and EX+ levels looking for upgrades, convenience and safety features.
Within the different trim levels there have been in-demand enhancements/additions to features and esthetics, including SUV-like darkened elements on the exterior, advancements to driver assistance systems (like Highway Drive Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance), and the introduction of Digital Key and Over-the-Air software updates/upgrades. Oh, and we'd be remiss to not mention that the new front console cupholders are now ready to accept Starbucks' off-menu Trenta-sized cup. So, get the enormous coffee and don't slog through your day, the same way the Carnival's SUV-like driving dynamics won't slog through corners.
The same refinement and styling of the gas Carnival will now be offered, for the first time, with a 1.6T Gamma II engine paired with the highest output Hybrid motor in the Kia lineup. Paddle-adjusted regenerative braking combined with hybrid logic allow the Carnival Hybrid to offer enhanced driving fuel efficiency, while removing very little of its performance (versus it non-hybrid V6 counterpart).
Kia set out in 2015 to make it's Sedona minivan more SUV-like, and share fewer attributes with other, traditional family-movers offered by other brands in the marketspace. That plan produced a sleeker look, a more desirable interior feel and a vehicle that didn't top-roll it's way through corners.
From there, in 2022, the Sedona got a name change - to the Carnival - to align it's nameplate used across the globe, and an even further styling upgrade to better fit in amongst SUVs.
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Under Construction
LX 8-passenger | EX+ 8-passenger | ||
• 8-passenger • Removable 2nd Row Seats • Advanced Smart Cruise Control • Lane Following Assist • Front Collision Assist • Front/Rear Parking Sensors • Blind Sport Collision Avoidance • 17" Alloy Wheels |
• Lane Keep Assist • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance • Heated Wired Windshield • 12.3" Navigation • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay • Smart Key / Push Button Start • Kia Connect with OTA Updates • LED Headlights |
• Dual LED Headlights • Forward Collision Avoidance Junction Turning • 12.3" Digital Cluster • Passenger View & Communication • Aero Blade Wipers |
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LX+ 8-passenger | SX 8-passenger | ||
• Power Driver Seat with 2-way Lumbar • Heated Front Seats • Power Sliding Doors • Smart Power Tailgate |
• 2nd/3rd Window Sunshades • Heated/Leather Steering Wheel • Cargo Net • Roof Rails |
• 19" Black Alloys • Bose Premium Audio • Digital Key 2.0 • Heads Up Display • Around View 360 Monitoring • Blind Spot View Monitoring • Dark Edition Exterior Trim |
•Dual Sunroof • Pure Leather Seats • Ventilated Front Seats • Driver Memory with 4-way Lumbar • LED Interior Lighting • Parking Collision Avoidance Assist • Side Parking Sensors |
EX 8-passenger | SX+ 7-passenger | Brochure | |
• 19" Alloy Wheels • LED Taillights/Fog Lights • Power Folding Mirrors • Rain Sensing Wipers • Wireless Phone Charger |
• Artificial Leather Seats • Power Passenger Seat • 110V Outlet • ECM Mirror • Multi-Zone Climate Control |
• 7-passenger seating • 2nd Row VIP Lounge Seating • Heated & Ventilated 2nd Row Seats |