The Short Version
- Four trims from $41,490 (LXS) to $53,590 (SX Prestige), each $2,000 more than the matching V6 Carnival. Every Carnival Hybrid is front-wheel drive.
- 1.6L turbo hybrid with 242 hp and 271 lb-ft and a 6-speed automatic. EPA ratings are 34 mpg city, 32 highway and 33 combined.
- Tows 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, versus 3,500 for the V6.
- Rear-seat entertainment: for 2027, the dual 14.6-in. system is offered only on the Hybrid SX Prestige.
- Want the V6? It starts at $37,490 and tows 3,500 lbs; see the 2027 Carnival page.
Carnival Hybrid Price by Trim
| Trim | MSRP | Seats | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| LXS | $41,490 | 8 (Slide-Flex bench) | Hands-free power sliding doors, 12.3-in. navigation touchscreen, Highway Driving Assist, heated front seats, power driver's seat, SynTex seats, 17-in. gloss-black wheels |
| EX | $43,690 | 8; 7 available | Smart power liftgate, Passenger View camera, Passenger Talk intercom, driver memory, 2nd- and 3rd-row sunshades |
| SX | $48,590 | 8; 7 available | Dual sunroofs, dual 12.3-in. displays, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2, ventilated front seats, Digital Key 2.0 |
| SX Prestige | $53,590 | 8; 7 with VIP lounge seats | Leather, Bose audio, heated steering wheel, head-up display, Dark Edition styling; optional VIP lounge seats and rear-seat entertainment |
MSRP from Kia as of October 2026, excluding the $1,545 destination charge, tax, title, fees and options. Emich Kia's prices may differ; see inventory for current pricing.
Rear Seat Entertainment Package ($2,500, SX Prestige only): dual 14.6-in. screens. It requires the SX Prestige Seat Package with VIP lounge seats.
Carnival Hybrid Specs
| Spec | 2027 Carnival Hybrid |
|---|---|
| System output | 242 hp / 271 lb-ft (1.6L turbo plus electric motor) |
| Transmission / drive | 6-speed automatic; front-wheel drive |
| Battery | 1.49-kWh lithium-ion polymer |
| EPA mpg (city / hwy / combined) | 34 / 32 / 33 |
| Max towing | 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes; 1,000 lbs without |
| Legroom, rows 1 / 2 / 3 | 41.1 / 40.5 / 35.6 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row / max | 40.2 / 145.1 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 6.8 in. |
| Length / wheelbase | 203.0 / 121.7 in. |
| Fuel tank | 19.0 gal |
Kia specifications as of October 2026; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates; actual results vary. Kia rates the Carnival Hybrid's 271 lb-ft best in class among 2026 and 2027 midsize MPVs (Kia segmentation, March 2026).
Hybrid or V6?
| Carnival (V6) | Carnival Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,490 (LX) | $41,490 (LXS) |
| Price difference, same trim | – | +$2,000 |
| Power | 287 hp / 260 lb-ft | 242 hp / 271 lb-ft |
| EPA combined | 21 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Fuel used per 12,000 miles | About 570 gallons | About 360 gallons |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Trims | LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige | LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige |
Kia specifications and EPA ratings as of October 2026. Your fuel use depends on how and where you drive.
Choose the Hybrid if…
You drive a lot of miles, want the best mileage in a Kia minivan or want rear-seat entertainment on the SX Prestige.
Choose the V6 if…
You want the lowest price, the seven-seat LX or 3,500 lbs of towing. See the V6 Carnival.
Carnival Hybrid vs. Other Minivans
| Starting MSRP | EPA combined | AWD | Max towing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Carnival Hybrid | $41,490 | 33 mpg | No | 2,500 lbs | – |
| Toyota Sienna (2026, hybrid) | $41,320 | 36 FWD; 35 AWD | Available | 3,500 lbs | Compare |
| Honda Odyssey (2027, V6) | $43,195 | 22 mpg | No | 3,500 lbs | Compare |
| Chrysler Pacifica (2027, V6) | $41,495 | 22 FWD; 20 AWD | Available | 3,600 lbs | Compare |
Rival data from Toyota (toyota.com prices), Honda and Stellantis as of October 2026. MSRP excludes destination. Chrysler has discontinued the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid.
The Sienna gets better mileage and offers AWD; the Carnival Hybrid has far more cargo space (145.1 vs. 101 cu ft max), hands-free sliding doors on every trim and a longer basic and powertrain warranty. The Odyssey and Pacifica don't offer a hybrid.
The Carnival Hybrid in Colorado
- Front-wheel drive only. Good winter tires make the biggest difference on snowy Denver streets. If you need AWD with three rows, look at the Sorento Hybrid or Telluride Hybrid.
- Turbo power at altitude: the 1.6L turbo plus electric torque keeps pulling on I-70 grades with a full load.
- Regenerative braking recovers energy on long mountain descents and eases the load on the brakes.
- Towing: 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, enough for a small utility trailer. See the Kia towing guide.
Carnival Hybrid Lease Deals at Emich Kia
Emich Kia posts new Carnival Hybrid lease specials every month, each on a specific in-stock vehicle. See this month's offers and terms before you visit.
Owning a Carnival Hybrid
- Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain coverage, including the battery pack, for the original owner, plus 5-year/60,000-mile basic.
- Service: see Kia's maintenance schedule or our 30-60-90K maintenance guide.
- Car loan interest deduction: only U.S.-assembled vehicles qualify, and the Carnival is imported. More in our loan interest deduction guide.
Shop Carnival Hybrids at Emich Kia
We stock the Carnival Hybrid alongside the V6 Carnival, so you can drive both.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Carnival Hybrid: FAQ
How much does the 2027 Carnival Hybrid cost?
The 2027 Carnival Hybrid starts at $41,490 MSRP for the LXS and tops out at $53,590 for the SX Prestige, before the $1,545 destination charge. Each trim costs $2,000 more than the matching V6 Carnival.
What mpg does the Carnival Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2027 Carnival Hybrid at 34 mpg city, 32 highway and 33 combined.
Does the Carnival Hybrid have AWD?
No. Every Carnival and Carnival Hybrid is front-wheel drive.
How many seats does the Carnival Hybrid have?
Eight on every trim, with seven-seat captain's chairs available on the EX and SX and VIP lounge seats available on the SX Prestige.
How much can the Carnival Hybrid tow?
2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, or 1,000 lbs without. The V6 Carnival tows 3,500 lbs.
Does the Carnival Hybrid need to be plugged in?
No. It charges its own battery while you drive and brake.
Does the Carnival Hybrid have rear-seat entertainment?
Yes, on the SX Prestige. The $2,500 Rear Seat Entertainment Package adds dual 14.6-inch screens and requires the VIP lounge seat package.
Is the Carnival Hybrid better than the Toyota Sienna?
It depends on your priorities. The Sienna gets better mileage and offers AWD. The Carnival Hybrid has much more cargo space, hands-free sliding doors on every trim and a longer basic and powertrain warranty.
Find Your Carnival Hybrid
Shop Carnival Hybrids in stock at Emich Kia.
Shop Carnival Hybrid Compare the V6 Carnival