Kia Carnival Hybrid review reveals super efficient eight-seater

There’s now a greener option for one of the most underrated vehicles on the market, the Kia Carnival has gone hybrid.

Hybrid versions of the Kia Carnival are more than $81,000 drive-away, and it's currently only available in top-shelf GT-Line specification.

When something is red and looks like a bucket, it’s typically a red bucket.

Kia’s done its best to convince buyers that the Carnival isn’t a people-mover. The marketing team, which did a stellar job with the Tasman ute series, has gone full-throttle in an attempt to reinvent the eight-seater by calling it a “grand utility vehicle” – or a GUV.

Changing the description would unlikely alter public perception.

Yet our family has found the Carnival to be one of the most underrated vehicles on the market.

For those with active lifestyles, it’s the forgotten choice. Acres of space in the back enables fast loading for gear, with anything from surfboards and bikes through to furniture.

Rapidly collapsible seats can transform it from a netball team transporter (plus the coach), to a delivery van.

Previously the diesel version was the best option, but the 2025 model now comes with a hybrid derivative. The V6 petrol is still available, but the new hybrid edition offers far greater efficiency without compromising the performance – but it comes at a cost.

It becomes the most expensive Carnival you can buy with an on-road price of about $81,000.

What do you get?

Part of the reasoning for the hefty price is the top-notch specification, and it’s only available in the GT-Line variant.

That does mean a refined cabin, with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats (also heated outbound in second row), dual sunroof, head-up driver display, two 12.3-inch screens which blend together (one for the driver and the other a touchscreen for infotainment), 12-speaker Bose stereo and wireless smartphone mirroring apps.

Both side doors are electric powered, as is the tailgate. Thirsty? There are nine cup-holders, and a bottle slot in each door. Each row also has two USB ports.

Grey is the only colour which doesn’t attract a $695 premium, with the other options blue, red, white, silver and black.

Kia’s seven-year and unlimited kilometre transferable warranty applies for the majority of the vehicle … yet the hybrid does add some complexity. While the warranty time frame remains seven years, various aspects like the battery, charger, motor and battery have a 150,000km restriction.

Capped price servicing is available for seven years if returning to a Kia dealer, which also maintains roadside assist coverage that can be continued for eight years.

Those chasing running cost savings need to analyse the servicing costs. Seven years at a dealer for the hybrid adds up to nearly $4600, while the V6 Carnival is the cheapest at $3897 while the diesel is $4157.

Among the cabin highlights of the Kia Carnival Hybrid are dual sunroof, two 12.3-inch screens which blend together, 12-speaker Bose stereo and wireless smartphone mirroring apps.

How was the drive?

Using the same four-cylinder turbo engine and a similar hybrid set up as seen in other Hyundai and Kia models, the key differential with the people-mover version is extra electric power.

An additional 11kW and 16Nm is provided to the Carnival, which has a tare weight of 2288kg – a sizeable gap to the Sorento SUV’s 1972kg.

Smooth and strong off the line, the petrol and electric combination does a solid job of providing enough power. Operating quietly in the majority of situations, it’s only when the driver calls for swift acceleration or steep hills that the engine takes control and delivers a lusty soundtrack.

When in traffic or on the open road the people-mover doesn’t feel bulky and the short front overhang helps when parking.

It shifts through the six-speed transmission nicely, although there are steering wheel paddle shifters if the driver feels the need to take manual-style control.

Cornering is controlled for such a large vehicle as long as there isn’t too much enthusiasm when attacking the bends – especially with a full load on-board. The handling remains impressive given the length and breadth.

On some occasions, especially in our driveway, the Carnival battled to moderate its speed when travelling slowly into parks and stuttered.

Compared to other Carnival models the turning circle is slightly larger at 11.8m and it’s a sizeable beast to navigate in compact areas – the Macca’s drive-through does require some serious mirror monitoring.

Running on regular unleaded, our test returned average consumption of 6.6L/100km … which is nearly one litre more than the official figure from Kia.

Another key difference compared to the petrol and diesel models is the absence of a spare tyre. Instead there is a repair kit. The battery sits under the rear floor on the driver’s side and takes the space used by the spare.

Our road test of the Kia Carnival Hybrid saw it return consumption figures of 6.6L/100km.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Among all the people-movers, the Carnival has the best looks and internal smarts. The hybrid performance was smooth and quiet, which would be appealing to those who want a greener option than the V6 petrol or diesel. I know I’m being stereotypical but I still prefer an SUV … if we had a third child then one would be in our driveway.

Grant: Volkswagen’s Kombi generated a cool persona. If only the Carnival could do the same – it makes so much more sense than an SUV for those who never go off-road. Even with only a couple of kids, you can throw in bikes, boards and all sorts of gear without having to worry about roof racks. Even though the hybrid offers impressive consumption, the higher asking price and hefty servicing would push me toward the diesel.