After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 9 recommended Minivans
2025 Kia Carnival
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Highs
- Smooth powertrain
- Braking
- Interior room
- Controls
Lows
- Short on agility
- Removing second-row seats for cargo space is a chore
Best Version to Get
We’d go for the third-level EX trim, though, to get the power liftgate, wireless charging, larger infotainment screen, dual-zone front climate control, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. Buyers seeking the least expensive eight-passenger version should go for the second-tier LX-S (or “LX Seat Package”) trim—the base LX comes in a seven-passenger configuration.
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About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.