2025 Kia Carnival in Morrow, GA

The 2025 Kia Carnival represents a precise balance between power, design, and functionality. Built with engineering accuracy and designed for high performance, it combines a durable V6 engine, advanced transmission system, and a carefully structured chassis that ensures long-term reliability. Every element of the vehicle, from the engine layout to the cabin dimensions, reflects attention to detail and mechanical refinement. Offered in five trims, LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, the 2025 Kia Carnival maintains consistent power delivery and engineering consistency across all variants.

Engine Construction and Performance Efficiency

The 2025 Kia Carnival is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 Gasoline Direct Injection Lambda III engine. It produces 287.1 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260.4 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The displacement is measured at 3,470 cubic centimeters with a bore and stroke of 92.0 by 87.0 millimeters. The compression ratio is 12.3 to 1, which supports efficient combustion and performance consistency. The naturally aspirated system provides steady acceleration and throttle response without forced induction, ensuring predictable power output and reduced mechanical complexity.

Both the engine block and cylinder head are made from aluminum to minimize weight while maintaining thermal stability. The valve system is a 24-valve DOHC with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, improving engine longevity and maintaining precise valve timing. Fuel is delivered through a dual system that integrates Gasoline Direct Injection and Multi-Port Injection. This configuration allows for efficient combustion and smooth power delivery across the rpm range.

The recommended fuel type is unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. Cooling is managed by a liquid-cooled system, maintaining consistent engine temperature under various conditions. The emission control system consists of a Warm-Up Catalytic Converter and an Underfloor Catalytic Converter. This dual system improves exhaust treatment efficiency while supporting compliance with modern emissions standards.

Transmission Precision and Gear Efficiency

Every 2025 Kia Carnival trim features an 8-speed automatic transmission engineered for smooth transitions and balanced torque management. Gear ratios are distributed for optimal acceleration and highway efficiency. The first gear ratio of 4.808 to 1 assists with strong low-speed performance, while the eighth gear ratio of 0.648 to 1 enhances fuel economy during steady cruising. The transmission includes a final drive ratio of 3.510 to 1, delivering even torque distribution to the front wheels.

This transmission system enhances drivability through linear response and minimal shift delay. It provides steady acceleration without unnecessary rev fluctuations, contributing to the vehicle’s consistent combined fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon, with 18 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on highways.

Dimensions and Exterior Engineering

The 2025 Kia Carnival has exterior dimensions that balance utility and control. Its length measures 203.0 inches, with a width of 78.5 inches excluding mirrors and 89.2 inches including them. The vehicle stands 68.5 inches high without roof rails, while SX and SX Prestige trims equipped with rails measure 69.9 inches. The wheelbase is 121.7 inches, supporting smooth ride quality and spacious interior design.

The minimum ground clearance is 6.8 inches, providing practical clearance for most driving surfaces. The front and rear overhangs measure 36.8 and 44.5 inches, respectively. The front and rear track widths are approximately 68.9 inches for lower trims and 68.5 inches for higher trims. Approach and departure angles of 15.4 and 20.0 degrees support confident incline management.

All trims share a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6,283 pounds. Depending on passenger configuration, curb weight varies between 4,555 pounds in the seven-passenger setup and up to 4,810 pounds in eight-passenger trims. The 2025 Kia Carnival maintains a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for braked trailers and 1,000 pounds for unbraked loads. The roof rack supports up to 165 pounds of evenly distributed weight.

Interior Structure and Passenger Capacity

The cabin is designed with generous proportions for passenger comfort and versatility. The front seat legroom measures 41.1 inches, while the second-row provides 40.5 inches and the third row 35.6 inches. Shoulder room measures 64.2 inches in the front, 63.2 inches in the second row, and 59.5 inches in the third. Front hip room measures 59.8 inches, while the second-row offers 66.4 inches, allowing wide seat configurations.

Headroom without a sunroof measures 40.9 inches in the front, 39.5 in the second row, and 38.6 in the third. Trims with a sunroof, including SX and SX Prestige, measure 39.7, 37.6, and 36.5 inches, respectively. Cargo volume behind the third row is 40.2 cubic feet, expanding to 145.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Upper trims offer additional comfort through the SX Prestige Seat Package, featuring power second-row VIP lounge seats with adjustable headrests and leg extensions. The package also provides heated and ventilated second-row seating, ambient lighting, and laminated windows for reduced cabin noise. The overall interior layout emphasizes functionality and passenger convenience through consistent space distribution.

Chassis Composition and Ride Quality

The 2025 Kia Carnival features a MacPherson® strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension system. Both systems use gas-type shock absorbers that help maintain steady handling and damping performance. This design minimizes body roll and improves stability during cornering or heavy load driving.

The steering system is column-mounted electric power steering, calibrated with a ratio of 14.23 to 1 and three turns lock to lock. This configuration provides controlled responsiveness and stable feedback at varying speeds. 

Braking Design and Control Components

The braking system includes ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, each measuring 12.8 inches. The setup is complemented by an electronic parking brake that integrates automatic engagement and release functions. The braking booster is a tandem fixed-seal type master cylinder with a booster ratio of 10 to 1 and a diameter of 11 inches. This configuration ensures consistent pedal feel and effective braking pressure under load.

Wheel Configuration and Tire Specifications

The LX and LXS trims include 17-inch alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims feature 19-inch alloy wheels with P235/55R19 tires. Each model includes a temporary spare tire sized T135/90D17. The configuration provides a balance between ride comfort, traction, and structural support.

The combination of lightweight alloy construction and durable tire profiles ensures optimized rolling resistance and improved fuel economy. The uniformity across trims supports maintenance consistency and predictable performance across varied road surfaces.

Electrical System Design

The 2025 Kia Carnival operates with a 12-volt maintenance-free battery across all trims. Models equipped without a power liftgate use an 80 amp-hour, 660 cold cranking amp battery. Variants with a power liftgate use a 90 amp-hour, 850 cold cranking amp battery to support additional electronic systems. The alternator output is rated at 13.5 volts and 180 amps, while the starter motor is rated at 12 volts and 1.7 kilowatts.

The system ensures dependable starting and steady electrical supply to auxiliary systems including infotainment, lighting, and driver assistance features. This consistency maintains functionality even under heavy electrical loads.

Feature Packages and Technology Integration

The SX Dark Edition Package includes full LED headlights with high and low projection beams, an LED rear combination lamp, and a Bose® premium audio system with 12 speakers and an external amplifier. The package also includes a 12-inch heads-up display, digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, heated steering wheel, and leather seat surfaces.

The SX Prestige Seat Package upgrades comfort and cabin presentation through enhanced materials and seat configurations. Ambient lighting and high-gloss trim elements are standard within the package. The optional Rear Seat Entertainment Package includes dual screens positioned for second-row visibility, creating a functional in-cabin multimedia setup for passengers.

Safety Engineering and Structural Reliability

The 2025 Kia Carnival includes a reinforced body structure designed to distribute impact energy evenly. It supports advanced airbag deployment and integrates with systems such as Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, and Traction Control. Combined with the balanced chassis geometry, these features improve directional stability and occupant protection.

The braking, steering, and suspension components are coordinated for precise maneuvering and consistent response. The integration of electronic systems within the mechanical framework ensures safety support during emergency handling and varied driving conditions.

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