Kia Carnival IV (KA4) Specs: Powertrains, Dimensions and U.S. Details

In the United States, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival (KA4) arrived for the 2022 model year with a 3.5-liter V6, an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The 2025 refresh added a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain with a six-speed automatic. Unlike versions sold in South Korea and some other markets, the U.S.-spec Carnival has never been offered with the 2.2-liter CRDi diesel or all-wheel drive.

Powertrains in the U.S.-market KA4

The American powertrain range is much narrower than the global lineup. From the 2022 through 2024 model years, every Carnival used a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. For 2025, Kia revised the rating to 287 hp and 260 lb-ft while retaining the eight-speed automatic. The available Carnival Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic, producing 242 hp and 271 lb-ft combined.

The V6 displaces 3,470 cc and uses both gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection. It runs on regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 AKI or higher and is paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic. The lower published output for 2025 and later vehicles reflects the updated U.S. specification rather than a different engine family. Gasoline models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The hybrid combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 54-kW electric motor and a conventional six-speed automatic rather than a continuously variable transmission. Its 242-hp system output is lower than the V6 figure, but the 271 lb-ft combined torque rating is higher. Hybrid towing capacity is lower, at up to 2,500 pounds when properly equipped. Neither powertrain is available with all-wheel drive in the U.S.

Dimensions, weight and everyday implications

The Carnival's exterior dimensions place it firmly in the U.S. minivan class despite Kia's MPV branding. A 121.7-inch wheelbase supports three usable seating rows, while the 203.0-inch overall length provides substantial passenger and cargo room. Depending on trim and roof rails, overall height ranges from approximately 68.5 to 69.9 inches.

U.S. models use 17- or 19-inch wheels depending on trim, with tire sizes varying by model year and equipment. The 6.8-inch ground clearance is adequate for driveways, snow-covered streets and maintained gravel roads, but the Carnival is not intended for off-road use. Seven- and eight-passenger layouts are offered; nine-seat configurations available in some overseas markets are not part of the American lineup.

EPA estimates should be kept separate from owner-reported or instrument-panel averages. For 2022–2024 V6 models, the official rating was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. For 2025–2026 V6 versions, it changed to 18/26/21 mpg. The 2025 Carnival Hybrid was rated at 34/31/33 mpg, while the 2026 model carries a 34/31/32 mpg rating. Actual fuel economy varies with speed, temperature, traffic, passenger load and driving style.

Changes within the generation and current versions

The KA4 generation entered production globally in 2020, but U.S. sales began with the 2022 model year. Its most substantial American-market update arrived for 2025, bringing revised exterior styling with vertically oriented lighting elements, a redesigned grille, updated rear lighting, a newer infotainment architecture and the first U.S.-market hybrid option. The gasoline V6 remained available, although its published output changed from 290 hp and 262 lb-ft to 287 hp and 260 lb-ft.

Trim structure also changed over time. Early U.S. vehicles were sold mainly as LX, EX, SX and SX Prestige models, with additional seating packages depending on model year. The refreshed lineup uses LX, LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige designations for gasoline models, while the hybrid is offered from LXS upward. Depending on trim, buyers can choose an eight-passenger second-row bench or a seven-passenger layout with individual second-row seats, including available VIP Lounge Seats on selected versions. All U.S. Carnivals use automatic transmissions.

The design, interior and trim equipment of this model are covered in greater detail in other articles in the series.

Ownership considerations in the United States

The U.S. powertrain discussion centers on the 3.5-liter V6 and the newer turbo-hybrid, not the diesel-related DPF and EGR concerns relevant to imported Carnivals in other countries. When evaluating a used V6 model, buyers should review maintenance records, check for fluid leaks, listen for abnormal cold-start noise, scan all control modules for stored faults and confirm that the automatic transmission shifts smoothly both cold and warm. A pre-purchase inspection is more useful than relying on broad claims about reliability.

The eight-speed automatic should be serviced according to the maintenance schedule and severe-use guidance for the specific model year; a universal mileage interval should not be assumed. On hybrid vehicles, inspection should also include the high-voltage battery, cooling system and hybrid control electronics. Because U.S. hybrid models only arrived for 2025, the used-market sample is still smaller than for the V6.

Routine filters, brake components, tires and common mechanical parts are available through Kia dealers and the independent aftermarket. Model-specific body, interior and electronic components can be more expensive, especially on higher trims with powered doors, lounge seats, multiple displays or advanced driver-assistance hardware. Used examples are commonly listed on Autotrader, CarGurus and Cars.com; service history, accident records, open recalls and trim-specific equipment should be verified before purchase.

The V6 remains the most common used-market configuration because it was the only U.S. powertrain from 2022 through 2024 and continues alongside the hybrid. It offers stronger peak horsepower and a higher tow rating. The hybrid is better suited to buyers prioritizing lower fuel consumption in mixed and urban driving, but it carries a lower maximum tow rating and is typically found in newer, more expensive vehicles.

Current configurations and technical balance

For buyers seeking the simplest and most familiar U.S.-market configuration, the 3.5-liter V6 with the eight-speed automatic remains the straightforward choice. It provides 287 hp in current models, a 3,500-pound maximum tow rating and broad parts and service familiarity. The 242-hp hybrid trades some peak output and towing capacity for substantially better EPA fuel economy, particularly in city driving. Both versions are front-wheel drive only.

With a 121.7-inch wheelbase, up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity and seating for seven or eight, the KA4 Carnival works as a family vehicle without adopting the packaging compromises of many three-row crossovers. Its 6.8-inch ground clearance is typical for a minivan rather than an SUV, and its size should be considered when parking in dense urban areas or older garages. Overall, the U.S.-spec KA4 combines a conventional V6 option with a newer hybrid alternative, while keeping the same spacious body and front-wheel-drive layout.