2026 vs 2027 Kia Carnival: What Changed?
Kia has announced the 2027 Carnival, and if you are shopping for a minivan in Victorville, you may be wondering whether to wait for a 2027 or choose a 2026. The good news: Kia’s 2027 updates are focused on seating options, colors and packages, while the gas and hybrid powertrains carry over. Here is exactly what changed for 2027 and how to decide which model year fits your family.
287 hp3.5L V6 on gas Carnival models
242 hp1.6L turbo hybrid total system output
32 MPG2027 Carnival Hybrid est. combined*
4Model-year updates for 2027, per Kia
Specifications from Kia’s 2027 Carnival and Carnival HEV specifications. *Manufacturer estimate. Actual mileage will vary.
What’s new on the 2027 Kia Carnival
According to Kia’s 2027 Carnival announcement, the updates are:
- Captain’s Chairs on more trims: second-row Captain’s Chairs are now available on the EX and SX.
- New color: Iceberg Green joins the palette on EX, SX and SX Prestige, and Flare Red is discontinued.
- Rear Seat Entertainment changes: it is now offered only on Hybrid SX Prestige models with VIP Lounge Seats.
- Dark Edition Package expands: it is now available on the EX trim.
What stays the same
| 2027 Carnival | Gas | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 1.6L turbo hybrid |
| Output | 287 hp, 260 lb-ft | 242 hp, 271 lb-ft total system |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Est. MPG (city/hwy/combined)* | 18/26/21 | 34/31/32 |
| Towing (with trailer brakes) | 3,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Trims | LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige | LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige |
Kia added the hybrid powertrain to the Carnival lineup for the 2025 model year, so the 2026 and 2027 Carnival share the same choice of V6 or hybrid power. Kia’s 2027 announcement also highlights features found across the lineup, including a standard 12.3-inch navigation screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, up to nine USB-C ports, hands-free power sliding doors and tailgate, and standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
2026 or 2027: which Carnival fits your family?
A 2026 Carnival makes sense if
- You want the same V6 or hybrid powertrain available now
- You like Flare Red, which Kia discontinued for 2027
- You want to choose from vehicles on the lot today instead of waiting
A 2027 Carnival makes sense if
- You want second-row Captain’s Chairs on an EX or SX
- You want Iceberg Green or the Dark Edition look on an EX
Either way, the Carnival’s sliding doors and three rows are built for High Desert family life, from school drop-off in Hesperia to weekend runs down the hill. Learn more in our 2026 Carnival driving experience review, see whether the Carnival Hybrid is worth it for families, and read about Carnival quality and cost of ownership.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the 2027 Carnival?
What is new on the 2027 Kia Carnival?
Kia says the 2027 Carnival adds available second-row Captain’s Chairs on the EX and SX, a new Iceberg Green color, the Dark Edition Package on the EX, and limits Rear Seat Entertainment to Hybrid SX Prestige models with VIP Lounge Seats. Flare Red is discontinued.
Is the 2027 Carnival different from the 2026?
The changes are focused on seating options, colors and packages. The 3.5L V6 and 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrains continue for 2027, according to Kia’s specifications.
What MPG does the 2027 Kia Carnival Hybrid get?
Kia’s 2027 specifications list estimated fuel economy of 34 city, 31 highway and 32 combined MPG for the Carnival Hybrid, compared with 18 city, 26 highway and 21 combined MPG for the V6. Actual mileage will vary.
Does the 2027 Carnival come with captain’s chairs?
Yes. For 2027, Kia makes second-row Captain’s Chairs available on the EX and SX trims, and VIP Lounge Seats are available on the SX Prestige.
How much can the 2027 Kia Carnival tow?
Kia’s 2027 specifications list 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes for the V6 and 2,500 lbs for the Hybrid. Towing requires proper equipment.
More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.
Compare Carnival model years in Victorville
See the Carnival lineup at Valley Hi Kia, 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, or call (760) 955-0046.
*Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy from Kia’s 2027 Carnival and Carnival HEV specifications. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. Model-year updates from Kia’s 2027 Carnival announcement (July 6, 2026). Towing requires proper equipment. Features, colors and availability vary by trim and model year and may change. See Valley Hi Kia for details.
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