EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige – the minivan that looks like an SUV – a bit.
This is the facelifted, fourth-generation of Kia’s minivan, a classic one-box shape with a more aggressive nose and squared-off roof. The grill and stacked LED headlights look macho, while the side design has some smoked alloy accents, black lower body accent and a much lower look accented by Panthera Metal paint.
Inside, a surprise to all those soccer dads after the power doors glide open – leather second row seats that recline, with leg rests and TV monitors, plus power adjustment. Up front, a wide – almost 25 inch – infotainment screen in front of the driver, and audio/main menu panel for the co-pilot. There’s a solid Bose sound system, plus back seat video monitor and Passenger Talk to check on the kids in back. The third row even has adult room.
As for power, a turbocharged 1.6 liter four with 241.7-hp and 270.5 lb.-ft. of torque combined, 74.4 hp of that from a 270-volt lithium-Ion battery and 54kW motor electric motor – 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, and it averaged 27 mpg.
So read lots more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Mix Of Minivan & Limousine. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.