More than 60 years ago, the Ford Econoline and Chevrolet Greenbrier were among the pioneering vehicles simply called vans. Many other manufacturers’ choices, the Dodge A100 to the Mitsubishi Space Wagon, arrived with fanfare through subsequent decades and quickly faded into the automotive graveyard.

Still, utilitarian commercial transport trucks with removable rows to all-electric family transport vehicles with captain’s chairs, the broadly defined minivan segment is having a moment.
Eight gas, hybrid and electric minivans are in the marketplace, including the long-awaited Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia Carnival’s recently updated gas edition and new hybrid trim.

Formerly the Kia Sedona, the Carnival debuted in early 2021 as a 2022 model. For 2025, significant changes give the van its much-needed modernized appearance. New front and rear fascias are drastically chiseled into the van’s body. Taillights and headlight designs are also new and equally modern.

Interior upgrades include a better-designed center console and new, more intuitive switches, buttons and dials. Operating the car’s air conditioning, heating, ventilation and audio systems is substantially more efficient.

A three-row minivan, the Carnival is available in LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige trims. It seats seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. The reviewed new hybrid powertrain features a 3.5-liter, 242 horsepower V6 engine with front-wheel-drive. It advances with an eight-speed shiftable (paddle shifters) automatic transmission. The van accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds.

The hybrid powertrain is rated at EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon in combined driving. Its MSRP is $52,600 and it costs $57,255 as reviewed. The gas-only version is rated at 21 mpg combined.

The top-line SX Prestige features a strong collection of standard equipment from other trims but adds luxury stuff: dual power sunroofs, heated steering wheel, head-up display, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Also improved is the larger, better-positioned touchscreen.

The optional (but no charge) and included SX Prestige Seat package reconfigures the second row for additional comfort. It’s an ideal choice for long hauls for passengers who’ll ride in power-adjustable, reclining, heated and ventilated lounge seats.

For smaller group treks, the Carnival Hybrid in its eight-passenger configuration can be adjusted and repositioned via its independently maneuverable three-section second row.
The second row can also be removed but requires external storage. With the third row folded flat and the second seats removed, 145.1 cubic feet is available for suitcases to golf clubs and fence posts to the bags filling a few grocery carts. It’s the most space in the minivan segment. It’s larger than the “nap pods” available in metropolitan airports.

A dual-screen, rear-seat entertainment system is another option, priced at $2,500. It helps transform the second row into an intimate movie theater or concert hall. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to entertainment possibilities and both are included in the extensive standard equipment list.

Despite its minivan status, the Carnival Hybrid isn’t restricted as a daily driver. It’s about 10 inches longer than a Toyota Sienna and an inch shorter than the Honda Odyssey. Its 17-foot length isn’t too big for standard-sized parking spaces, and the Carnival’s turning radius and overall maneuverability help make it drive conveniently small.

Once best suited for family hauling or transporting youth groups, vans are no longer scrimped, basic boxes on wheels and void of personality. Kia’s rejuvenated van offers an overall smooth, quiet ride with superior overall vision. It’s a transport vehicle with luxury sedan leanings.

The Carnival’s new styling, hybrid option and comfort also help make the van ideal for a family of one who needs a spacious, efficient vehicle, with one to seven more occupants along for the ride as needed.