2027 Kia Carnival

Exterior Design

The 2027 Kia Carnival brings an SUV-inspired profile to the streets of Scottsdale, AZ, combining broad proportions with refined functional details. Up front, vertical LED headlights border Kia’s Star Map daytime running light signature alongside a dark geometric front grille. Standard models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trim levels offer 19-inch gloss-black finished wheels for an elevated stance. Solar-control glass comes built into the windshield and front windows, helping filter intense desert sunlight to control cabin heat. Standard hands-free power-sliding rear side doors deliver seamless entry in parking spaces, complemented by heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Roof rails, dual power sunroofs, and a Smart Power Liftgate complete the functional exterior layout.

Interior Comfort & Technology

Inside, the layout accommodates up to eight passengers with flexible seating configurations, including Slide-Flex second-row seats that slide forward or fold flat into a utility table. Standard cloth or available synthetic SynTex leather trim lines the cabin, paired with heated and ventilated front seating and an 8-way power driver seat. Tri-zone automatic climate control with rear ceiling and floor vents ensures air distribution remains balanced across all three rows during hot summer commutes.

The center console houses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation interface, with available dual panoramic screens spanning nearly 25 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, supplemented by multiple USB-C ports in every row and an available wireless device charging pad. The third-row seats fold into the floor, expanding cargo volume behind the front row to 145.1 cubic feet. An in-cabin intercom and Passenger View camera with night vision allow easy passenger communication.

Performance & Handling

Powering the standard 2027 Carnival is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth, linear power delivery for highway merging and street driving. Front-wheel drive comes standard, backed by selectable drive modes that adjust throttle mapping and shifting behavior based on driving preferences.

The chassis relies on independent front MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear suspension to maintain ride composure over uneven pavement. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking provide precise stopping capability, while the powertrain enables a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety Features & Driver Assistance

The 2027 Kia Carnival provides extensive active driver assistance technologies designed to enhance occupant safety. Standard safety technologies include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Scans for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead, with functionality for junction turning detection.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects vehicles in neighboring lanes and applies corrective measures if a collision risk exists.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Warns of approaching vehicles while reversing from parking spots and can initiate automatic braking.
• Safe Exit Assist: Monitors approaching traffic from behind and prevents power-sliding rear doors from opening into oncoming vehicles or cyclists.
• Lane Keeping & Following Assist 2: Keeps the vehicle centered within visible lane markings through gentle steering corrections.
• Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control: Adjusts cruising speed automatically based on preceding traffic distance and upcoming road curves.