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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.5L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 18 / 25 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 428 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Body Style | Minivan |
| Base Price | $35,838–$46,061 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2026 Kia Carnival earns a Recommended rating among the minivans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.9/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $35,838–$46,061, 21 MPG, seating 8, the Kia Carnival sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this minivan delivers more than most of the class. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Kia Carnival as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Kia Carnival ranks #3 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 96% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $35,838 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $33,751.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Minivan ranking →
Across the Carnival model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $35,838 | |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $35,838 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $34,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $33,751 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $32,707 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 27/01/2026 · 26V046000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error,… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 10/04/2026 · 26V232000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.