It’s been approximately three and a half years since Kia introduced the fourth-generation Carnival, and in today’s fast-paced automotive landscape, shorter life cycles are becoming the norm. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the minivan is already due for a mid-cycle facelift. Kia has officially confirmed that the refreshed family hauler will make its debut before the year’s end, and eagle-eyed enthusiasts in South Korea recently spotted it while shooting an advertisement. Thanks to the age of smartphones and social media, the first images of the updated Carnival made their way to Instagram.
Kia is renowned for its commitment to design innovation, and the 2025 Carnival is no exception, even for a mid-cycle refresh. The headlights take on a new shape, somewhat resembling a “T,” and incorporate design elements inspired by Kia’s latest electric vehicles (EVs). The front grille has been revamped with a broader lower section and a modified pattern. While it’s not entirely clear from the images, it appears that the fog lights have been repositioned, and the bumper receives a fresh look.
Continuing with the facelift, the overall profile remains largely unchanged, though the two-tone wheels might be a new addition. At the rear, the taillights mirror the design changes at the front, forming a “T” shape and connecting in the middle through an updated light bar. Notably, the Kia badge has been repositioned below the light bar, deviating from its previous position. The rear bumper has also undergone some modifications, although they are relatively subtle, as one would expect from a minivan.
Multiple reports have indicated that Kia is poised to revolutionize the interior with a pair of 12-inch screens, an advanced head-up display, fingerprint recognition technology, and even massaging seats borrowed from the EV9 electric SUV. The 2025 Carnival is also expected to receive a more advanced semi-autonomous driving system and, intriguingly, a hybrid powertrain that may be borrowed from the Sorento. In the Sorento, this powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering an impressive total output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton meters) of torque.
The official debut of the updated 2025 Carnival is anticipated in the coming weeks, possibly beginning in South Korea before spreading to equivalent U.S.-spec models. The facelift promises not only a fresh appearance but also a significant technological and hybrid powertrain boost for this modern minivan.
