Amidst the buzz of the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Kia is making waves by introducing two significant products this week. Shortly after revealing the 2025 K5, the Korean automaker takes the wraps off the 2025 Carnival, offering a glimpse of its exterior design. While interior details remain a mystery for now, the refreshed minivan showcases noticeable changes to its exterior, from reimagined lighting to a refined rear end.
Revamped Lighting Design
The 2025 Carnival sports a fully redesigned set of headlights and taillights with a unique layout resembling the letter “T.” The front grille is set to feature distinct patterns based on the trim level. Adding to the visual diversity, Kia introduces a “Gravity” grade with dark metallic accents, giving the minivan a bolder presence. The front bumper receives a cleaner design, having bid farewell to the separate fog lights. At the rear, the indentation for the license plate has been repositioned lower on the tailgate.
A Sleek Rear Profile
Notably, the rear of the 2025 Carnival presents a smoother appearance, achieved by eliminating the visible handle for opening the tailgate. The Kia badge has also undergone a slight repositioning, no longer intersecting the rear light bar. This shift mirrors the design decision made for the 2025 K5. The lower lights within the rear bumper appear narrower than before, and the bumper’s metallic trim extends further compared to the pre-facelift model.
Expected Interior Upgrades and Hybrid Power
While images of the interior are yet to be unveiled, reports suggest that the 2025 Carnival will feature curved screens and fingerprint recognition technology, similar to the revised K5. However, the most significant changes are expected under the hood. The 2025 Carnival is strongly rumored to receive a hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, an electrified setup borrowed from the Sorento. While specific output figures remain undisclosed, in the Sorento, this hybrid system produces a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The complete reveal of the 2025 Kia Carnival is imminent, and while the model has already entered the 2024 model year in the United States, this mid-cycle update is likely to be offered as a 2025 model.
