2025 Kia Carnival review - Why buy a 7 seater SUV? This 8-seat people mover (MPV) is AMAZING!

SUVs are silly, and you know it.

People-mover vans like the Kia Carnival MPV are brilliant. I mean, you have to be okay with front-wheel drive only, as there's no AWD model available, and some people think they look dorky...

But those people are wrong. Because the updated 2025 Kia Carnival is a brilliant machine, with three rows of seats (with 8 seat capacity), a huge boot or trunk space, diesel or petrol V6 power, and a new HEV petrol-electric hybrid model on its way, too!

The branding has changed - with S, Sport, Sport+, GT-Line Lite and flagship GT-Line now the five versions to choose from. And yes, that means the Platinum version is done!

Even so, there's a lot to like about the new-look KA4 PE Kia Carnival, and in this detailed review I will tell you what version I'd be buying if I needed a vehicle like this for my family, and also the best alternatives to it!

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Here are a few alternatives, too:

LDV Mifa:    • Best alternative to Kia Carnival? 202...  

Pre-facelift Kia Carnival review:    • So much smarter than a SUV!! 2023 Kia...  

A very different kind of 8 seater - the Nissan Patrol:    • 2024 Nissan Patrol Warrior 4x4 review...  

Also have a look at the Hyundai Palisade:    • Best 8 seater SUV? 2023 Hyundai Palis...  

And the Kia Sorento 7 seater:    • 2024 Kia Sorento review - 7 seater up...  
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00:00 2025 Kia Carnival
00:23 Is it the right price?
03:16 What are the best alternatives?
04:34 Is it the right size?
06:45 Interior
15:00 Under the bonnet
15:51 Driving
21:20 Efficiency
22:09 Is it safe?
23:38 Ownership
24:29 Verdict

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