Trims and Powertrain

Kia Carnival shoppers can select from five trims: LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. They all have a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower, a front-wheel drivetrain, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. When it’s properly equipped, the 2026 Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Cargo capacity ranges from 40.2 cubic feet behind the last row to 145.1 cubic feet behind the first row. The EPA has estimated that the Carnival MPV achieves 18 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.

Standard Features

The LX is the only trim that’s configured for seven-passenger seating by default via second-row captain’s chairs and a three-person bench seat in the rear (the captain’s chairs are optional for the top trim, the SX Prestige). This base trim also has dual power-sliding doors (hands-free), tri-zone automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights, fabric upholstery, rear privacy glass, second-row sliding and removable seats, third-row folding seats (with 60/40 split), proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. The standard equipment list continues with heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a 4.2-inch driver information display, perimeter approach lighting, trailer hitch pre-wiring, 11 beverage holders, seven USB ports, dual 12-volt power outlets, and 17-inch wheels. The LXS adds additional comfort and convenience amenities, including a second-row bench with a free-mode center seat (for a total of eight-passenger seating), SynTex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a ten-way power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The EX adds a hands-free tailgate, a 12-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger’s seat, driver’s-side memory, a cabin intercom, a rear passenger-compartment monitor, roof rails, sunshades (for the second and third rows), wireless device charging, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Upscale is the word that best describes the SX, with its dual power sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic curved dashboard display for the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens, driver adjustment controls for the front passenger seat, power-folding side mirrors, LED fog lamps, unique exterior and interior accents, a digital key, an illuminated glove box, dual 115-volt outlets, and 19-inch black-finished wheels. The SX Prestige goes even further toward plushness with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, projector-style LED headlights, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. This ultimately outfitted trim is also available with the VIP Lounge Seat Package, which transforms the second row into a luxurious space with power heated and ventilated captain's chairs with leg extensions and ambient cabin lighting.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

The family-focused Carnival has an array of standard safety systems, including forward collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction turning), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. All trims also have navigation-based adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, front and rear parking sensors, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, and automatic high beams. The SX and SX Prestige are equipped with upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist (supporting junction turning/crossing and oncoming/side lane changes), a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, upgraded adaptive cruise control, and enhanced highway driving assist. The standard core safety equipment also includes a set of airbags, stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 2026 Carnival trims are well equipped in the infotainment department thanks to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen array with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Kia also includes Wi-Fi hotspot capability and access to connected services. The LX and LXS have six speakers for their audio system, while the EX and SX get eight. A Bose upgrade with 12 speakers comes standard on the SX Prestige, which is also the only trim eligible for the dual-screen rear entertainment system option.