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2025 Kia Carnival SX+ Hybrid Review

We’re back testing the Carnival, but this time in its hybrid form.

Jerome Tresvalles
Kia Carnival SX+ Hybrid Review

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to test the diesel-powered Kia Carnival, and on that drive, we were thoroughly impressed with the minivan’s features, power, and supreme comfort. Though the Carnival is a people-carrier focused on comfort, a major selling point for this vehicle was the diesel mill powering it. 

With 199 hp and 450 Nm of torque, the diesel Carnival had lots of power to get it up and running. Take that away and replace it with a gasoline hybrid; however, will the experience still be the same? We’re taking the Carnival SX+ Turbo Hybrid for a drive to see.

4.4 / 5
2025 Kia Carnival SX+ Hybrid Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.0/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
What You Will Like
  • Quiet Hybrid Powertrain
  • Coding exempt until 2030
  • Impressive fuel efficiency even in standstill traffic
What You Won't Like
  • Slight jerkiness when accelerating from slow speeds
  • Light colored upholstery could be a magnet for stains
How We Do Our Reviews

Under the hood, the Carnival SX+ Hybrid is powered by, as you guessed it, a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline hybrid powertrain paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. With a total output of 242 hp and 366.8 Nm of torque, it has less torque but more horsepower compared to the diesel engine. How that translates on the road, we’ll get to later on.

What we can say off the bat is that the hybrid Carnival sips less fuel than its diesel counterpart. On moderate to heavy traffic, we managed to get 15.9 km/l, which, while impressive, is not as astounding as its economy figures in standstill traffic at 12 km/l. Out on the highway where the hybrid Carnival can stretch its legs, we got it up to 24 km/l.

Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Front
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Side
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Rear

With the addition of the hybrid version of the Carnival, Kia also introduced a few alterations to the minivan’s looks. The hybrid variants carry over the bold, unmistakable look of its siblings with the signature Tiger Nose grille, now elevated by sleek four-cube LED headlights that sharpen its refined appeal.

Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT LED Lights
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Front Quarter
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Wheels

At the rear, the Star Map graphic LED taillights remain a standout feature, while exclusive matte-finished 19-inch wheels add a premium, distinctive touch. In addition to the slight exterior differences, the Carnival hybrid also gets active aero flaps for improved aerodynamic performance.

Kia Carnival Hybrid Steering WHeel

Inside, what you get in the SX+ Turbo Hybrid is pretty much the same as the SX Diesel variant. Comfy, livable, leather seats at the third row, power reclining relaxation seats at the second row, and power-adjustable seats up front. Rear passengers get their own air vents, USB charging ports, sun shades, and of course, a view of the sky courtesy of a panoramic sunroof. Adding to the spaciousness is a lighter color palette used for the hybrid version’s interior.

Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Steering Wheel
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Second Row
Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT Seats

There are additional features exclusive to the top-end hybrid, like an acoustic panel front windshield, a heated steering wheel, a rotary shifter, a full-display electrochromic rear view mirror, and a space-age heads-up display for the driver. Just to reiterate a point we made in the past review of the diesel Carnival, yes, we still love the clever way the third row seats stow away.

The first major difference we noticed driving the hybrid Carnival is the quieter engine sounds. Despite only being a 1.6-liter engine, we never felt that the hybrid Carnival felt down on power, even when you’re going uphill and overtaking. On the move, the entire car is quiet and composed, matched with the comfy seats, driving the hybrid Carnival for long periods is a breeze.

We do have one complaint about the hybrid powertrain, though it borders on nitpicking: during the transition between full EV driving and hybrid mode at low speeds. If you’re traveling slowly and step on the throttle to speed up, the car makes a noticeable skip instead of accelerating smoothly. It isn’t jarring and won’t catch you off guard—just something to be aware of as you drive.

The reason we say it’s almost nitpicking is that owners of a car like the Carnival will likely sit in the second row, where it’s most comfortable, and may have a hired driver. If you're seated in the second or even third row, this skip isn’t particularly noticeable.

All in all, the Carnival SX+ Hybrid delivers the same driving experience as the diesel version, just with less engine noise and better fuel consumption.

Kia Carnival Rear Quarter

Priced at P3,488,000, the Carnival SX+ Turbo Hybrid costs P120,000 more than the Carnival SX Diesel, which is priced at P3,368,000. While both vehicles sit at the higher end of the price range, the EX variants, priced below the P3 million mark, are a viable option if you don’t need all the top-end features.

Despite the high price tags, the Kia Carnival is competitively priced compared to other offerings from Japan and even China. With its smoother drivetrain and the added benefit of coding exemption, Kia has taken something that was already good and made it even better with the Carnival SX+ Turbo Hybrid.

Specifications

Engine

1.6 L

Fuel Type

Hybrid

Performance

242 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT
Body Type Minivan
Price ₱3,498,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

Kia Carnival-Ivory Silver Ivory Silver
Kia Carnival- Ceramic SIlver Ceramic Silver
Kia Carnival - Aurora Black Pearl Aurora Black Pearl
Kia Carnival - Snowflake White Pearl Snowflake White Pearl

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