If you are cross-shopping the Carnival against a traditional SUV or another minivan, this model is built for a specific kind of household: one that needs three rows of genuine adult-sized space, easy second- and third-row access, and a cabin that can flex from daily carpool duty to a long road trip without feeling cramped. We will walk you through what changed, what each trim and powertrain offers, and why our dealership is the right place in St. Augustine to make this purchase.
Kia America confirmed the 2027 Carnival’s updates in its July 2026 pricing announcement, and the headline change is seating flexibility. Second-row Captain’s Chairs, previously reserved for the Hybrid SX Prestige trim, are now available on the gas-powered EX and SX trims as well. This gives buyers who do not want to step up to the top trim a genuine option for individual second-row seating and easier walk-through access to the third row.
Seating flexibility
Second-row Captain’s Chairs are now available on gas-powered EX and SX trims, not just the Hybrid SX Prestige. Easier walk-through access to the third row without stepping to the top trim.
New and discontinued colors
Iceberg Green joins the lineup on EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. Flare Red has been discontinued and is no longer available on any 2027 configuration.
Rear seat entertainment
Rear Seat Entertainment is now exclusive to Hybrid SX Prestige models equipped with VIP Lounge Seats. Buyers on other trims cannot add it as a standalone option.
Dark Edition expansion
The Dark Edition Package has expanded to include the EX trim, bringing its blacked-out exterior styling cues to more buyers without requiring an SX or higher configuration.
The 2027 Carnival comes with a choice between two genuinely different powertrains, and which one makes sense depends heavily on how you plan to use the vehicle. We walk buyers through this decision constantly, because it is rarely as simple as “which one is cheaper to fill up.”
Gas powertrain
Horsepower
287 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
MPG Combined
21 MPG
Max Towing
3,500 lbs
Available on: LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige
Naturally aspirated, paired with an 8-speed automatic and FWD. The V6 reaches 60 mph in 7.0 to 8.5 seconds depending on trim and load, with smooth, lag-free power delivery. Rated 18 city / 26 highway.
Best for: buyers who tow a boat, trailer, or camper regularly, or who want maximum power reserve for highway driving with a full passenger load. The 3,500-lb towing rating is 1,000 lbs higher than the Hybrid.
Hybrid powertrain
Horsepower
242 hp
Torque
271 lb-ft
MPG Combined
33 MPG
Max Towing
2,500 lbs
Available on: LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige (starting at $43,035)
1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and 6-speed automatic. Lower peak horsepower than the V6, but more torque at lower RPMs thanks to the electric motor. Rated 34 city / 31 highway, 57% more efficient than the gas V6.
Best for: households doing significant daily commuting or school-run mileage where fuel savings over time offset the higher starting price.
Every 2027 Carnival comes standard with a 12.3-inch ccNC navigation system featuring wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM with modem connectivity. For buyers who want more, an available dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display pairs the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster, creating a wide, connected dashboard experience.
Main display
12.3 inches
ccNC Nav, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, standard on all trims
USB-C ports
Up to 9
Distributed across all three rows
Power inverters
2x 115V
Plus wireless phone charging
Rear entertainment
Dual screen
Hybrid SX Prestige with VIP Lounge Seats only
VIP Lounge Seats
One-touch relaxation mode, heating and ventilation, leg extensions, and available ambient mood lighting. The second row functions closer to a recliner than a bench seat, a meaningful difference on any drive over an hour.
Hands-free access
Hands-free power sliding doors and a power tailgate with auto-close functionality. Most useful on the days you are loading groceries, sports equipment, or a stroller with your hands full.
We carry the full 2027 Carnival lineup, and walking through each trim side by side makes it easier to see exactly where your budget takes you. Pricing below reflects MSRP and excludes the $1,545 destination charge.
| Gas MSRP | $37,490 |
| Hybrid MSRP | Not available on this trim |
| Gas Engine | 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive (same across all gas trims) |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloys |
| Captain’s Chairs | Not available |
| Standard Highlights | 12.3-inch ccNC navigation system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, full suite of standard driver assistance features |
The LX is the entry point into the Carnival lineup. It gives you the Carnival’s space and safety technology with a fully modern infotainment experience, without stepping into the optional comfort packages.
Best for: budget-conscious families who want the Carnival’s space and a modern infotainment system at the lowest price.
| Gas MSRP | $39,490 |
| Hybrid MSRP | $41,490 (Carnival HEV LXS) |
| Gas Engine | 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive (same across all gas trims) |
| Wheels | Confirm with our team |
| Captain’s Chairs | Not available |
| Standard Highlights | Everything on the LX, plus access to the Hybrid powertrain |
The LXS is where the Hybrid powertrain becomes available. It’s the starting point for buyers who have decided fuel efficiency matters enough to justify the step up from the base LX, while keeping the overall price close to entry-level.
Best for: buyers who want hybrid fuel economy without moving far above the entry price.
| Gas MSRP | $41,690 |
| Hybrid MSRP | $43,690 (Carnival HEV EX) |
| Gas Engine | 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive (same across all gas trims) |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloys |
| Captain’s Chairs | Available, first trim to offer the new second-row Captain’s Chairs |
| Standard Highlights | Everything on the LXS; expanded Dark Edition Package available |
The EX is the first trim where the new second-row Captain’s Chairs become available, a meaningful change from prior model years. It also gains access to the expanded Dark Edition Package, an option that used to be reserved for higher trims.
Best for: buyers who want Captain’s Chairs and distinctive styling without paying SX pricing.
| Gas MSRP | $46,590 |
| Hybrid MSRP | $48,590 (Carnival HEV SX) |
| Gas Engine | 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive (same across all gas trims) |
| Wheels | Confirm with our team |
| Captain’s Chairs | Available as an option |
| Standard Highlights | Everything on the EX, plus available Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor |
The SX appeals most to buyers who want a near-top-tier Carnival without paying for the SX Prestige’s most exclusive comfort features.
Best for: buyers who want advanced camera and safety tech without the SX Prestige price.
| Gas MSRP | $51,590 |
| Hybrid MSRP | $53,590 (Carnival HEV SX Prestige) |
| Gas Engine | 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive (same across all gas trims) |
| Wheels | 19-inch gloss black |
| Captain’s Chairs | VIP Lounge Seats available |
| Standard Highlights | Everything on the SX, plus available VIP Lounge Seats, Rear Seat Entertainment, and head-up display |
The SX Prestige tops the lineup. It’s the only trim where the available VIP Lounge Seats, Rear Seat Entertainment, and head-up display come together.
Best for: buyers who want every comfort and technology feature the Carnival offers.
Pricing excludes destination. Wheel sizes and seat configurations can vary by package, so confirm the exact build with our team.
Buying a minivan for your growing family is a big decision, and we built our dealership around removing the pressure from that process. Family Kia of St. Augustine has operated as a family-owned business since 2000, and that philosophy earned us the Kia Platinum Prestige Award twice, placing us among the top 20 Kia dealers in the United States and the top 3 percent worldwide.
Family-owned since
2000
Over two decades serving Northeast Florida
Kia Platinum Prestige Award
2x Winner
Top 20 dealers in the US, top 3% globally
CSI ranking
#1 Ranked
Independently ranked service department
Bilingual sales staff
En Español
Full purchase support in Spanish available
Our sales team works with upfront pricing and no gimmicks, and we are set up to negotiate by text if you would rather handle the details before making the drive to our showroom on Highway 1 South. If the exact Carnival trim and color combination you want is not currently on our lot, we can browse our current Carnival inventory with you or place a factory order built to your specifications. Once you drive home, our service department is staffed by factory-trained technicians using genuine Kia OEM parts to protect your vehicle’s warranty and resale value for years to come.
We understand that financing a minivan this well-equipped can feel like the most stressful part of the process, so our finance team works with a wide range of lenders to find options that fit your situation regardless of where your credit currently stands.
Apply before you visit
Use our online financing application to get a head start on approval before you walk through our doors. Our team can begin reviewing your options in advance so the conversation starts in the right place.
Check current offers
Manufacturer incentives and lease offers on the Carnival change periodically. Review our current Kia finance and lease offers before finalizing your decision, since timing can meaningfully affect your final monthly payment.
Know your trade-in value first
If you have a vehicle to put toward your new Carnival, getting an early value estimate through our trade appraisal tool can simplify the numbers before you sit down with our finance team.
Kia’s factory warranty terms are tied to the vehicle rather than the original owner, and our service department honors your Kia factory warranty regardless of where you originally purchased the vehicle. If you are buying new, your warranty coverage begins at the time of purchase and the specific terms will be detailed in your purchase paperwork. We recommend asking our sales team directly for the exact mileage and year terms applicable to your specific Carnival trim and powertrain.
Yes, Family Kia of St. Augustine can order any Carnival configuration directly from the Kia factory, built to your exact trim, color, and accessory specifications. This is particularly useful for buyers who want a less common combination, such as the SX Prestige in Iceberg Green, that may not currently be sitting on our lot. Our Build and Price tool lets you configure your ideal Carnival online before you ever speak with our sales team.
Yes. Our team is set up to handle the pricing conversation by text or phone before you make the trip. We operate on upfront pricing without gimmicks, so the number you work out remotely is the same number you see in the finance office. Buyers from Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, and Orange Park regularly confirm pricing and availability before visiting, which makes the in-store portion faster and more focused on the vehicle itself.
Bring a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and the title to your trade-in vehicle if you have one. If your trade still has an active loan, bring your lender’s contact information and a recent statement showing the payoff amount. If you have already been pre-approved through your own bank or credit union, bring that documentation as well since our finance team can compare it against our lender network rates. The more you bring, the fewer steps remain between the test drive and driving home.
You can get an instant trade-in estimate online before your visit using the tool on our website, which gives you a market-based starting number without requiring a trip to the dealership. When you arrive, our team does a physical appraisal and provides a firm cash offer. Any trade equity applies directly toward your down payment or reduces the amount you need to finance on the new Carnival. If you still owe money on your current vehicle, we handle the payoff coordination with your lender and factor your equity position into the deal structure.
It is worth comparing both before you decide. Our finance team works with a network of lenders and can often find competitive rates, and Kia Finance America occasionally offers manufacturer-supported rates on new vehicles that your personal bank cannot match. That said, if you have a pre-approval from your credit union or bank, bring it with you. We will tell you honestly whether we can beat it or whether you should stick with your own financing. The goal is the best rate for your situation, not just closing the deal.
The 2027 Carnival earns its place at the top of the minivan segment through genuinely useful updates, not just a new coat of paint. Second-row Captain’s Chairs on the EX and SX trims mean more families can get the flexible seating that used to require a top-tier purchase, and the choice between V6 power and Turbo Hybrid efficiency means you are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all powertrain.
As a two-time Kia Platinum Prestige Award recipient, our dealership backs every Carnival purchase with upfront pricing, a service department ranked number one in the Consumer Satisfaction Index, and a no-pressure sales floor that lets you move at your own pace. Browse our current Carnival inventory online, start a financing application ahead of your visit, or give our sales team a call at (904) 808-0542 to schedule a test drive whenever you are ready.