If you’re in the market for the ultimate family road trip vehicle, look no further than the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid (HEV). Voted as the “Best Road Trip Car for Families” by Fleet News Group in 2024, this vehicle redefines what it means to travel in comfort, style, and efficiency. Tested on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast during the school holidays, the Carnival Hybrid delivered an experience that’s bound to turn skeptics of people movers into believers.
Space and Versatility: A People Mover That Excels
The Kia Carnival Hybrid is a genuine eight-seater with a configuration that ensures every passenger travels in comfort. Unlike traditional seven-seat SUVs that struggle to accommodate adults in the third row, the Carnival boasts three spacious rows of seats. Its 627-litre boot space—with all seats up—easily accommodates a full-sized pram or several carry-on suitcases. Fold down the third row, and you’ve got an incredible 2,827 litres of space. This makes the Carnival an unbeatable choice for families who need space for luggage, sports gear, or even a small army of stuffed toys.
Sliding doors are a game-changer for tight parking spots. They simplify entry and exit, whether you’re packing teenagers or toddlers into the car. During our test, these sliding doors saved countless headaches in busy beachside parking lots.
Powertrain: A Hybrid That Delivers
The Carnival Hybrid features a 1.6L SmartStream turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 132.4 kW of power and 265 Nm of torque. The 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery sits neatly under the second-row seat, ensuring no compromise on interior space. The transmission is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic, which worked seamlessly during our test drive.
Kia’s official fuel consumption figures for the hybrid are impressive:
- Combined: 5.8 L/100 km
- Urban: 4.2 L/100 km
- Extra-Urban: 6.7 L/100 km
In real-world conditions, driving with five people and a full load of luggage along the motorway between Brisbane and Noosa, the Carnival HEV returned 6.6 L/100 km—slightly above Kia’s claimed Combined figure but still excellent for a vehicle of its size.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Safe
The Carnival Hybrid handles like a large SUV rather than a traditional people mover. Its adaptive cruise control and Lane Keeping Assist made the holiday traffic bearable, even during peak school holiday congestion. The hybrid’s electric motor ensures smooth acceleration, while the petrol engine provides enough grunt when needed.
One minor drawback is the engine’s tendency to over-rev before finding the right gear in certain situations. While this might be noticeable to those unfamiliar with hybrids, it’s far from a dealbreaker. Another point of contention was the Continental tyres fitted to the vehicle, which created a noticeable cabin drone at highway speeds. Switching to quieter tyres would elevate the driving experience further.
Comfort and Convenience: Family-Friendly Features
Kia has packed the Carnival with features designed to make family trips easier and more enjoyable. Highlights include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Perfect for navigating unfamiliar roads with Waze and setting up the family road trip Jam on Spotify.
- Wireless charging and USB ports: With multiple charging options in all rows, nobody had to fight for a charging cable.
- Spacious storage: From the centre console to the door pockets, there’s a place for everything.
The Carnival’s seats were generally comfortable, but longer drives revealed a slight shortcoming: the driver’s seat can become a bit firm after extended periods. While this may not be an issue for shorter commutes, it’s worth considering for families planning cross-country adventures.
Safety: A Top Priority
Safety is paramount in a family car, and the Carnival Hybrid delivers. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
These features made navigating busy QLD roads stress-free, offering peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
What We Loved:
- Fuel Efficiency: Achieving 6.6 L/100 km in real-world conditions is impressive for an eight-seater.
- Space and Versatility: The Carnival comfortably fits eight people and all their belongings.
- Family-Friendly Features: From wireless charging to adaptive cruise control, Kia thought of everything.
- Sliding Doors: A simple but effective feature for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cabin Noise: The Continental tyres were louder than expected.
- Seat Comfort: Slightly firmer seats might be a drawback on long journeys.
- Engine Noise: The hybrid system occasionally over-revs.
The Verdict
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a triumph in the family car segment. It combines practicality, comfort, and efficiency without compromising on style. Whether you’re taking a road trip up the coast or running the daily school commute, this vehicle makes every journey enjoyable.
If you’ve been hesitant to embrace the idea of a people mover, the Carnival Hybrid will change your mind. It’s not just a car; it’s a game-changer for families. Don’t just take our word for it—plan a test drive and see for yourself why it’s Fleet News Group’s ultimate family road trip car.
