Kia's Family Vehicle Avoids Tariff Tax, At Least for the Time Being | Carscoops

      Kia has introduced the 2026 Carnival with only a minor price increase, despite the significantly varying market circumstances.

      The Carnival continues to feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine as well as a hybrid four-cylinder option. There are no updates for 2026, and the Dark Edition package is still available.

      The top model in the lineup is the Carnival HEV SX Prestige, which starts at $53,090 before additional fees.

      While minivans may not hold a cool reputation, the Kia Carnival stands out as one of the most eye-catching options available today. It received a comprehensive refresh for the 2025 model year with a new design and has maintained strong sales in the US. Opting not to alter a successful formula, Kia has kept the Carnival unchanged for 2026, with just some minor price increases.

      The entry-level model in the Carnival range is the LX FWD, starting at $36,990, not including a $1,435 destination charge. This is a $190 increase compared to last year, which is quite reasonable considering the significant changes in the market over the past year. The prices then rise to $38,990 for the LXS FWD before destination charges, $41,190 for the EX FWD, and $42,290 for the EX AWD.

      For those looking for more fuel efficiency, the Carnival Hybrid is a smart choice. The base LXS FWD starts at $40,990, with prices increasing to $43,190 for the EX FWD, $48,090 for the SX FWD, and $53,090 for the SX Prestige. These hybrid models utilize a smaller 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, unlike the 3.5-liter version which features an eight-speed automatic.

      Both the 3.5-liter and 1.6-liter hybrid models can be equipped with the Dark Edition package, which includes a dark front grille and dark accents on the side sills, C-pillars, taillights, skid plates, and roof rails. The SX models can also be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system capable of over-the-air software updates.