- Price Hike: The 2025 Kia Carnival is going to be quite an expensive affair, as the company increases the price tag by an average of about $2,900 over its predecessor.
- Base Model: It is now being priced at $37,895 for the base model.
- Hybrid Option: A new hybrid variant will start at a still more expensive $41,895.
- Design Over Function: The stylish design that Kia was after probably had the brand overlooking the very nature of a minivan.
- Alternatives: If you want a better value, have a look at the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.
- Budget-Friendly Choice: If you have a tight budget, searching for an older model could save you thousands.
Minivan shoppers, get ready to cinch up that wallet, because the 2025 Kia Carnival is back, donning a refreshed appearance and a heaping helping of sticker shock. Indeed, the family-friendly minivan has gotten a price increase about as popular as a traffic jam on your way to vacation.
Buckle Up for a Price Jump
For a basic trim, you’re looking at an average price hike of some $2,900 compared to last year’s model. Yikes! Kia decided to take a page from the airline industry’s playbook and start charging extra for everything from legroom to the air you breathe.
Long gone are the days of a reasonable, no-frills base model. The new starter edition will now run $37,895. If you want that fancy-schmancy new hybrid, the starting price is at least $41,895. Enough to make anyone reconsider road trips altogether and just binge on some travel shows.
More Than Just a Price Hike?
But wait, it gets worse. Not only is the Carnival pricier, but it’s playing hard to get, too. It seems that Kia forgot people buy minivans for practical reasons, not to impress their neighbours. Sure, the new design looks sleek and everything; however, does it justify the hefty price tag? We’re not so sure.
While we appreciate the efforts Kia has put in to give the Carnival a facelift, it sort of feels like they went a little too hard on the plastic surgery. What has this resulted in? A minivan slowly drifts into the realm of a luxury SUV while losing its roots as a practical family car. To be honest, most minivan shoppers don’t care that much about luxury; instead, they want something they can rely on with enough space and a price tag that doesn’t lighten the pocket.
Where Do Minivan Lovers Go From Here?
So, what’s a minivan-loving family to do? Well, you could bite the bullet and shell out the extra cash for the new Carnival. You could also consider other options, like the tried-and-true Honda Odyssey or the ever-popular Toyota Sienna. Both offer space, features, and hopefully more bang for your hard-earned buck.
The choice is, of course, yours. But if you’re strapped for cash, you may need some time to allow the sticker shock to wear off before diving into the purchase of a 2025 Kia Carnival. After all, there’s no dishonour in driving a model that’s a few years older when it saves you thousands of dollars.
