2026 Kia Carnival
The 2026 Kia Carnival is a minivan, rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
- Combined MPG
- 21
- NHTSA safety
- Not rated
- Starting price
- $37,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Carnival reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Carnival |
| Model year | 2026 |
| Vehicle class | Minivan |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 3.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 18 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 21 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 428 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2950 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Carnival | 21 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Carnival Hybrid | 32 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 18 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 25 MPG |
| Combined | 21 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 8% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $33,300
- Total interest
- $5,793
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,914/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Frontal crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000 · 2026-01-27
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS26V232000 · 2026-04-10
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2026 Kia Carnival?
The 2026 Kia Carnival is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway).
Is the 2026 Kia Carnival reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 Kia Carnival. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2026 Kia Carnival?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2026 Kia Carnival costs roughly $1,914 per year to fuel, or about $9,571 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2026 Kia Carnival?
The 2026 Kia Carnival is classified as a minivan. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC