2026 Carnival: Which Trim Is Right for You?

The 2026 Kia Carnival offers six trims across two powertrains - traditional gas and hybrid - giving families plenty of ways to configure their minivan. If you're trying to decide between the LX, LX+, EX, EX+, SX, and SX+ trims, this guide breaks down what each one brings to the table and who it's built for.

The Carnival lineup balances family-friendly features with modern technology and safety systems. The key decision points come down to powertrain choice, interior materials, and how much tech you want in the cabin.

Trim Comparison at a Glance

LX: The Foundation Trim

The LX is built for families who want a fully equipped minivan without paying for premium materials or advanced tech. It's ICE-only, powered by a 3.5L V6 that produces 288 hp and returns an estimated 11.3 L/100 km combined. The LX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a temporary spare tire.

Inside, you get 8-passenger seating with removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats. The full suite of Kia safety systems is standard - highway drive assist, blind spot collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance (covering cars, pedestrians, and cyclists), lane keeping assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Climate control is manual, and the seats are cloth.

The LX is the right choice if you need a safe, spacious family hauler and don't need heated seats or power sliding doors.

LX+: Power Convenience Arrives

The LX+ adds the features most families actually use every day. On the ICE model, you get dual power sliding doors and a smart power liftgate - both huge upgrades when you're juggling kids, groceries, or hockey bags. The hybrid LX+ skips the power doors but adds 17-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels and roof rails.

Both versions include a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. If you live somewhere with cold winters, the LX+ is the first trim where you'll appreciate the cabin on a January morning.

The LX+ is available in both ICE and hybrid configurations. The hybrid uses a 1.6L turbo engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 242 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, returning an estimated 7.2 L/100 km combined - a significant improvement over the ICE model's 11.3 L/100 km.

EX: Synthetic Leather and Wireless Charging

The EX is where the Carnival starts to feel more upscale. You get 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, LED taillights and fog lights, and synthetic leather seats. Both the driver and passenger seats are now power-adjustable, and a wireless phone charger appears in the centre console.

The EX also adds 110V inverters, a HomeLink system for garage doors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The rear occupant alert system gains a sensor upgrade, and the windows become obstacle-detecting across all positions.

The EX is available in both ICE and hybrid powertrains. If you want a more refined interior and don't need the digital instrument cluster or Dark Edition styling, the EX hits a sweet spot between value and comfort.

EX+: Digital Cluster and Advanced Safety

The EX+ is ICE-only and builds on the EX with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual LED headlights, and aeroblade wipers. You also get a passenger view monitor and forward collision avoidance with junction turning function - a system designed to help prevent left-turn collisions at intersections.

The EX+ is the right choice if you want the digital cluster and advanced safety features but don't need the Bose audio system or dual sunroof that come with the SX.

SX: Dark Edition and Premium Audio

The SX is built for families who want their Carnival to look and sound better. It features 19-inch black alloy wheels and Dark Edition exterior styling - gunmetal-finish bumper trims, moldings, roof rails, door garnish, and skid plates. The dual power sunroof is standard, as is the Bose premium audio system.

Inside, you get real leather seats with air-cooling for the front row, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, and Digital Key. The SX also adds surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, parking collision avoidance assist for reverse, and side parking sensors.

The SX is available in both ICE and hybrid configurations. If you want the most refined Carnival experience with the option to choose your powertrain, the SX delivers.

SX+: Hybrid-Only Flagship

The SX+ is the top-tier Carnival and is available exclusively as a hybrid. It includes all the SX features - 19-inch black alloy wheels, Dark Edition styling, dual sunroof, Bose audio, leather seats, air-cooled front seats, digital cluster, heads-up display, and the full suite of safety and parking assist systems.

The SX+ is the right choice if you want the most efficient Carnival with every available feature. The hybrid powertrain's 7.2 L/100 km combined fuel economy makes it the most cost-effective option for high-mileage families.

ICE (3.5L V6)

• 288 hp, 260 lb-ft
• 8-speed automatic
• Front-wheel drive
• 11.3 L/100 km combined
• 3,500 lb towing capacity
• Available on: LX, LX+, EX, EX+, SX

Hybrid (1.6L Turbo + Electric Motor)

• 242 hp, 270 lb-ft (combined)
• 6-speed automatic
• Front-wheel drive
• 7.2 L/100 km combined
• 3,000 lb towing capacity
• Available on: LX+, EX, SX, SX+

Both powertrains offer 4,110 litres of maximum cargo volume with the second and third rows folded.

Key Features Across All Trims

Every Carnival - from the base LX to the top SX+ - includes:

• 8-passenger seating
• Removable second-row seats
• 60:40 split fold-in-floor third-row seats
• Highway drive assist
• Blind spot collision avoidance assist
• Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist
• Forward collision avoidance (car, pedestrian, cyclist)
• Lane keeping assist and lane following assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rearview camera
• 12.3-inch multimedia interface with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart key with push-button start

Which Trim Is Right for You?

Choose the LX if you need a safe, spacious minivan and don't need heated seats or power doors.

Choose the LX+ if you want power sliding doors, heated seats, and the option to go hybrid.

Choose the EX if you want synthetic leather, wireless charging, and a more refined interior.

Choose the EX+ if you want the digital instrument cluster and advanced junction-turning safety.

Choose the SX if you want Dark Edition styling, Bose audio, a dual sunroof, and real leather seats.

Choose the SX+ if you want the most efficient Carnival with every available feature.

The 2026 Kia Carnival gives families the flexibility to choose the powertrain and feature set that fits their budget and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, towing capacity, or premium materials, there's a Carnival trim built for you.

Visit North York Kia to explore the full 2026 Carnival lineup.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Carnival, visit Kia.ca