Opening Hours
September 30 2026,
School is back in session, and for many Ontario families the Carnival’s weekly rhythm is already set: drop-offs, practices, groceries, the odd long haul. Two powertrains are on offer for 2027, and the right one depends on how those miles add up.
The seating and cabin are shared, so this choice is about what happens under the hood and what it costs you at the pump.
|
Spec |
3.5 L V6 Gas |
1.6 L Turbo Hybrid |
|
Output |
288 hp |
242 hp combined (177 hp engine, 72 hp electric motor) |
|
Torque |
260 lb-ft |
270 lb-ft combined |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
|
Fuel economy, city |
12.9 L/100 km |
6.9 L/100 km |
|
Fuel economy, highway |
9.3 L/100 km |
7.5 L/100 km |
|
Fuel economy, combined |
11.3 L/100 km |
7.2 L/100 km |
|
Max towing |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
|
Ground clearance |
162 mm |
172 mm |
|
Fuel tank |
72 L |
72 L |
Both run on regular fuel and both are front-wheel drive.
Stop-and-go driving is where the two split furthest. The hybrid rates 6.9 L/100 km in the city, against 12.9 L/100 km for the V6. That is a 6.0 L/100 km gap on the kind of driving school runs and short errands produce.
Both Carnivals carry the same 72 L tank, so the hybrid’s lower consumption means fewer fill-ups from the same tank.
If your week is mostly short trips and a daily commute, the hybrid’s 242 hp combined output is ample for that job, and the savings repeat every week.
The V6 holds a 46 hp advantage on paper, 288 hp against 242 hp. If you regularly load a full cabin and merge onto fast highways, that extra power is the V6’s case.
The hybrid answers with 270 lb-ft of combined torque, 10 lb-ft more than the V6’s 260 lb-ft, delivered with a 72 hp electric motor backing up the 1.6 L turbo four-cylinder.
On the highway the fuel gap narrows to 9.3 L/100 km for the V6 and 7.5 L/100 km for the hybrid. On a long family trip, the hybrid still uses less fuel every kilometre.
The gas Carnival tows 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). The hybrid is rated at 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). A Trailer Package is standard on both, and so is trailer stability assist across the gas trims.
If a small camper or a loaded utility trailer is on your list, the extra 500 lbs (227 kg) of rating is a real reason to lean gas. If your hauling is occasional and light, the hybrid’s rating covers it.
The hybrid rides 10 mm higher, at 172 mm of ground clearance against 162 mm, which helps on rutted driveways and snowy side streets.
Passenger dimensions match between the two, from second-row hip room of 1,686 mm to third-row leg room of 903 mm. Most trims seat eight in both powertrains. The top SX+ seats seven, with VIP lounge captain’s chairs that power recline and are heated and ventilated.
Family-friendly features carry across too: a walk-in second row that slides and folds, individually removable second-row seats, and a 60:40 split third row that folds into the floor. Power sliding doors and a smart power tailgate start at the LX+ on both.
On the gas EX+, cargo measures 1,139 L in its minimum configuration and 4,110 L at maximum.
The gas lineup runs LX, LX+, EX, EX+, SX and SX+. The hybrid lineup runs LX, LX+, EX, SX and SX+, with no EX+.
That matters for tech. On the gas side, the EX+ adds a 12.3-inch digital cluster, Highway Driving Assist 2 and a passenger view camera. On the hybrid, the digital cluster and passenger view camera start at the SX.
The SX and SX+ on both powertrains add the Bose premium sound system, head-up display, Digital Key, Around View 360 Monitor and Blind View Monitor. The hybrid also includes a PTC heater as standard, and a 12.3-inch navigation screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on every hybrid trim.
The 2027 Carnival gives Ontario families one cabin with two ways to power it. The hybrid suits weeks of school runs and commutes with 7.2 L/100 km combined. The V6 suits families who tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) and want 288 hp in reserve.
Visit Plaza Kia in Richmond Hill to talk through your weekly mileage, ask about the 2027 Carnival, and book a test drive of the powertrain that matches how your family drives.
To learn more about the 2027 Kia Carnival, visit Kia.ca
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