2026 Kia Carnival Prices Hold Steady Amid New Tariffs

With the Trump administration’s car import tariffs looming, many have been watching closely to see how vehicle prices will be affected. While some automakers have already announced price hikes and others are expected to follow, the new model year season is when these changes typically become clear.

In the case of the 2026 Kia Carnival, which is manufactured in South Korea, the good news is that prices have remained largely stable, showing only minimal increases compared to previous years.

A Modest Price Increase Across the Board

Every trim of the 2026 Kia Carnival saw a modest price bump of just $190—this includes all versions, from the base gasoline models to the available hybrids. This slight increase aligns more with a typical annual adjustment rather than a sharp hike you might expect from a vehicle now subject to a 25% import tariff.

Below is the full MSRP list (excluding the standard $1,435 destination charge). Hybrid trims are marked with “HEV” for easy reference. Even after adding destination fees, Kia continues to offer the most affordable minivan on the market. However, the Toyota Sienna still holds the title for the least expensive hybrid minivan.

The Carnival Remains Otherwise Unchanged

Aside from the slight price increase, the 2026 Kia Carnival remains virtually the same. Its styling and feature set carry over unchanged from the previous model year.

The standard Carnival is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It delivers an estimated 21 mpg combined fuel economy.

The hybrid variant features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor, offering a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It uses a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, achieving an efficient 33 mpg combined.

Inside, all 2026 Kia Carnival models come equipped with three-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power sliding doors, and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The LXS trim, which serves as the base for the hybrid model, adds creature comforts like heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leatherette upholstery.

Safety is comprehensive across the lineup, with standard features including automatic front and rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning and avoidance, parking sensors, lane-keep assist with lane centering, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

While the exact arrival date for 2026 Kia Carnival hasn’t been announced, they are expected to reach dealerships within the next few months.