2026 Kia Carnival

Van · 3.5L V6 · FWD

81/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a van is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	3.5L V6
Horsepower	287 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft
0–60 mph	6.8 sec
Top speed	118 mph
Drivetrain	FWD
Seats	7
Combined MPG	22 mpg (19 city / 26 hwy)
Range	468 miles
MSRP	$37,500
Body style	Van

The verdict

What's good

Looks more like an SUV than a van
Roomy, lounge-like second-row seats
Easy-folding seats for big cargo loads
Long warranty for peace of mind

What's not

No all-wheel-drive option offered
Sliding doors feel slow to open
Touchscreen menus take getting used to
Thirstier than hybrid-van rivals

The engine

Lambda II

3.5L V6

A refined, naturally aspirated V6 tuned for effortless family hauling, with smooth, linear power and quiet manners rather than drama. It prioritises easygoing refinement over outright punch.

Part of Hyundai-Kia's long-running Lambda V6 family (internally G6DU), in production since 2020 and shared across the Sorento, Santa Fe, Staria and Carnival.

It runs a dual fuel-injection system that combines direct injection and port injection, switching between them to balance power, efficiency and emissions.
Dual continuously variable valve timing operates on both intake and exhaust camshafts for a broad, flexible torque curve.
The same Lambda architecture also spawned the larger 3.8-liter V6 used in Kia's flagship and Genesis models.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 81 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault