Kia Motors is responding to the growing consumer demand for hybrid technology by introducing a hybrid model to its Carnival minivan lineup. The move aims to meet tightening federal fuel economy standards and provide consumers with more environmentally friendly options.
Russell Wager, Kia America Vice President of Marketing, emphasized the importance of offering choices to customers. He stated, “It’s just going to add a whole extra audience because we didn’t have a hybrid.”
The hybrid version of the Carnival announced at the Chicago Auto Show, is expected to be available for sale alongside an updated traditional minivan in the summer. Kia plans to incorporate electrified models across its lineup, further expanding its commitment to hybrid technology.
The new Carnival hybrid will feature a combination of a traditional internal combustion engine and electric motor technologies. Unlike all-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids, hybrid vehicles do not require external charging and operate similarly to traditional vehicles.
Kia has not disclosed pricing or fuel economy expectations for the new models. The current Carnival, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, achieves up to 20.6 miles per gallon combined city/highway.
The hybrid model will join Kia’s existing lineup of three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, marking the automaker’s fourth hybrid offering.
In addition to the hybrid option, the updated Carnival minivan boasts redesigned front and rear aesthetics, including new lights and a larger grille. Inside, the vehicle features Kia’s latest infotainment system and other advanced technologies, including “VIP lounge seating” with power controls and leg extensions.
While the minivan segment in the U.S. has declined since its peak in the mid-1990s, Kia parent Hyundai achieved a 14% market share of the segment last year. However, Wager expressed Kia’s ambitions to compete more aggressively within the segment.
The Carnival, imported from South Korea, faces capacity constraints, limiting Kia’s ability to meet demand in the U.S. market. To address this, the company is increasing production capacity for the Carnival and other Kia models.
With expanded production capacity and a growing lineup of hybrid offerings, Kia aims to surpass its record U.S. sales of 782,451 vehicles last year. Wager stated, “Our goal is to sell more than we sold for last year’s record sales.”
