Quebec families loading up for a July getaway need to know what actually fits before they commit to a three-row vehicle. The 2027 Kia Carnival comes as a gas V6 or a hybrid, and the two versions differ on cargo space, towing, and fuel use in ways that matter for cottage runs, carpools, and everyday errands.
Here’s how the numbers break down.
The 2027 Carnival at a Glance
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Spec
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Carnival (Gas V6)
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Carnival HEV
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Engine
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3.5L V6, 288 hp / 260 lb-ft
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1.6L turbo I4 hybrid, 242 hp / 270 lb-ft combined
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Transmission
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8-speed automatic
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6-speed automatic
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Fuel economy (combined)
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11.3 L/100km
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7.2 L/100km
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City / Highway
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13.0 / 9.3 L/100km
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6.9 / 7.5 L/100km
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Max towing
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3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
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3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
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Seating capacity
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8, or 7 on SX+ trims
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8, or 7 on SX+ trims
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Max cargo, rows folded
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4,110 L (4,109 L.)
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4,110 L (4,109 L.)
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Min cargo, behind 3rd row
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1,139 L (1,138 L.)
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1,139 L (1,138 L.)
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Basic / powertrain warranty
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5 yr / 100,000 km
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5 yr / 100,000 km
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Battery warranty
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n/a
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8 yr / 150,000 km
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How to Read These Numbers
The fuel economy figures above are combined city and highway ratings. The gas V6’s 13.0 L/100km city figure sits well above its 9.3 L/100km highway number, a normal split for stop-and-go driving. The hybrid runs the opposite way, at 6.9 L/100km city and 7.5 L/100km highway, since its electric motor does more of the work at lower speeds.
Cargo volume is measured two ways: with the second and third rows folded flat for the maximum figure, and behind the third row for the minimum. Towing capacity is the maximum braked rating for a properly equipped van. Seating capacity moves between 7 and 8 passengers depending on whether the second row uses a bench or the available captain’s chairs.
What Fits: Cargo and Seating for Family Life
Behind the third row, the Carnival holds 1,139 L (1,138 L.), enough for a double stroller, a week’s groceries, and a couple of hockey bags without touching the third-row seats. That’s the number that matters most for the school run and the weekend errand list.
Fold the second and third rows down and the Carnival opens up to 4,110 L (4,109 L.), the volume for a cottage trip loaded with bikes, coolers, and luggage, or for hauling home a piece of furniture. The second row also folds and slides out of the way for an easier walk-in path to the third row, and the seats can be removed entirely when a trip is pure cargo. The third row splits 60:40 and folds into the floor rather than needing to come out of the van.
Seating capacity shifts between 7 and 8 passengers depending on the second row. The 8-passenger layout uses a three-across bench, useful for carpools and extra kids’ friends. The 7-passenger configuration swaps in two second-row captain’s chairs instead, available on SX+ trims, trading one seat for individual second-row space and reclining comfort.
- Behind the third row: 1,139 L (1,138 L.)
- Rows folded flat: 4,110 L (4,109 L.)
- 8-passenger: three-across second-row bench
- 7-passenger: two second-row captain’s chairs (SX+ trims)
Towing a Small Trailer or Camping Gear
The gas V6 Carnival tows up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg); the hybrid is rated to 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). Both numbers suit a small utility trailer, a pop-up camper, or a load of moving boxes, but neither is meant for a heavy travel trailer or a boat. The Carnival’s towing role stays inside its family-hauler job: cottage gear, dirt bikes, or a canoe rack, not construction equipment or heavy-duty work.
Gas V6 or Hybrid: Matching the Powertrain to Your Drive
The 3.5L V6 makes 288 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic, and it carries the stronger tow rating of the two at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). It suits families who load up often, tow a trailer, or drive with a full cabin and want power in reserve.
The hybrid pairs a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor for 242 hp and 270 lb-ft combined, through a 6-speed automatic. Its fuel economy lands at 7.2 L/100km combined, well under the gas V6’s 11.3 L/100km, with the widest gap in city driving at 6.9 L/100km versus 13.0 L/100km. That’s the version for a family doing daily drop-offs, highway commutes, or long-distance summer trips who wants fewer fill-ups along the way.
Fuel savings add up fastest for drivers who cover more kilometres than an occasional weekend trip, since the hybrid’s edge compounds with every commute and errand run.
Loading and Unloading With a Full Cabin
The Carnival’s second row folds and slides forward for a clear walk-in path to the third row, so getting a child into a rear seat doesn’t mean climbing over gear. The second-row seats also remove entirely when a trip is all cargo and no passengers.
The Carnival HEV adds dual power sliding doors and a smart power liftgate, useful when your hands are full of grocery bags or a car seat and you can’t reach a handle. Cargo net hooks and a cargo light keep loose items in place on a bumpy cottage road and visible after dark.
Warranty Coverage Built Into Every Carnival
Every 2027 Carnival carries a 5-year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty and a matching 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty. The Carnival HEV adds an 8-year/150,000 km warranty on its hybrid battery components. That coverage speaks to ownership confidence over the years you’ll actually own the van, and it travels with the vehicle regardless of which trim or powertrain you choose.
See the 2027 Carnival at Lallier Kia de Laval
The 2027 Carnival splits into two clear choices: a gas V6 built for towing and passenger capacity, and a hybrid tuned for lower fuel use on daily drives. Cargo space, seating layout, and warranty coverage stay consistent across both.
Visit Lallier Kia de Laval in Laval to sit in both second-row layouts, check the cargo space against your own gear, and see which Carnival powertrain fits your family’s summer driving.
To learn more about the 2027 Kia Carnival HEV, visit Kia.ca
