2027 Kia Carnival Adds Captain’s Chairs to Key Trims: Full Pricing and Updates

Kia America has officially announced the pricing, specifications, and model-year updates for the 2027 Kia Carnival. Striking a balance between rugged SUV-inspired styling and the unmatched utility of a multi-purpose vehicle, the 2027 Carnival arrives with enhanced interior flexibility, fresh styling packages, and highly efficient hybrid options.

The baseline 2027 Kia Carnival LX starts at an affordable $37,490 MSRP (excluding a $1,545 destination fee). Here is a comprehensive breakdown of everything new for the 2027 model year, including full trim pricing, tech updates, and advanced safety features.

2027 Kia Carnival Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2027 Carnival is available in both traditional gas-powered configurations and highly efficient Hybrid (HEV) variants. Below is the complete manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) list across all trim lines.

Standard Gas Powertrain Models

• Carnival LX: $37,490

• Carnival LXS: $39,490

• Carnival EX: $41,690

• Carnival SX: $46,590

• Carnival SX Prestige: $51,590

Hybrid (HEV) Powertrain Models

• Carnival HEV LXS: $41,490

• Carnival HEV EX: $43,690

• Carnival HEV SX: $48,590

• Carnival HEV SX Prestige: $53,590

What’s New for the 2027 Model Year?

Kia has introduced several key cabin and exterior refreshments to optimize convenience and give buyers more personalization options.

1. Available Second-Row Captain's Chairs

To deliver better passenger access and flexibility, the EX and SX trims now offer available second-row Captain’s Chairs. This setup creates an easy-access center aisle to reach the third row seamlessly—making it an ideal configuration for growing families.

2. Expanded Dark Edition Package

The popular, sleek Dark Edition Package has been expanded down to the EX trim. Previously reserved for upper tiers, this expansion brings distinctive, blacked-out exterior styling elements to a broader range of buyers at a mid-tier price point.

3. Refreshed Color Palette

The exterior color options get a slight shakeup for 2027. Kia has introduced a striking new Iceberg Green paint option, available exclusively on EX, SX, and SX Prestige models. Conversely, Flare Red has been officially discontinued.

4. Consolidated Rear Seat Entertainment

For the premium tech tier, the dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment system is now offered exclusively on the Hybrid (HEV) SX Prestige models equipped with the ultra-luxury VIP Lounge Seats.

Smart Connectivity and Cabin Convenience

The 2027 Carnival continues to lead its segment in cabin tech, providing an ultra-connected ecosystem for both drivers and passengers.

• Next-Gen Displays: A standard 12.3-inch ccNC Navigation System anchors the dashboard, offering standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. Buyers can upgrade to a dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display that integrates a fully digital instrument cluster.

• Device Charging & Power: The cabin keeps everyone powered up with up to nine USB-C ports distributed across all three rows, alongside two 115V power inverters and an available wireless phone charger.

• VIP Lounge Seating: Higher trims offer premium VIP Lounge Seats in the second row, featuring a one-touch relaxation mode, integrated heating and ventilation, leg extensions, and customizable ambient mood lighting.

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Readiness: Standard Wi-Fi hotspot capability and OTA updates ensure your navigation and infotainment systems stay automatically updated.

• Proximity Convenience: Features like hands-free power sliding side doors, a smart auto-close tailgate, and Digital Key 2.0 make loading cargo or passengers completely effortless.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Kia continues to prioritize family safety by packing the 2027 Carnival with an expansive suite of standard and available driver-assist technologies:

• Collision Avoidance: Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors for pedestrians, cyclists, and hazards during junction turning. Standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance and available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance keep your blind zones secure.

• Highway Driving Ease: Includes standard Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Drivers can upgrade to Highway Driving Assist 2 for automated lane-centering and speed adjustments.

• Parking and Awareness: Higher trims receive a vivid Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Maneuvering in tight spots is simplified by Parking Distance Warnings (front, side, and rear) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist when reversing.

• Family Protection: A radar-based Rear Occupant Alert detects subtle movements in the rear seats to prevent passengers from being left behind, while Safe Exit Assist prevents doors from opening if approaching traffic is detected.