- 2025 Kia Carnival praised for its long list of family-friendly features
- Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) named “Best In-Car Multimedia/Entertainment System”
Kia has earned two 2025 PARENTS Best Family Cars Awards, with the 2025 Carnival named as “Best Hybrid Minivan” and Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) recognized as “Best In-Car Multimedia/Entertainment System.” There were 24 winners across a wide range of categories, and more than 180 cars, trucks and SUVs were evaluated for the best combination of style and functionality for families.
“With the addition of the hybrid variant, the Carnival now meets the needs of even more families, offering the space, comfort and efficiency that modern parents are looking for,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “Kia’s next-generation infotainment system was designed to enhance the driver experience and we’re proud it’s resonating so well as we expand its availability across more Kia models.”
The PARENTS expert panel, comprised of top auto industry experts (and parents), assessed contenders based on key family-friendly factors, including availability of third-row seating, the number of LATCH systems for car seats, overall ease of installation in each vehicle, and powertrain options.
Appealing to families with its thoughtful features, the 2025 Carnival and Carnival Hybrid provide a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers and up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Features like Slide-Flex seating for 8-passenger versions (excluding those with optional VIP Loung Seats) include a sliding second-row center seat, allowing easy access to a child. Other standout features include standard Rear Occupant Alert[1], which is designed to provide, in certain circumstances, an alert to the driver to check rear seats before exiting the vehicle, and standard Safe Exit Assist[2], which rear doors are designed to remain locked when the driver has activated the power child safety locks and the system detects approaching traffic from behind.
Beyond family-friendly practicality, the 2025 Carnival boasts Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. This advanced infotainment system utilizes Quick Controls to provide easy access to frequently used features through a simple swipe, and over-the-air updates[3] that improve the ownership experience.
Kia’s ccNC operating system is also available in other 2025 Kia models, including the K4, K5, EV6, Sorento, and EV9, with further expansion planned for additional models.
[1] When engaged, Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.
[2] When engaged, Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.
[3] Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.