2027 Kia Carnival Trim Guide in Western Pennsylvania

2027 Kia Carnival trim lineup at Mike Kelly Kia

For the gas-powered 2027 Kia Carnival, start with the seating you need, then compare comfort and technology. LXS pairs 8 seats with heated front seats. EX adds a power passenger seat and smart power liftgate. SX adds front-seat ventilation and more camera views. SX Prestige adds premium equipment and offers optional VIP Lounge Seats.

This guide covers the 5 gas Carnival trims. The Carnival Hybrid has a separate trim lineup. The 7-seat layouts differ: EX and SX captain's chairs require paired packages, while SX Prestige's VIP Lounge Seats use a separate package.

Explore Carnival shopping options as you compare trims.

View Kia Specials

Table of Contents

View Kia Specials

Compare the 5 Gas Trims
Choose Your Second Row
What the Gas Trims Share
Plan Your Carnival Budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare the 5 Gas Trims

The five 2027 Kia Carnival gas trims compared

Compare seating and standard equipment to decide which upgrades fit your needs and budget.

The table shows MSRP at launch for the 2027 gas Carnival. Figures exclude the $1,545 destination charge, taxes, title/license fees, options and retailer charges. These launch figures are reference prices; we set the actual selling price.

Gas trim	MSRP at launch	Passenger seating	Standard equipment that changes the choice
LX	$37,490	7	Cloth seats, power sliding doors, tri-zone climate control and 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen
LXS	$39,490	8	Artificial-leather seat trim, heated front seats and power driver's seat
EX	$41,690	8 standard; 7 with required packages	Power passenger seat, driver memory, smart power liftgate, wireless phone charging and cabin camera/intercom
SX	$46,590	8 standard; 7 with required packages	Ventilated front seats, dual power sunroofs, 12.3-inch full instrument cluster, Surround View and Blind-Spot View monitors, and Highway Driving Assist 2
SX Prestige	$51,590	8 standard; 7 with VIP seat package	Leather seat trim, projection LED headlights, heated steering wheel, digital rearview mirror and Bose audio

When LX or LXS Is Enough

The Carnival LX includes power sliding doors and separate climate control zones. Choose LX for its 7-seat layout and cloth seats. Its second-row side seats slide and can be removed.

Choose LXS for 8 seats, heated front seats and a power driver's seat. It's a sensible place to stop if you don't need EX's power passenger seat or cabin camera and intercom. LXS does not offer a captain's-chair package.

When EX Conveniences Matter

The Carnival EX's driver memory is useful when different drivers share the vehicle. EX also adds power adjustment for the front passenger's seat. Its cabin camera lets you see rear passengers, and the intercom lets you communicate with them.

If you're considering EX with captain's chairs, include its required packages when comparing costs.

When SX or SX Prestige Earns the Step Up

Choose the Carnival SX over EX if front-seat ventilation or the Surround View and Blind-Spot View monitors are priorities. SX also replaces standard Highway Driving Assist with Highway Driving Assist 2. Driver assists do not replace attentive, safe driving.

EX may meet your needs if you would rarely use SX's added cameras, ventilation or sunroofs. Choose SX Prestige for premium equipment such as projection LED headlights and a digital rearview mirror, or for its optional VIP second row.

Choose Your Second Row

Choosing your 2027 Kia Carnival second row

Decide whether you need 8 seats before choosing a captain's-chair or VIP layout. EX and SX require paired packages for captain's chairs. SX Prestige offers a separate VIP package, but those seats cannot be removed.

Desired second row	Eligible gas trims	Package checkpoint	Price at Launch
Captain's chairs with 7 total seats	EX, SX	Captain's Chairs Package requires Dark Edition Package; EX Dark Edition also requires Captain's Chairs Package	Captain's Chairs Package: $0; required Dark Edition Package: $950
Power VIP Lounge Seats with 7 total seats	SX Prestige	Separate Seat Package with leg extensions, heated/ventilated second-row seats, ambient lighting and laminated second-row windows	Seat Package: $0

The EX/SX package pairing also makes Bose audio available. At launch, the Captain's Chairs Package cost $0 but required the $950 Dark Edition Package.

Sliding second-row seats are standard on the gas Carnival. All are removable except the VIP seats. The third row has split-folding seats with double recline.

For family trips and commutes around Mars, Seven Fields, Butler and Cranberry, choose 8 seats if you need the extra passenger position. Consider EX's driver memory if you share driving duties, and skip VIP seats if you need to remove the second row.

What every 2027 Kia Carnival gas trim shares

Every 2027 gas Carnival trim uses the same engine and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive (AWD) is not available. Moving from LX to SX Prestige does not add AWD. Higher trims change comfort and technology, not the drive configuration.

Shared gas specification	All 5 trims
Engine	3.5-liter GDI V6
Transmission and drive	8-speed automatic; front-wheel drive
Fuel	Regular unleaded, 87 octane or higher
EPA fuel economy	18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg

Actual mileage varies with configuration, options, driving and conditions.

Plan Your Carnival Budget

Build your gas Carnival budget around both the trim and any required seating packages.

Review current new Kia specials as you compare costs, and start a Kia finance application online when you're ready. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Kelly Confidence ownership benefits include discounted Pennsylvania state inspections and car washes with a service visit. See the separate agreement for complete details and qualification requirements.

Tell us which seating layout and features you need, then request a Carnival test drive. Seeing the seating and equipment in person can help you choose a trim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every 2027 gas Carnival offer 7 or 8 seats?

No. LX offers only 7 seats, and LXS offers only 8. EX and SX have 8 seats standard, with 7 available through the paired Captain's Chairs and Dark Edition packages. SX Prestige has 8 seats standard or 7 with its separate VIP Seat Package.

What does SX add over EX?

SX adds ventilated front seats, dual power sunroofs, the full instrument cluster, Surround View and Blind-Spot View monitors, and Highway Driving Assist 2. EX already includes the power passenger seat, driver memory, smart power liftgate, cabin camera and intercom.

Does a higher gas Carnival trim add AWD?

No. Every 2027 gas Carnival trim uses front-wheel drive.

Are captain's chairs the same as VIP Lounge Seats?

No. EX and SX captain's chairs require paired packages. SX Prestige's power VIP Lounge Seats come in a separate package and include leg extensions, heating and ventilation. VIP seats cannot be removed.

Is Bose audio available only on SX Prestige?

No. Bose is standard on SX Prestige and optional on EX and SX through the paired packages. If audio is your main reason to move up, compare the complete EX or SX package configuration before choosing SX Prestige.