2027 Kia Carnival Makes Lane Following Assist 2 and Hands-On Detection Standard on All Trims

Families across Ontario shopping for a 2027 Kia Carnival have a clear lineup to sort through, and the good news is that the features mattering most for daily driving confidence come standard everywhere. Lane Following Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection is included on every 2027 Carnival trim, from the gas LX to the hybrid SX+ HEV. That means lane centring support and a steering-wheel sensor that confirms your hands are engaged, on every model in the range.

The Carnival is offered in both gas and hybrid (HEV) powertrains, so the choice often comes down to how you balance power, fuel economy, seating, and price. This trim walk breaks down what separates each model and helps you match a Carnival to your family’s needs. 

2027 Kia Carnival Trims at a Glance

Standard Safety That Builds Everyday Confidence

The headline story for 2027 is how much advanced driver assistance comes standard. Lane Following Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection anchors a full safety bundle on every trim, including the hybrids.

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist for cars, pedestrians and cyclists
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Driver Attention Warning and High Beam Assist
• Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Highway Driving Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors, Trailer Stability Assist, and Speed Limit Assist

Higher trims step up to Highway Driving Assist 2, which arrives on the SX. That progression lets you start with strong standard protection and add more support as you move up the range.

Performance: V6 Power or Hybrid Efficiency

The gas Carnival uses a 3.5L V6 producing 288 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and a 0-100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds. The V6 returns an estimated 12.9 / 9.3 / 11.3 L/100 km (city / highway / combined) and runs on regular unleaded.

The hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6L I4 with an electric motor rated at 72 hp and 224 lb-ft, for a system output of 242 hp and 270 lb-ft. Hybrid fuel economy is rated as low as 6.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 L/100 km combined, a meaningful gap for families covering high annual distances.

• V6 gas: 288 hp, 260 lb-ft, 11.3 L/100 km combined
• 1.6L hybrid: 242 hp system output, 270 lb-ft, 7.2 L/100 km combined

Both powertrains are front-wheel drive. The ICE V6 is rated for towing up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), while the HEV is rated up to 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). Trailer pre-wiring and Trailer Stability Assist are standard across the lineup.

Interior, Tech, and Seating Flexibility

Every Carnival includes a 12.3-inch navigation display and Kia Connect with over-the-air updates. The LX and LX+ pair that navigation screen with a 4-inch digital cluster, while the EX and above step up to a curved dual 12.3-inch setup with a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Power sliding doors and a power tailgate are available from the LX+ up, and removable second-row seating opens up a cargo volume of up to 4,110 L.

Seating is where the top trims diverge. The SX seats eight passengers, while the SX+ switches to a seven-passenger layout with second-row VIP lounge captain’s chairs that recline, add a leg rest, and offer a relaxation mode, along with heated and ventilated second-row seats.

• SX: eight-passenger seating for maximum capacity
• SX+: seven-passenger seating with second-row VIP lounge captain’s chairs

Which 2027 Carnival Is Right for You?

If an attractive entry price and full standard safety matter most, the LX delivers the core experience without compromise. Families who want heated seats and power doors should look at the LX+, while the EX and EX+ add exterior styling upgrades and attainable premium touches.

Drivers prioritizing fuel economy should focus on the HEV trims. The LX HEV brings the hybrid system and shift-by-wire, and the combined rating as low as 7.2 L/100 km can ease the strain of long Ontario commutes. For the most equipment, the SX and SX+ top trims add Highway Driving Assist 2 and, on the SX+, the VIP lounge second row. Choose the SX for eight-passenger capacity or the SX+ for seven-passenger comfort.

Visit Bolton Kia to Compare the 2027 Carnival

The 2027 Kia Carnival is set to arrive this summer, and the lineup will give Ontario families room to match power, efficiency, and seating to their budget. Visit the team at Bolton Kia in Bolton to walk through the gas and hybrid trims and find the configuration that fits your family.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Carnival, visit Kia.ca