The hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a permanent magnet electric motor mounted between the engine and the transmission, producing 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of combined system output. Those are Kia's combined system figures, and the separate engine and motor ratings Kia publishes are not meant to be added together to reach them.

What sets this hybrid apart from most is the transmission. Rather than a CVT, the Carnival Hybrid uses a conventional six-speed automatic with real gear ratios, paddle shifters and shift-by-wire, so it steps through gears the way the V6 does. Paddle-operated regenerative braking and standard Active Air Flaps in the front fascia round out the hybrid hardware.

• 1.6L turbocharged four with an electric motor
• 242 hp and 271 lb-ft combined system output
• Six-speed automatic, not a CVT
• Paddle-operated regenerative braking
• Front-wheel drive
• 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery

The 2027 Carnival Hybrid carries an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city, 32 highway and 33 combined. Against the V6's EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, that is a substantial difference for a vehicle this size, and it comes without any change to cargo room.

Both powertrains share the same 19.0-gallon fuel tank, so the hybrid's advantage shows up directly as more miles between stops. There is nothing to plug in either, since this is a conventional hybrid that recharges its own battery as you drive.

• EPA-estimated 34 city / 32 highway / 33 combined
• V6 Carnival is EPA-estimated at 21 combined
• Shared 19.0-gallon fuel tank
• Self-charging, nothing to plug in
• 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain warranty

The hybrid is offered on four trims: LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige, so it runs from the second rung of the lineup all the way to the top.

Every hybrid trim seats eight as standard, with a seven-passenger captain's-chair configuration optional on the EX, SX and SX Prestige. One feature is hybrid-exclusive for 2027: rear-seat entertainment is offered only on the Hybrid SX Prestige when it is equipped with the VIP Lounge Seats. Hybrid towing is rated at 2,500 pounds with a braked trailer and 1,000 pounds unbraked.

• Offered on LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige
• Eight-passenger seating standard on every hybrid trim
• Seven-passenger captain's chairs optional on EX, SX, SX Prestige
• Rear-seat entertainment exclusive to Hybrid SX Prestige with VIP Lounge Seats
• Towing rated 2,500 lb with a braked trailer
• 17-inch alloys on LXS, 19-inch on EX and above