The V6 Carnival is rated to tow 3,500 pounds with a braked trailer, and that figure is the same on the LX, LXS, EX, SX and SX Prestige, so towing capability does not depend on which trim you choose. With an unbraked trailer the rating is 1,000 pounds.

The Carnival Hybrid is rated at 2,500 pounds braked and the same 1,000 pounds unbraked. On both powertrains a trailer hitch is an optional accessory rather than factory-standard equipment, so a Carnival needs to be equipped for towing before it can pull anything. Kia's guidance is to see the Owner's Manual for towing instructions.

• V6: 3,500 lb with a braked trailer
• Hybrid: 2,500 lb with a braked trailer
• 1,000 lb unbraked on both powertrains
• Same rating across all five gas trims
• Trailer hitch is an available accessory
• Front-wheel drive on every Carnival

Kia publishes two cargo figures for the Carnival, and they are the same on every trim and on both powertrains. Behind the third row you have 40.2 cubic feet, which is enough for a full grocery run or a stroller and luggage with all eight seats occupied. Fold and stow the rear seating and maximum volume reaches 145.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

The hybrid battery costs nothing in cargo room, so a Carnival Hybrid carries exactly what a V6 Carnival carries. The second-row seats slide and are removable on every trim, which is what makes the jump between those two numbers usable rather than theoretical.

• 40.2 cu ft behind the third row
• 145.1 cu ft maximum behind the first row
• Identical figures on gas and hybrid
• Sliding, removable second-row seats on all trims
• 60/40 split-folding third row standard

The Carnival is 203.0 inches long on a 121.7-inch wheelbase and 78.5 inches wide, with 6.8 inches of ground clearance. Height is 68.5 inches on the LX, LXS and EX, rising to 69.9 inches on the SX and SX Prestige because those trims carry roof rails.

Those roof rails are rated to carry 165 pounds, which covers a cargo box or a pair of bikes for a trip to the coast. Between the rails, the 145.1 cubic feet inside and the V6's 3,500-pound trailer rating, a well-equipped Carnival handles what a family asks of a tow vehicle.

• 203.0 inches long, 78.5 inches wide
• 121.7-inch wheelbase
• 6.8 inches of ground clearance
• Roof rails on SX and SX Prestige
• 165-pound roof rack load capacity