2026 Kia Carnival near Staten Island, NY

The 2026 Kia Carnival uses a 3.5-liter V6 Gasoline Direct Injection Lambda III engine across all trims. The engine displacement is 3,470 cc. The bore and stroke dimensions measure 92.0 millimeters by 87.0 millimeters with a compression ratio of 12.3 to 1. Output remains consistent with 287.1 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260.4 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. An aluminum block and aluminum head are used to reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. The valve system is a 24-valve DOHC layout with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters. Fuel delivery operates through a combined Gasoline Direct Injection and Multi Port Injection system designed to maintain efficient combustion. The engine runs on regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. Cooling is controlled through a liquid-cooled system. The emission control system features a warm-up catalytic converter in combination with an underfloor catalytic converter to regulate output from cold starts through full operating temperature. Every trim includes a fuel tank with a 19.0-gallon capacity.

Electrical Power Structure and System Output

Each 2026 Kia Carnival uses a 12-volt maintenance-free battery. LX and LXS trims include an 80 amp-hour battery that provides 660 cold cranking amps. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige feature a 90 amp-hour battery that provides 850 cold cranking amps when equipped with a power liftgate. All trims rely on a 13.5-volt, 180-amp alternator that maintains electrical stability for accessories and charging. The starter is rated at 1.7 kilowatts. This combination supports reliable ignition and accessory operation across a wide range of driving conditions.

Transmission Function and Gear Ratio Distribution

The transmission is an 8-speed automatic system designed to provide consistent acceleration characteristics. The first gear operates at a ratio of 4.808 to 1. The second gear ratio is 2.901 to 1. The third gear ratio is 1.864 to 1. The fourth gear ratio is 1.424 to 1. The fifth gear ratio is 1.219 to 1. The sixth gear ratio is 1.000 to 1. The seventh gear ratio is 0.799 to 1. The eighth gear ratio is 0.648 to 1. Reverse uses a ratio of 3.425 to 1. The final drive ratio is 3.510 to 1. This transmission layout supports strong low-speed force along with efficient highway operation. The towing capacity remains identical across all trims with a maximum braked towing limit of 3,500 pounds and an unbraked towing limit of 1,000 pounds.

Exterior Dimension Structure and Design Measurements

The exterior structure of the 2026 Kia Carnival remains uniform across trims, with only height affected by roof rail configurations. Wheelbase measures 121.7 inches. Overall length is 203.0 inches. Width without mirrors is 78.5 inches, while width with mirrors is 89.2 inches. Height without roof rails is 68.5 inches. SX and SX Prestige include roof rails that increase height to 69.9 inches. The front track is 68.9 inches on LX and LXS, while the EX, SX, and SX Prestige list 68.5 inches. Rear track follows the same pattern. Front overhang measures 36.8 inches, and the rear overhang measures 44.5 inches. Minimum ground clearance is 6.8 inches. The approach angle is 15.4 degrees, and the departure angle is 20.0 degrees. These measurements support stable operation on varying surfaces while maintaining comfortable passenger entry.

Interior Dimensional Layout and Cabin Space Allocation

Interior measurements reflect consistent spacing across trims except for models equipped with a sunroof, where headroom differs. Without a sunroof, front headroom is 40.9 inches, second-row headroom is 39.5 inches, and third-row headroom is 38.6 inches. With a sunroof, front headroom is 39.7 inches, second-row headroom is 37.6 inches, and third-row headroom is 36.5 inches. Legroom dimensions remain constant at 41.1 inches for the front row, 40.5 inches for the second row, and 35.6 inches for the third row. Shoulder room measures 64.2 inches in the front, 63.2 inches in the second row, and 59.5 inches in the third row. Hip room measures 59.8 inches in the front, 66.4 inches in the second row, and 50.4 inches in the third row. Cargo capacity is generous, with a minimum interior cargo volume of 40.2 cubic feet and a maximum capacity of 145.1 cubic feet. 

Suspension Geometry and Ride Control Features

Suspension construction is identical across the lineup. The front suspension uses a MacPherson® strut design, and the rear suspension uses a multi-link design. Gas-filled shock absorbers maintain damping consistency over long-distance driving. This suspension structure helps distribute vehicle weight effectively while moderating movement over uneven surfaces. The steering system is a column-mounted electric power steering configuration. Steering ratio is 14.23 to 1, which provides a balanced response for low- and high-speed operation. The system requires three full turns lock to lock. These characteristics help deliver stable directional control.

Braking System Components and Stopping Technology

The braking system uses ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. All rotors measure 12.8 inches. The parking brake is electronically controlled. Booster type is a tandem fixed seal type master cylinder. Booster ratio is 10.0 to 1, and the booster diameter is 11.0 inches. This setup supports reliable stopping performance under load or during regular commuting. Brake components are designed for consistent response by maintaining stable hydraulic pressure throughout repeated applications.

Wheel and Tire Construction and Load Support

Wheel and tire sizes vary by trim level. The LX and LXS use 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P235 65R17 tires. The EX, SX, and SX Prestige use 19-inch alloy wheels paired with P235 55R19 tires. All trims include a temporary steel spare wheel fitted with a T135 90D17 tire. Roof rack load capacity is 165 pounds across all trims. These tire and load specifications help maintain predictable traction while supporting travel equipment and cargo when needed.

Curb Weight Measurements and Capacity Ratings

Curb weight varies according to seating configuration. The minimum curb weight for the 7-passenger LX is 4,555 pounds. The 8-passenger LXS weighs 4,630 pounds. The EX weighs 4,725 pounds. The SX weighs 4,810 pounds. The minimum curb weight for the 7-passenger SX Prestige is 4,771 pounds. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 6,283 pounds for all trims. These figures reflect structural reinforcement and equipment differences across seating layouts and feature packages.

Fuel Economy Estimates and Operating Efficiency

The estimated fuel economy remains consistent across all 2026 Kia Carnival trims equipped with the automatic transmission. The city estimate is 18 miles per gallon. The highway estimate is 26 miles per gallon. The combined estimate is 21 miles per gallon. These values align with the engine output and vehicle mass to create predictable consumption figures during mixed driving.

Package Enhancements and Trim Level Upgrades

Two main upgrade packages are available for specific trims. The SX Dark Edition Package includes full LED lighting with high and low projection LED rear combination lamps, leather seat fabric, an 11-inch head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system with external amplifier and subwoofer, a heated steering wheel, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. The SX Prestige Seat Package adds second-row power VIP lounge seats with wing-out headrests and leg extensions, heated second-row seats, ventilated second-row seats, ambient lighting, high-glossy interior trim, and laminated second-row windows. These packages add functional and comfort-focused enhancements that increase capability in passenger environments.

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