The 2027 Kia Carnival HEV Now Tows Up to 3,000 lb — Less Than Gas, But Here Is the Trade-Off

Choosing between the 2027 Kia Carnival HEV and the gas V6 often comes down to one question for Manitoba families: how much can it tow? The gas V6 is rated to pull 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with trailer brakes, while the hybrid is rated at 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). That 500 lb gap is real, but for most family trailers it is smaller than it sounds.

The Carnival HEV arrives this summer, and brings a very different fuel story to the same eight-seat minivan. Below is a clear look at how the two powertrains stack up, so you can decide which one fits the loads you actually haul across Manitoba.

Carnival HEV vs Gas V6 at a Glance

Towing: What the 500 lb Gap Means

The gas V6 holds a 500 lb towing edge, and there are good reasons for it. The 3.5L V6 makes 288 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic, giving it strong reserves for steep grades and heavier loads. The HEV is rated at 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg), partly because its gross vehicle weight rating climbs to 6,504 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the gas model, and its curb weight is higher across the lineup.

That said, the HEV is no slouch. Its combined 270 lb-ft of torque actually tops the V6, and the electric motor delivers 224 lb-ft from near standstill, which helps when launching a loaded trailer. For families towing within these ranges, the hybrid covers a lot of ground:

• Small utility trailers and most single-axle cargo trailers
• Lightweight pop-up and teardrop campers
• Personal watercraft or a small boat on a trailer
• Bike, kayak, or landscaping trailers

The HEV lineup also makes Trailer Stability Assist standard, which helps keep a trailer settled behind the van.

Fuel Economy and Daily Driving

This is where the hybrid pulls ahead. The HEV posts a combined 7.2 L/100 km (6.9 city / 7.5 highway), while the gas V6 returns a combined 11.3 L/100 km (12.9 city / 9.3 highway). Both share a 72 L fuel tank and run on regular unleaded, so the hybrid simply goes much farther between fill-ups, especially in town.

The HEV also adds driver-focused tech: paddle-adjustable regenerative braking across three levels, a Smart Regen system, plus E-Ride, E-Handling, and E-Evasive Handling Assist. It uses vented rear brakes and comes with a Tire Mobility Kit rather than a spare tire.

Space and Trims

Both powertrains share the same cabin, with up to 4,110 L of maximum cargo volume and removable second-row seats on the HEV. Suspension is MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear on both.

The HEV comes in five trims: LX HEV, LX+ HEV, EX HEV, SX HEV, and SX+ HEV. SX and SX+ HEV add shift-by-wire, and the SX+ HEV includes Remote Smart Parking Assist. Most HEV trims seat eight; the SX+ HEV seats seven.

Which Model Is Right for You?

Choose the gas V6 if your trailer regularly approaches the upper limit, or if you want the quickest acceleration and the most towing headroom. Its 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) rating and 288 hp give you the largest margin for heavier loads and long climbs.

Choose the HEV if your towing stays at or below 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) and you want to cut your fuel bills sharply. With combined 7.2 L/100 km economy and 270 lb-ft of torque, the hybrid handles common family trailers while saving fuel every day you are not towing. For many Manitoba households, that daily efficiency outweighs the 500 lb difference.

See the 2027 Carnival in Person

Weigh the hybrid trade-offs for your own towing needs with the team at Planet Kia in Brandon, and find out which 2027 Carnival powertrain fits your family.

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