Latest news with #SXPrestige
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
I tested the car built for iPad babies... here's how it sparked a parenting war
I spent a week in a high-tech minivan with Netflix included. Each time friends got in the back seat, it sparked a parenting debate over whether a built-in touchscreen is genius or a gateway to iPad addiction. I tested the surprisingly high-rolling 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, a $59,000 minivan equipped with a rear-seat entertainment package. That add-on includes two power-operated captain's chairs, complete with leg rests, that face matching 14.6-inch digital displays. Passengers in the second row can access streaming services, mirror their phones, play video games, and pair Bluetooth headphones for a personal theater experience — effectively spelling the end for my favorite childhood road trip classics like Mad Libs, The Alphabet Game, and 'I spy with my little eye...' 'This would be so nice on long trips just to shush my children,' a friend with a five and a and three-year-old, who shall remain unnamed, told me while riding in the car. But not everyone was sold. 'I don't want to encourage my children to be iPad babies,' another friend and could-be parent said. The entertainment package on the Carnival Hybrid is a parenting Rorschach test, separating the digital skeptics from the tech optimists. But while the backseat screens captured the topline conversations, the rest of the car kept the plot moving. Kia has built a highly competent minivan. Minivan with muscle? Kia has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a budget-oriented brand. For years, the Korean company built simple cars and slapped them with robust, 10-year, 100,000-mile warranties. Now, the carmaker's contemporary Kia lineup has a distinctive, modern design flair, and the Carnival is a great example. An upright, SUV-inspired shape and truck-like grille give the front a muscular edge that is not often found in the minivan segment. That ruggedness falls apart on the side and back, where modern design aesthetics pull the van in different directions. The giant rear window and understated liftgate is a departure from the rest of the van's muscular vibe Sharp LED accents — including a jagged headlight design, and a full-width rear light bar — complete the look. Aside from its somewhat disjointed design, the van at least attempts to be interesting. In this segment, that is worth noting. Hybrid power doesn't drag Much like the gas-sipping, surprisingly agile hybrids from Kia's Asian carmaking counterparts (like Toyota and Honda), the Carnival Hybrid's powertrain felt composed in city driving. Kia's hybrid powerhouse is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 72-horsepower electric motor. The hybrid system delivers a combined 242 horsepower that won't smoke a sports car off the line, but feels plenty powerful to get to highway speeds on a short ramp. And it builds that power efficiently. According to the EPA, the Carnival Hybrid achieves a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg, with 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I averaged about 35 mpg in mostly stop-and-go New York driving, which is excellent for something that can haul seven passengers and a Costco haul. The Carnival has a camera package that allows parents to view the back of the car through the infotainment system Tech gadgets, galore Kia didn't forget about entertaining the parents. The van also features technology for helicopter parents among us. In the top trim, the first row is equipped with dual 12.3-inch displays that span the dash. Inside those screens, drivers can access wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as voice-activated controls, a speaker for the back row, and rear-seat monitoring cameras. Underneath the screens are a series of haptic and digital buttons that control the climate. Kia's digital climate controls have always been well-organized. Normally, I'm wildly skeptical of cars forgoing buttons for temperature controls, but this layout is easy to use. Look at the comment section on any story about digital buttons, and you will find a slew of people who disagree. To each their own. The van's tech includes a series of dials and digital controls underneath the infotainment system Value: Is it worth it? The base Carnival Hybrid LXS starts at $40,990, while the non-hybrid model kicks off at $36,990. My top-trim SX Prestige tester, decked out with optional wheels, special paint, a second-row sunroof, and the all-important screen package, totaled just over $59,000. That's serious money, but it's also great value in a segment with bloated and ballooning prices. Toyota's Sienna starts at $44,295 (it is only available as a hybrid for 2025), while Honda's Odyssey requires a minimum of $42,220 and doesn't offer a hybrid option. Final thoughts Many of my formative years were spent in the backseat of a car, watching vehicles pass by and memorizing their makes and models. Who would I have become had my parents swapped the entertainment of my imagination with the relational guidance of Bluey and Peppa Pig? Who knows. While (unintentionally) highlighting divides in our digital appetites, the Carnival Hybrid also makes a compelling case for the future of American family road trips. Many owners will just have to remember to pack the Wi-Fi hotspot.
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: Bolder Kia Sorento PHEV boosts luxury, technology
If anyone wondered why the Sorento hybrids were left out of Kia's midcycle refresh last year, the carmaker wasn't playing favorites. Those hybrids join the others with the new look and extra goodies for 2025. The Sorento hybrid and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric) now have the same bolder styling, attractive cabin laden with new tech features, and an extra dose of luxury in the renamed top-trim, the SX Prestige. There's also a new ground-floor trim, the EX, which is comfortably equipped and nearly $15,000 under the "prestigious" one. Perhaps less sexy but no less important is Sorento's growing list of safety features, including Kia's superb driver-assist package - among the best in this midsize, three-row segment. Sorento's new face sports vertical rows of LED headlamps framed by amber running lights on top and side. Together they flank a restyled gloss-black grille with satin chrome beneath. Strong creases on the hood and sides show its kinship to the larger Telluride. At the rear Kia narrowed the tail lights and linked them with a thin light bar. The rear wiper is tucked neatly under the spoiler. The conventional hybrid and PHEV have similar setups but the PHEV offers a bigger (13.8 kWh) battery that enables 32 miles of electric-only driving. After that, the engine kicks in seamlessly. If you plug in nightly and have a short commute, you could go weeks before seeing a fillin' station. The EPA estimates a combined gas-electric outcome of 74 MPGe (equivalent). On gas only, expect around 33 mpg combined. Plug in at home to charge the battery in about eight hours, but a Level 2 charger can get it done in less than four. Regenerative braking helps reenergize the battery, too. Each hybrid system has a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to a single electric motor. The PHEV delivers more power with 262 horsepower (34 more than the standard hybrid) and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission - no CVT, thankfully. Despite the PHEV's extra horses, acceleration is similar to the regular hybrid because of the heavier battery. Zero to 60 mph comes in an unexciting 8 seconds, though it can do 7.2 in Sport mode. Other drive modes include Electric, Hybrid and Automatic, which switches as warranted. There's a Smart mode which finds a happy balance. There's also a Snow mode and Eco which saves energy but drops performance significantly. Overall ride quality is good and it remains quiet enough and stable on the highway. While it's not especially quick, the plug-in hybrid handles well for a 5,600-pound crossover. It is well composed on corners, with partial credit to the heavy battery. That battery also takes a bite out of towing ability. The tow rating for the PHEV is just 1,654 pounds, compared to 4,000 for the nonhybrid. The cabin is a world apart from last year. The upscale SX Prestige has a clean, sophisticated look with suede headliner, ambient lighting, and leather-trimmed seats with stitching detail. The six-seater also is comfortable and plenty roomy from head to legs. Front seats are heated, ventilated and have 14-way power adjustments for the driver, 10-way for the passenger. Second-row captain's chairs are heated and have even more legroom than some of the two-row crossovers. And they get window shades. The third row, as is typical, is best left for kids with only 29.6 inches of legroom. The cockpit technology is super impressive. The SX Prestige now has a curved panoramic display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, one for navigation and infotainment, the other for a digital instrument cluster. It marks a giant improvement over last year in appearance, ease of use and response times. A touch panel here also displays controls for climate and a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system. It includes wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger is stationed up front, too, and USB-C ports are available in all three rows. There's no shortage of storage cubbies, a must in any family hauler, and a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade brightens the ride how you like it. Cargo capacity is meager with all seats in use at 12.6 cubic feet, but flip down the 3rd row with the push of a button to unveil 38.5 cubes. With both back rows down there's a generous 75.5 cubic feet. Kia's "Smart" lift back is great when your hands are full: Just stand behind it for a few moments and it opens automatically. Kia also added safety features and driver assists to the SX Prestige PHEV. A navigation-based "Smart Cruise Control" has intersection assist, detects pedestrians and cyclists, and can automatically slow the vehicle on curves. The intuitive system also learns your driving habits and adapts to them over time. On the open road, Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2 enables hands-free driving and changes lanes. The top-tier SX Prestige plug-in runs a few thousand dollars more for 2025, but you get what you pay for. It's a major step up in technology, has edgier looks and a more refined cabin. 2025 Kia Sorento SX Prestige PHEV MSRP: $53,090 AS TESTED: $54,690 (All inclusive with features like panoramic sunroof, leather seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, rear sunshades, Highway Driving Assist 2) What's all the excitement about? Edgier look, more power, dual curved screens for infotainment and gauges, a bevy of safety and driver-assist features. Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with 91-hp motor for total 262 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque; 13.8-kWh battery enables 32 miles of electric-only driving How's the performance? Not fast but lower emissions, remember, and good enough with 0-60 mph in 8 seconds; Ride quality is good, well composed on corners Fuel economy: EPA-estimated 74 MPGe with electric-gas combined; 33 mpg combined when gas-only in use Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This hybrid SUV offers over 630 miles of driving range — here's why it's perfect for road trips
Hybrid technology has completely changed the game in terms of fuel economy and driving range. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use electric motors and battery packs in tandem with a gas engine to aide acceleration and store power via regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles are more efficient than typical internal combustion engine vehicles because electric motors and battery packs provide added driving range without burning fuel. So, the advent of HEV technology has expanded the range potential of modern automobiles. As a result, there are several cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market capable of traveling for over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. The Kia Sorento Hybrid has one of the highest driving ranges of all current production SUVs due to its large tank size and incredible fuel efficiency. The midsize three-row hybrid SUV seats six and achieves more gas mileage than many smaller SUVs and cars. The South Korean automaker's Sorento Hybrid earns an estimated 36 miles per gallon combined. It has a 17.7-gallon gas tank. Multiplying 36 miles per gallon by its 17.7-gallon gas tank gives you an estimated combined city/highway driving range of 637 miles. To put that number into perspective, the most popular gas SUV in America (the Toyota RAV4 according to Kelley Blue Book) has a 435-mile driving range. The Sorento Hybrid's driving range is particularly extraordinary because of its large size. Midsize SUVs tend to achieve some of the worst fuel economy numbers behind massive full-size models because of their heft. So, automakers are completely changing the narrative, making these passenger and cargo-friendly models both spacious and efficient. The Sorento Hybrid has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space and 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear row of seats folded. It has plenty of space for travel supplies. The Kia Sorento Hybrid's cabin is roomy, offering ample space according to a vehicle review by U.S. News & World Report. It also comes with plenty of great standard safety and driver-assistance features that make it safer and more convenient for road trips. Blind-spot collision warning Forward-collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, cycling, and junction turning detection Park distance warning-rear Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go/curve Driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert Kia's midsize hybrid SUV comes in two trims: the EX and SX Prestige. The SX Prestige final trim is slightly less efficient (34 miles per gallon combined), but comes with more standard features including all-wheel drive. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,690 for the EX base model. SX Prestige models start at $46,890. The final configuration includes a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot view and surround-view monitor, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The national average gas price at the time of writing is $3.22 a gallon according to Since the Sorento Hybrid has a 17.7-gallon tank, it currently costs around $56.99 ($3.22 a gallon x 17.7 gallons) to refuel the midsize SUV. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (619 miles) Lexus RX 350h (614 miles) Toyota Highlander Hybrid (598 miles) Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (584 miles) Toyota Crown Signia (551 miles) There are several hybrid SUVs on the market with exceptional driving ranges thanks to fuel efficiency and large gas tanks. These models are great for road trips in the sense that they can travel greater distances without refueling compared to less efficient vehicles. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why this Kia hybrid SUV is perfect for summer road trips Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
This hybrid SUV offers over 630 miles of driving range — here's why it's perfect for road trips
Kia's midsize hybrid SUV goes the distance because of unique powertrain. Hybrid technology has completely changed the game in terms of fuel economy and driving range. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use electric motors and battery packs in tandem with a gas engine to aide acceleration and store power via regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles are more efficient than typical internal combustion engine vehicles because electric motors and battery packs provide added driving range without burning fuel. So, the advent of HEV technology has expanded the range potential of modern automobiles. As a result, there are several cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market capable of traveling for over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. How much driving range does the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid have? The Kia Sorento Hybrid has one of the highest driving ranges of all current production SUVs due to its large tank size and incredible fuel efficiency. The midsize three-row hybrid SUV seats six and achieves more gas mileage than many smaller SUVs and cars. The South Korean automaker's Sorento Hybrid earns an estimated 36 miles per gallon combined. It has a 17.7-gallon gas tank. Multiplying 36 miles per gallon by its 17.7-gallon gas tank gives you an estimated combined city/highway driving range of 637 miles. To put that number into perspective, the most popular gas SUV in America (the Toyota RAV4 according to Kelley Blue Book) has a 435-mile driving range. The Sorento Hybrid's driving range is particularly extraordinary because of its large size. Midsize SUVs tend to achieve some of the worst fuel economy numbers behind massive full-size models because of their heft. So, automakers are completely changing the narrative, making these passenger and cargo-friendly models both spacious and efficient. Why the Kia Sorento Hybrid is a great road trip vehicle The Sorento Hybrid has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space and 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear row of seats folded. It has plenty of space for travel supplies. The Kia Sorento Hybrid's cabin is roomy, offering ample space according to a vehicle review by U.S. News & World Report. It also comes with plenty of great standard safety and driver-assistance features that make it safer and more convenient for road trips. Kia Sorento Hybrid standard features Kia's midsize hybrid SUV comes in two trims: the EX and SX Prestige. The SX Prestige final trim is slightly less efficient (34 miles per gallon combined), but comes with more standard features including all-wheel drive. How much does the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid cost? The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,690 for the EX base model. SX Prestige models start at $46,890. The final configuration includes a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot view and surround-view monitor, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Kia Sorento Hybrid fuel cost The national average gas price at the time of writing is $3.22 a gallon according to Since the Sorento Hybrid has a 17.7-gallon tank, it currently costs around $56.99 ($3.22 a gallon x 17.7 gallons) to refuel the midsize SUV. Other SUVs with high driving ranges There are several hybrid SUVs on the market with exceptional driving ranges thanks to fuel efficiency and large gas tanks. These models are great for road trips in the sense that they can travel greater distances without refueling compared to less efficient vehicles.
Car and Driver
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Kia offers this hybrid version of its Carnival minivan alongside a gas-only van powered by a V-6. Although the Carnival Hybrid is slightly down on power compared to the V-6 model, it's able to accelerate just as quickly and doesn't feel lacking for oomph on the road. Your reward for buying the slightly more expensive hybrid version is improved fuel efficiency—we saw 29 mpg with the hybrid in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, compared to 28 with the V-6. The Carnival Hybrid goes up against Toyota's all-hybrid Sienna lineup as well as the plug-in hybrid version of the Chrysler Pacifica. The Carnival siblings remain among our favorites in a strong crop of minivans. What's New for 2026? A year after its introduction, there are no major changes to the Carnival Hybrid. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid is expected to start around $43,000 and go up to $55,000 depending on the trim and options. LXS $43,000 (est) EX $45,000 (est) SX $50,000 (est) SX Prestige $55,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k The Carnival Hybrid is offered in four trims, starting with the entry-level LXS and topping out at the loaded SX Prestige. We think the EX represents the best value because it comes with extra features, including a power tailgate, a wireless smartphone charger, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and 19-inch wheels. Engine, Transmission, and Performance All Carnival Hybrids come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that's augmented by a 72-hp electric motor to drive the front wheels. This combination amounts to 242 horsepower, which is slightly less than the nonhybrid Carnival's 287-hp V-6 engine provides. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. In our test drive, we found the Carnival Hybrid to be as powerful, refined, and pleasant to drive as the standard model. The ride is smooth, the cabin is quiet, and handling is secure. The hybrid has different settings for the regenerative braking system that can slow the car at varying levels when you lift off the brake. But we found that, on downhill stretches, selecting the higher levels fill the battery, causing the regeneration to shut off. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the Carnival Hybrid got to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, tying the 2025 Carnival V-6 nonhybrid we tested. View Exterior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA rates the Carnival Hybrid at 33 mpg combined, 34 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway, a significant boost over the nonhybrid model. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Carnival Hybrid achieved 29 mpg, slightly below its official rating. For more information about the Carnival Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Carnival Hybrid's dashboard and front-seat area are both modern and accommodating. A large center console offers plenty of small-item storage, while an optional dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display gives you easy access to the van's connectivity features. The upscale SX Prestige trim comes with leather upholstery and can be ordered with reclining second-row seats that have pop-up footrests. While these provide a relaxing way for passengers to while away the hours on a long road trip, they cannot be removed or stowed in the floor as in rival minivans, which limits the Carnival's maximum cargo space and versatility. A panoramic sunroof is optional and provides a large opening over the second row so the kids can get some fresh air. In our testing, we fit 14 carry-on suitcases behind the third row of seats and a whopping 48 in total with all seats folded. That's a ton of cargo space, but it should be noted that both the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Honda Odyssey proved slightly more spacious. View Interior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity While a single 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, dual 12.3-inch displays that stretch across two-thirds of the Carnival Hybrid's dashboard are optional, with one serving as a digital gauge display and the other performing infotainment duties. A voice assistant is integrated into the infotainment software and occupants can verbally ask the car to perform tasks such as opening a window, adjusting the climate control, or navigating to a destination. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Seven USB ports dot the Carnival's cabin; two other power outlets are also included. A rear-seat entertainment system is optional starting on the SX trim and features two 14.6-inch displays that provide access to streaming services. The system is Bluetooth-enabled for headphones, so the kids can watch Bluey and Paw Patrol while you drive in peace. A 12-speaker Bose stereo is available but limited to the top-spec SX Prestige trim. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Kia offers many standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, and blind-spot monitoring, all of which help the Carnival compete with the Pacifica Hybrid, the Sienna Hybrid, and the Honda Odyssey. For more information about the Carnival's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Kia's warranty trumps its rivals', with a powertrain policy that spans 10 years or 100,000 miles. Unlike the Sienna, though, the Carnival Hybrid doesn't come with any complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door van PRICE Base/As Tested: $53,995/$56,760 Options: Rear Seat Entertainment package, $2500; carpeted floor mats, $265; SX Prestige Seat package, $0 POWERTRAIN turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 178 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 74 hp, 224 lb-ft (combined output: 242 hp, 271 lb-ft); 1.2-kWh (C/D est) lithium-ion battery pack Transmission: 6-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc Tires: Continental CrossContact RX 235/55R-19 105H M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 121.7 in Length: 203.0 in Width: 78.5 in Height: 69.9 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/56/43 ft3 Cargo Volume, behind F/M/R: –/87/40 ft3 Curb Weight: 4985 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph 100 mph: 25.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.3 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.0 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 115 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 29 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 550 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 33/34/31 mpg More Features and Specs
