NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a family-focused minivan that brings electrified efficiency to one of the more practical body styles on the market. Aimed squarely at households that need seating for seven or eight and want lower fuel costs without sacrificing the sliding-door convenience that defines the segment, the Carnival Hybrid slots in as Kia's answer to the modern family hauler.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers generally find the Kia Carnival to be a well-rounded minivan with a spacious, thoughtfully arranged interior and a smooth, composed ride quality. Most praise its comfortable seating, accessible technology features, and strong value proposition within the segment. The Hybrid variant draws additional interest for its efficiency focus, though some reviewers note the powertrain adds a layer of complexity worth evaluating on longer drives.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21166
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.