The Kia Carnival was introduced into Kia’s U.S. lineup as a minivan in 2022 and is quickly gaining popularity in its segment. Kias are known for their affordability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s vehicles, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds across all trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Kia Carnival towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Kia Carnival Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2023 Kia Carnival can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels.
A 2023 Kia Carnival LX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Kia Carnival EX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Kia Carnival SX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia CarnivalTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| LX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| EX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| SX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| SX Prestige | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
2022 Kia Carnival Towing Capacity
The 2022 Kia Carnival can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels.
A 2022 Kia Carnival LX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Kia Carnival EX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Kia Carnival SX can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia CarnivalTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| LX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| EX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| SX | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
| SX Prestige | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 290 hp | 262 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Kia Carnival’s full specs, including towing:
Kia Carnival Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Kia Carnival Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Kia Carnival Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Kia Carnival Towing Capacity Factors
There aren’t really any factors that impace the Kia Carnival’s towing capabilities, as the model is only two years old in the U.S.
While some longer-running vehicles’ tow ratings may vary by engine differences or other options over the years, the Kia Carnival hasn’t had any major changes yet, so all Kia Carnival year models and trim levels can tow the same 3,500 pounds.
Kia Carnival Engine Specs
There is one engine option for the Kia Carnival.
Kia Carnival 3.5L V-6 Gas Engine
The Kia Carnival gas engine is a 3.5 Liter DOHC V-6 aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission
This engine produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque.
Kia Carnival Tow Package Info
Does The Kia Carnival Have A Tow Package?
Kia offers a factory-installed tow package for the Carnival MPV.
The Kia Carnival Tow Package includes the following:
- Class III Trailer Hitch
Kia does not specify if there is a wiring harness included.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Kia Carnival?
If you plan on towing anything with your Kia Carnival, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Kia Carnival Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Kia Carnival uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Kia Carnival trailer hitch:
- 2 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 4,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 600 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- Suitable For Use With Weight Distribution Hitch Up To 4,000 lbs. Weight Distribution (WD) And 600 lbs. Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Trucks, Vans, And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Class III, 2 in. Receiver, Compatible with Select KIA Carnival
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Carnival:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Kia Carnival Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Carnival, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Kia Carnival trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Kia Carnival Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Carnival to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Carnival.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
