Kia Motors has announced the addition of a hybrid model to its Carnival minivan lineup, in response to the growing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles and to comply with tightening federal fuel economy standards. The decision to introduce a hybrid version comes as automakers seek to enhance vehicle efficiency and meet stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations.

Hybrid vehicles typically combine a traditional internal combustion engine with electric vehicle (EV) technologies, such as an electric motor and a small battery. Unlike all-electric vehicles, hybrids function like traditional vehicles and do not require plugging in.

Russell Wager, Kia America Vice President of Marketing, emphasized that the introduction of the hybrid option for the Carnival aims to provide customers with more choices. The South Korean automaker is committed to offering electrified models across its lineup to cater to a wider audience.

The Carnival hybrid, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, is set to be available for purchase alongside an updated version of the traditional minivan in the summer. Both models will feature refreshed styling and interior technologies compared to the current model, which gained attention in the family hauler segment for its SUV-inspired design upon its launch in 2021.

While Kia has not disclosed pricing or fuel economy expectations for the new models, the current Carnival is priced from approximately $33,000 to $47,000 and achieves up to 20.6 miles per gallon combined city/highway, with a total range of 418 miles using a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The hybrid model will be equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo-hybrid engine producing 242 horsepower and 271 foot-pounds of torque, alongside the existing V6 engine.

Kia anticipates that the hybrid model will account for half of the Carnival’s sales, marking it as the company’s fourth hybrid offering in its lineup.