KIA says the Carnival exceeds the safety standards set down in both the USA and Europe. A driver's airbag is standard, but passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes are unavailable. The steering column is energy-absorbing. Front seatbelts are height adjustable, but the centre rear seatbelt is lap-only.

Carnival has no seatbelt pretensioners or clamps, though its bumpers are designed to withstand small knocks.