A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
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Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carens
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Carnival
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Rev Matching
No
No
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Drag Coefficient
0.34
0.38
Roof Load
50 kg
100 kg
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
2785 l
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Normal
Normal
Skid Plates
No
No
Side Steps
No
No
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Temporary Spare
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
Digital Speedometer
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
Digital Cluster
Heads Up Display
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
Climate Zones
2
3
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Seat Type
Leather Seats
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Remote Start
No
No
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
Remote
Boot Opener
Remote
Remote
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Heated Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
Yes
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Tail Lamps
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Panoramic Roof
No
No
Roof Antenna
Yes
Yes
Rear Wing
Yes
No
Aero Kit
No
No
Chrome Grille
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
Yes
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Powered Tailgate
No
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Trim Level
flagship
top
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Accelerator 0 100
11.5 sec
10.0 sec
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Diff Lock
No
No
Difflock
No
No
Vdc
Yes
Yes
TPMS
Yes
Yes
Sonar
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Yes
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Bottle Holders
4
8
Glove Box
Yes
Yes
Manual Aircon
Yes
Yes
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Passive Entry Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
Yes
Lift Gate
No
Yes
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Power Socket 12v
Yes
Yes
Sound System
8
12
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
No
Mirror
Electric
Electric
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
Yes
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
Yes
Sub Frame
Unibody
Unibody
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
carens
carnival
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Walk Away Lock
Yes
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
Yes
Front Wiper
Yes
No
Front Wipers Type
Yes
No
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
Yes
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
Yes
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
Centre Armrest
Side Impact Bars
Yes
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
2785 l
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.3
7.2
AC Type
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
No
No
Engine Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Rim Size
215/55 R17
235/60 R18
Power Sliding Doors
-
No
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
B7 Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
No
No
Particulate Filter
DPF
DPF
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
No
Green NCAP Rating
4
5
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Noise Level
67 dB
68 dB
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
139
198
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
189 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
139
189
Spec
Carens
Carnival
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
13.9 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
15.3 km/l
11.1 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.1 km/l
16.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
72 l
Fuel Tank Litres
45
72
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Number of Gears
6
8
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
No
No
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Torque Converter
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
3.63
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
Differential Lock
No
No
LSD Available
No
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
15.2:1
Transmission Speeds
6
8
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
No
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
ABS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
7
Knee Airbag
No
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
7
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
7
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Alternator
Yes
Yes
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
6.0 l
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
15000
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Interval
15000
15000
First Service At
15000
15000
Approx Service Cost
R3,800 per service
R4,500 per service
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Service Intervals
15000
15000
Battery Warranty
-
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Real-world City Mileage Min
12.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
16.2 l/100km
12.2 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
19.1 l/100km
15.3 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22.3 l/100km
17.8 l/100km
Spec
Carens
Carnival
EV Mode
No
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Reversing Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensor
Yes
Yes
Front Camera
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Yes
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Locking Differential
No
No
Approach Angle
16 deg
16 deg
Departure Angle
18 deg
17 deg
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
14 deg
Ramp-over Angle
14 deg
19 deg
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Underbody Protection
No
No
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
175 mm
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
175 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
16 deg
16 deg
Departure Angle Deg
18 deg
17 deg
Breakover Angle
16 deg
14 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Wheelbase
2780 mm
3090 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
7 seats
11 seats
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
172 mm
Payload Capacity
562 kg
700 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
1500 kg
Number of Rows
3 rows
3 rows
Length
4550 mm
5155 mm
Width
1800 mm
1995 mm
Height
1734 mm
1775 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
175 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
12.1 m
Kerb Weight
1488 kg
2110 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2050 kg
2750 kg
Front Headroom
1062 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
1045 mm
955 mm
Front Legroom
1031 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
928 mm
855 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
216 l
145 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
72 l
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Body Type
MPV
MPV
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
Electric
Rear Wiper
Yes
No
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Roof Type
Standard
Standard
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes
No
Body Cladding
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
Body Colour
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
Multiple
Exterior Colour Options
5
5
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Auto Headlights
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlights
Yes
Yes
Headlight Type
Yes
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes
No
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
Body Colour
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Front Overhang
830 mm
938 mm
Rear Overhang
940 mm
1127 mm
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Panoramic Sunroof
No
No
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Chassis Type
Unibody
Unibody
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Telescopic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
Telescopic
Chassis Material
Unibody
Unibody
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Front Track Width
1563 mm
1713 mm
Rear Track Width
1587 mm
1711 mm
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Steering Type
Yes
Yes
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Digital
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Cooled Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Fabric Seats
No
No
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
8-Way Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
8-Way Power
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
8-Way Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
4-Way Power
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
4
8
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Interior Courtesy Lamps
7-seat layout with sliding second row (EX+), 10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), panoramic sunroof (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), digital cluster (SX), full ADAS suite (SX), 6 airbags
Power sliding rear doors, business-class second-row captain's chairs, rear entertainment screens (SX), 12.3+12.3-inch curved display, wireless CarPlay, surround-view camera (SX), power-fold third row (SX)
Boot Space Seats Down
1660
2785
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Yes
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
8-Way Power
Seat Fold Type
Yes
Yes
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Yes
Interior Colours
Black
Black
Interior Trim Colour
Black
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
1421 mm
1405 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
1350 mm
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300 mm
330 mm
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
296 mm
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
235 mm
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
235 mm
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Tyre Type
Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
107
112
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Temporary Spare
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Temporary Spare
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Yes
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
Temporary Spare
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
Electronic
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
Leather
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
Leather
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Yes
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Yes
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
235/60 R18
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
235/60 R18
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
235/60 R18
Wheel Material
Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
235/60 R18
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Infotainment Screen
12.3
12.3
Infotainment Display
12.3
12.3
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
12.3
Touchscreen
12.3
12.3
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
4
4
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
No
No
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Number of Speakers
8
12
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Head Up Display
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Multi Information Display
Digital
Digital
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Connected Services
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8
12
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
4
Voice Control
Yes
Yes
Audio
Yes
Yes
Audio System
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / Unlimited km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Body Style
MPV
MPV
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
MPV
MPV
Vehicle Type
MPV
MPV
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl
Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Glacial White Pearl
Tare Mass Kg
1745 kg
2110 kg
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Production Status
active
active
Model Introduced Year
2026
2021
Generation
Fourth-generation Kia Carens (KY) facelift; South African launch May 2026
Fourth generation (KA4); global launch 2020, SA 2021
Facelift History
Current facelift launched in South Africa in May 2026
Fourth generation (KA4) launched SA 2021; 2023 updated specification
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2023
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Ownership Role
Flagship
Top
Price Zar
599995 ZAR
1299995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current official retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
599995
1299995
Starting Price Zar
599995
1299995
Spec
Carens
Carnival
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
2151 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
15.4:1
Bore
75 mm
85.4 mm
Stroke
84.5 mm
94 mm
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
148 kW @ 3800 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Launch Control
No
No
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
D4FA
D4HB
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.1 sec
10.0 sec
Quarter Mile
18.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
57.1 kW/tonne
70.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
168.0 Nm/tonne
208.5 Nm/tonne
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carens and Carnival comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Carens 39 vs Carnival 67.
Efficiency index: Carens 72 vs Carnival 55.
Safety-equipment index: Carens 93 vs Carnival 100.
Practicality index: Carens 56 vs Carnival 58.
Ownership-cover index: Carens 54 vs Carnival 71.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Carnival leads by 9 points
Carnival has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Carens remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Carnival
Performance
67/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
71/100
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Carnival
leads the specification evidence index with 71 pts
vs 62 pts for Carens
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Carnival leads. However, Carens may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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