A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carens
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Trafic Passenger
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Fourth-generation Kia Carens (KY) facelift; South African launch May 2026
Current long-wheelbase nine-seat Trafic Passenger introduced to the South African retail range in 2026 with 125 kW Blue dCi power and EAG9 automatic transmission
Facelift History
Current facelift launched in South Africa in May 2026
Current Trafic face and smart-cockpit specification with three South African grades: Evolution, Evolution+ and Techno+
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
MPV
MPV
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
MPV
Large MPV
Tare Mass Kg
1745 kg
-
Vehicle Type
MPV
MPV
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Length
4550 mm
5480 mm
Width
1800 mm
1956 mm
Height
1734 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
2780 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
199 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
216 l
1890 l
Kerb Weight
1488 kg
2160 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2050 kg
3070 kg
Payload Capacity
562 kg
910 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
2500 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
9 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
6.9 m
Front Headroom
1062 mm
1019 mm
Rear Headroom
1045 mm
1060 mm
Front Legroom
1031 mm
1028 mm
Rear Legroom
928 mm
930 mm
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Front Track Width
1563 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1587 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Trailing Arm with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Power Steering
Yes
-
Steering Column
Adjustable
-
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
-
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Trailing Arm with Coil Spring
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Yes
Manual
Power Windows
Yes
Front
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
-
Speed Limiter
Yes
-
AC Type
Yes
Manual
Adaptive Dampers
No
-
Aero Kit
No
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
-
Boot Opener
Remote
-
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
-
Chrome Grille
Yes
-
Climate Zones
2
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Drag Coefficient
0.34
-
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Engine Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.3
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
-
Glovebox Cooling
No
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
-
Heads Up Display
Yes
-
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
-
Intercooler
Yes
-
Multi Function Steering
Yes
-
Panoramic Roof
No
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Rear Defogger
Yes
-
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
Yes
-
Rear Wing
Yes
-
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Rev Matching
No
-
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
-
Roof Antenna
Yes
-
Seat Type
Leather Seats
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Side Steps
No
-
Skid Plates
No
-
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Full-Size
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Tyre Repair Kit
No
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Voice Command
Yes
-
Voice Command Support
Yes
-
Accelerator 0 100
11.5 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Yes
Manual
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
4
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
No
-
Difflock
No
-
Digital Speedometer
Yes
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Front Wiper
Yes
-
Front Wipers Type
Yes
-
Glove Box
Yes
-
Heated Mirrors
Yes
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
-
Lift Gate
No
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Yes
-
Mirror
Electric
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
Yes
-
Powered Tailgate
No
-
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
-
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
-
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
-
Remote Start
No
-
Rim Size
215/55 R17
16-inch Alloy
Roof Load
50 kg
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
-
Side Impact Bars
Yes
-
Sonar
Yes
-
Sound System
8
4
Source Model Column
carens
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
-
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Yes
Standard
Trim Level
flagship
-
Unlocking
Yes
Standard
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vdc
Yes
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
-
Walk Away Lock
Yes
-
Wireless Charger
Yes
Standard
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
2.0-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
D4FA
M9R
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
1997 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
15.1:1
Bore
75 mm
85 mm
Stroke
84.5 mm
88 mm
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
380 Nm @ 1500 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
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.1 sec
12.5 sec
Quarter Mile
18.4 sec
17.8 sec
Drive Modes
No
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
57.1 kW/tonne
57.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
168.0 Nm/tonne
175.9 Nm/tonne
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
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed EAG9 Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
-
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-Wheel Drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Available
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic
Torque Converter Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
FWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
6
9
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
15.3 km/l
11.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.1 km/l
16.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
24.7 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
80
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Alarm System
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
-
Side Impact Beams
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
-
Whiplash Protection
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
AEB
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Sport Mode
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Front Camera
Yes
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
-
Parking Sensor
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Trafic Passenger
Seat Material
Leather
Imitation Leather
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Driver
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Steering Type
Yes
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Yes
-
Front Shoulder Room
1421 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
-
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Removable Rear Benches
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
-
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Manual Height and Reach
Fabric Seats
No
-
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Memory Seats
Yes
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Manual
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1660
-
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
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
This Carens and Trafic Passenger comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. 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 Trafic Passenger 55.
Efficiency index: Carens 72 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Safety-equipment index: Carens 93 vs Trafic Passenger 90.
Practicality index: Carens 56 vs Trafic Passenger 88.
Ownership-cover index: Carens 54 vs Trafic Passenger not separately scored.
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.
Model imagery
Carens and Trafic Passenger image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
Trafic Passenger leads by 11 points
Trafic Passenger has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Carens remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Trafic Passenger
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
88/100
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRenault Trafic Passenger
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 62 pts for Carens
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Trafic Passenger 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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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