KIA Carnival vs Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

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.

KIA Carnival in South Africa

KIA Carnival

2.2 CRDi SXL AT Diesel 8-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 1,299,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 148 kW 🔧 440 Nm ⛽ 13.9 km/l
VS
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 in South Africa

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Arctic Trucks AT35 A/T Diesel 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 1,211,910 ex-showroom
⚡ 140 kW 🔧 450 Nm ⛽ 11.8 km/l
＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA Carnival vs Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35: the short answer

Carnival and D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

Carnival starts ZAR 161,915 cheaper Carnival from ZAR 1,049,995 · D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 from ZAR 1,211,910

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Carnival D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Maximum Power Carnival148 kW @ 3800 rpm D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque Carnival440 Nm @ 1750 rpm D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35450 Nm
Engine Size Carnival2151 cc D-Max Arctic Trucks AT352999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Carnival13.9 km/l D-Max Arctic Trucks AT3511.8 km/l
Ground Clearance Carnival175 mm D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35266 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Independent editorial assessment

Hagalu editorial ratings

When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.

KIA Carnival

2.2 CRDi SXL AT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Arctic Trucks AT35 A/T

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Carnival

Strengths
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to: Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader

D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to: Published Performance Published Practicality

Which One's Right for You?

Carnival

  • Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
  • Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment

D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Carnival D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Intercooler Yes -
Rev Matching No -
Performance Data Logger No -
Fuel Consumption Combined 7.2 -
Engine Start Stop Yes Passive Entry Start System
Engine Start Stop Button Yes Passive Entry Start System
Engine Start Button Illumination Yes -
Engine Check Warning Yes -
Drag Coefficient 0.38 -
Roof Load 100 kg -
Boot Space Seats Folded 2785 l -
Stabilizer Bar Yes -
Steering Response Normal -
Skid Plates No -
Side Steps No Arctic Trucks extended-profile side steps
Spare Wheel Temporary Spare 18x7.5J-33 alloy
Tyre Repair Kit No -
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner Yes -
Hill Start Assist Yes -
Speed Limiter Yes -
Speed Alert System Yes -
Impact Sensing Door Unlock Yes -
Surround View Monitor Yes No
Adaptive Dampers No -
Wireless Charging Yes AT35 wireless charging pad
Voice Command Yes -
Voice Command Support Yes -
Digital Speedometer Yes -
Driver Display Digital Cluster -
Heads Up Display Yes -
Tachometer Yes -
Trip Computer Yes -
Multi Function Steering Yes -
Steering Mounted Controls Yes -
Air Conditioning Yes Automatic dual-zone
AC Type Yes Automatic dual-zone
Climate Control Yes Automatic dual-zone
Climate Zones 3 -
Rear Air Conditioning Yes -
Glovebox Cooling No -
Seat Type Leather Seats -
Driver Seat Height Adjustment Yes -
Rear Seat Split Yes -
Headrest Adjustable Yes -
Front Armrest Centre Armrest -
Vanity Mirror Yes -
12V Accessory Socket Yes -
Front Power Outlet Yes -
Rear Reading Lamps Yes -
Keyless Entry Yes Passive Entry Start System and walk-away auto lock
Push Button Start Yes Passive Entry Start System
Push Button Start Yes Passive Entry Start System
Remote Engine Start No -
Remote Start No -
Remote Central Locking Yes -
Door Ajar Warning Yes -
Fuel Lid Opener Remote -
Boot Opener Remote -
Power Windows Yes Front and rear; driver one-touch with jam protection
Power Mirrors Yes -
Heated Mirrors Yes -
Electric Folding Mirrors Yes -
Electric Mirror Folding Yes -
Remote Side Mirror Yes -
Auto Dimming Irvm Yes -
Auto Dimming Mirror Yes Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers Yes Standard
Rear Window Defroster Yes -
Rear Defogger Yes -
Follow Me Home Headlamps Yes -
Tail Lamps Yes -
Automatic Headlamps Yes -
Headlamp Height Adjust Yes -
Headlamp Washer No -
Sunroof No No
Panoramic Roof No No
Roof Antenna Yes -
Rear Wing No -
Aero Kit No -
Chrome Grille Yes -
Chrome Exterior Highlights Yes -
Ride Mode Selection Yes -
Electric Tailgate Yes No; assisted tailgate lift
Powered Tailgate Yes -
Power Sliding Doors No -
Engine Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km -
Service Reminder Yes -
Trim Level top -
Variant Role Flagship / premium derivative -
Vehicle To Load Not Available -
Accelerator 0 100 10.0 sec -
Common Rail Injection Common Rail Direct Injection -
Diff Lock No -
Difflock No -
Vdc Yes -
TPMS Yes Standard
Sonar Yes -
Automatic High Beam Yes -
Steering Column Adjustment Tilt and Telescopic -
Tilt Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Telescopic Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Bottle Holders 8 -
Glove Box Yes -
Manual Aircon Yes -
Intelligent Keyless Entry Yes -
Passive Entry Start Yes -
Wireless Charger Yes AT35 wireless charging pad
Lift Gate Yes -
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors Yes -
Power Socket 12v Yes -
Sound System 12 8
Roof Rack Compatibility No -
Mirror Electric -
Rim Size 235/60 R18 17x10-inch Arctic Trucks black alloy
Stabilizer Bar Front Yes -
Stabilizer Bar Rear Yes -
Sub Frame Unibody -
Vehicle To Grid Not Available -
One Pedal Driving Not Available -
Regenerative Braking Levels Not Available -
Rear Electric Motor Not Available -
Battery Preconditioning Not Available -
Load Bed Cover Not Available -
Tailgate Lock Not Available -
Sports Bar Not Available -
Canopy Fitment Not Available -
Bed Extender Not Available -
Source Model Column carnival -
Intelligent Battery System Not Available -
Front Diff Lock Not Available -
Rear Diff Lock Not Available -
Loadbox Depth Mm Not Available 490 mm
Load Bed Light Not Available -
Load Bed Steps Not Available -
Loadbox Rope Hooks Not Available -
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets Not Available -
Tailgate Damper Not Available -
Tow Bar Type Not Available -
Sport Plus Mode Not Available -
Unlocking Yes Passive Entry Start System and walk-away auto lock
Walk Away Lock Yes -
Walk Away Auto Door Lock Yes -
Rear LED Combination Taillights Yes -
Front Wiper No -
Front Wipers Type No -
Rearview Mirror Inside Yes -
Vanity Mirror Illuminated Yes -
Reading Lights Rear Yes -
Centre Console Centre Armrest -
Side Impact Bars Yes -
Boot Space Seats Folded 2785 l -
Load Bed Length Not Applicable 1,495 mm
Load Bed Width Not Applicable 1,530 mm
Loadbox Length Mm Not Applicable 1495 mm
Loadbox Width Mm Not Applicable 1530 mm
Mudflaps - Arctic Trucks mud flaps
Tailgate Lift Assistance - Standard
Spec Carnival D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Fuel Octane Requirement B7 Diesel Diesel
Variable Valve Timing No -
Particulate Filter DPF -
Fuel Evaporation Control No -
Idle CO2 Output 198 -
CO2 Emissions 189 g/km 224 g/km (current linked AT35 booklet; printed 2023)
Green NCAP Rating 5 -
Start Stop System Yes -
Euro Emission Standard Euro 6 -
Noise Level 68 dB -
CO2 Emissions G Km 189 -
Hybrid System Type Not Available -

In depth: how these cars differ

This Carnival and D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 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: Carnival 67 vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 75.

Efficiency index: Carnival 55 vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 47.

Safety-equipment index: Carnival 100 vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 94.

Practicality index: Carnival 58 vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 88.

Ownership-cover index: Carnival 71 vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 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.

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

D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 leads by 7 points

Carnival and D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

Evidence leader 78 /100
Lead 7 points
Data 74% source coverage
78
#1 Evidence leader

D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

74% source coverage 3 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Efficiency 47
Performance 75
Efficiency 47
Safety 94
Practicality 88
Leads by 7 points
71
#2

Carnival

99% source coverage 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 100 Check Efficiency 55
Performance 67
Efficiency 55
Safety 100
Practicality 58
Ownership 71
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 +8 Efficiency Carnival +8 Safety Carnival +6 Practicality D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 +30

Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.

Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader

D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Performance 75/100
Efficiency 47/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 88/100

Carnival

Performance 67/100
Efficiency 55/100
Safety 100/100
Practicality 58/100
Ownership 71/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts vs 71 pts for Carnival

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 leads. However, Carnival may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Carnival vs D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 questions

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.