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.
GX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Carnival remains close.
Carnival starts ZAR 806,605 cheaperCarnival from ZAR 1,049,995 · GX from ZAR 1,856,600
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Carnival
GX
Maximum Power
Carnival148 kW @ 3800 rpm
GX260 kW
Maximum Torque
Carnival440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
GX650 Nm
Engine Size
Carnival2151 cc
GX3500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Carnival13.9 km/l
GX8.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
Carnival175 mm
GX220 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 ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Central Locking
Yes
-
Alarm System
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
7
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
7
-
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
Carnival
GX
Alternator
Yes
-
Engine Oil Capacity
6.0 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Interval
15000
12 months / 10,000km
First Service At
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
R4,500 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
-
Battery Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Real-world City Mileage Min
9.4 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
12.2 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
15.3 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
17.8 l/100km
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
EV Mode
No
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor
Reverse Camera
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Park Assist
Yes
-
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Auto,Rainsensing
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
-
Parking Sensor
Yes
-
Front Camera
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Locking Differential
No
Rear
Approach Angle
16 deg
27.0 deg
Departure Angle
17 deg
22.0 deg
Ramp Breakover Angle
14 deg
-
Ramp-over Angle
19 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Standard
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
220 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Full-time four-wheel drive
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
Standard
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Approach Angle Deg
16 deg
27.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
17 deg
22.0 deg
Breakover Angle
14 deg
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Length
5155 mm
5015 mm
Width
1995 mm
2000 mm
Height
1775 mm
1870 mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
220 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
12.1 m
6 m
Kerb Weight
2110 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2750 kg
3110 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
3500 kg
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
11 seats
5 seats
Front Headroom
1010 mm
-
Rear Headroom
955 mm
-
Front Legroom
1040 mm
-
Rear Legroom
855 mm
-
Boot/Cargo Space
145 l
1063 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
80 l
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
172 mm
-
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Payload Capacity
700 kg
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Front Track Width
1713 mm
1687 mm
Rear Track Width
1711 mm
1688 mm
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone -
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Four Link with Coil Spring -
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
-
Steering Column
Adjustable
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone -
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Four Link with Coil Spring -
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link
-
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Front Overhang
938 mm
-
Rear Overhang
1127 mm
-
Body Type
MPV
-
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy Alloy
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
-
Rear Wiper
No
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Standard
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
DRL
Yes
Standard LED
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Fog Lamps
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard
-
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Rear Spoiler
No
-
Body Cladding
No
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
Graphite Black GF, Sonic Titanium, Terrane Khaki, Titanium Carbide Gray, White Quartz
Exterior Colour Options
5
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Standard LED
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
-
Rear Spoiler
No
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Front Shoulder Room
1405 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1350 mm
-
Steering Type
Yes
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Standard TFT
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
3 Spoke/ Leather
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Standard Front only
Seat Material
Leather
Synthetic Leather
Fabric Seats
No
-
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Driver + Passenger Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Driver + Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Power
Driver + Passenger Power
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Power
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Driver 2-way,Power
Memory Seats
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
60:40 - Tumble
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60:40 - Tumble
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Yes
Standard
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
Cup Holders
8
Standard 8
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
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
2785
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Trim
Leather
Synthetic Leather
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
-
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Fold Type
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Yes
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Front Brake Disc Diameter
330 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
296 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
-
Tyre Size
235/60 R18
F:265-70 R18 Aluminum / R:265-70 R18 Aluminum
Wheel Rim Size
235/60 R18
18
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Wheel Diameter
235/60 R18
18
Wheel Type
Alloy Alloy
-
Tyre Type
Radial
-
Tyre Load Index
112
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Full 265-70 R18 Aluminum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Full 265-70 R18 Aluminum
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Wheel Material
Alloy Alloy
-
Wheels
Alloy Alloy
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
-
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
-
Wheel Size Type
235/60 R18
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Infotainment Screen
12.3
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Infotainment Display
12.3
-
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Touchscreen
12.3
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Navigation System
Yes
Standard/ EMV
Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
Android Auto
Yes
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
4
Standard 6PCs
Rear Usb
Yes
-
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
12
Standard 10
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Standard TFT
Head Up Display
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Multi Information Display
Digital
-
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Connected Services
Yes
Standard
Audio Speakers
12
Standard 10
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
Standard 6PCs
Voice Control
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio System
Yes
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Basic Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 100,000km
Warranty Years
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 100,000km
Warranty Kilometers
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 100,000km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 100,000km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
Carnival
GX
Body Style
MPV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
MPV
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
MPV
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Color Note
Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Glacial White Pearl
-
Tare Mass Kg
2110 kg
2475-2515 kg
Model Introduced Year
2021
2025
Generation
Fourth generation (KA4); global launch 2020, SA 2021
Third-generation Lexus GX 550 body-on-frame luxury SUV
Facelift History
Fourth generation (KA4) launched SA 2021; 2023 updated specification
All-new GX 550 launched in South Africa in 2025 with Overtrail and SE grades
Facelift Launched Since
2023
All-new GX 550 launched in South Africa in 2025 with Overtrail and SE grades
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Production Status
active
published
Spec
Carnival
GX
Price Zar
1299995 ZAR
1856600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Top
Starting Price
1299995
1856600
Starting Price Zar
1299995
1856600
Ownership Role
Top
Private luxury, family and business
Spec
Carnival
GX
Engine
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
3.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
D4HB
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2151 cc
3500 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Compression Ratio
15.4:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
85.4 mm
85.5 mm
Stroke
94 mm
100 mm
Maximum Power
148 kW @ 3800 rpm
260 kW
Maximum Torque
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
650 Nm
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
4WD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.0 sec
7.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
70.1 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
208.5 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
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
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carnival and GX 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 GX 96.
Efficiency index: Carnival 55 vs GX 34.
Safety-equipment index: Carnival 100 vs GX 93.
Practicality index: Carnival 58 vs GX 88.
Ownership-cover index: Carnival 71 vs GX 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
Carnival and GX 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
GX leads by 10 points
GX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Carnival remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GX
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
34/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
88/100
Carnival
Performance
67/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus GX
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 71 pts for Carnival
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GX leads. However, Carnival 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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