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.
Carnival and MU-X are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MU-X starts ZAR 297,595 cheaperCarnival from ZAR 1,049,995 · MU-X from ZAR 752,400
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Carnival
MU-X
Maximum Power
Carnival148 kW @ 3800 rpm
MU-X110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
Carnival440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
MU-X350 Nm
Engine Size
Carnival2151 cc
MU-X3000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Carnival13.9 km/l
MU-X13.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Carnival175 mm
MU-X235 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.
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
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
MU-X
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carnival
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
MU-X
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
Carnival
MU-X
Intercooler
Yes
Standard
Rev Matching
No
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
7.2
7.6
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Drag Coefficient
0.38
-
Roof Load
100 kg
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
2785 l
Not Applicable
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
-
Skid Plates
No
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Side Steps
No
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Tyre Repair Kit
No
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Speed Limiter
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
-
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
No
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Voice Command
Yes
-
Voice Command Support
Yes
-
Digital Speedometer
Yes
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
-
Heads Up Display
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Multi Function Steering
Yes
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Standard
Air Conditioning
Yes
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
AC Type
Yes
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Climate Control
Yes
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Climate Zones
3
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
-
Glovebox Cooling
No
-
Seat Type
Leather Seats
Partial Leather
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
Yes
-
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
2
Front Power Outlet
Yes
2
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Remote Start
No
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
-
Boot Opener
Remote
-
Power Windows
Yes
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Power Mirrors
Yes
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Heated Mirrors
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Auto Dimming
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Auto Dimming
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Rear Defogger
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
No
Not Available
Roof Antenna
Yes
-
Rear Wing
No
Standard
Aero Kit
No
-
Chrome Grille
Yes
-
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
-
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
-
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Power with step sensor and control switch
Powered Tailgate
Yes
Power with step sensor and control switch
Power Sliding Doors
No
-
Engine Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Trim Level
top
flagship
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
10.0 sec
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
No
-
Difflock
No
-
Vdc
Yes
Standard
TPMS
Yes
Standard
Sonar
Yes
Front & Rear
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Standard
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Bottle Holders
8
-
Glove Box
Yes
-
Manual Aircon
Yes
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Passive Entry Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charger
Yes
Not Available
Lift Gate
Yes
Power with step sensor and control switch
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
Yes
2
Sound System
12
8
Roof Rack Compatibility
No
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Mirror
Electric
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Rim Size
235/60 R18
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
-
Vehicle To Grid
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
carnival
3.0 LSE A/T 4x4
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Standard
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
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
Standard
Walk Away Lock
Yes
Standard
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
Standard
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
Standard
Front Wiper
No
Auto, Rain Sensing
Front Wipers Type
No
Auto, Rain Sensing
Rearview Mirror Inside
Yes
Auto Dimming
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
-
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
-
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
-
Side Impact Bars
Yes
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
2785 l
Not Applicable
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
B Pillar Blackout
-
Standard
Front Bumper Colour
-
Gloss Black / Body Colour
Front Final Drive Ratio
-
3.727
Front Reading Lamps
-
Standard
Mudflaps
-
Front & Rear
Oil Pan Guard
-
Standard
Pre Air Cleaner
-
Standard
Reading Lights Front
-
Standard
Rear Bumper Colour
-
Body Colour / Gloss Black
Rear Final Drive Ratio
-
3.727
Rear Privacy Windows
-
Standard
Remote Start Engine
-
Standard
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Standard
Water Depth Protection Mm
-
800 mm
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
No
-
Particulate Filter
DPF
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
-
Idle CO2 Output
198
200
CO2 Emissions
189 g/km
200 g/km
Green NCAP Rating
5
-
Start Stop System
Yes
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Noise Level
68 dB
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
189
200
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
13.9 km/l
13.2 km/l
City Mileage
11.1 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.9 km/l
15.4 km/l
Real-world Mileage
13.9 km/l
13.2 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
80 l
Fuel Tank Litres
72
80
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
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
6 Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
4
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
4WD / AWD
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.2:1
-
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
8
4
Axle Layout
FWD
4WD / AWD
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Standard
Low Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Standard
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Gear Knob Trim
-
Leather / Piano Black
Gear Ratio 1st
-
3.600
Gear Ratio 2nd
-
2.090
Gear Ratio 3rd
-
1.488
Gear Ratio 4th
-
1.000
Gear Ratio 5th
-
0.687
Gear Ratio 6th
-
0.580
Gear Ratio Reverse
-
3.732
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Airbags
7
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Driver
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Whiplash Protection
Yes
-
ABS
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Yes
Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
-
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
7
Standard
Driver Passenger Airbags
7
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Standard
Far Side Airbag
-
Standard
Front Seat Side Airbags
-
Standard
Height Adjustable Seatbelts
-
Standard
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Alternator
Yes
120A
Engine Oil Capacity
6.0 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
12 months / 15 000 km
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90 000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90 000 km
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90 000 km
Service Interval
15000
12 months / 15 000 km
First Service At
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
R4,500 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
12 months / 15 000 km
Battery Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
-
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
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
MU-X
EV Mode
No
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Reversing Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Standard
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Surround View Camera
Yes
Standard
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Parking Sensor
Yes
Front & Rear
Front Camera
Yes
Standard
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Standard
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Driver Monitoring
-
Standard
Multi Collision Braking
-
Standard
Occupant Detection Sensor
-
Passengers
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
16 deg
30.0 deg
Departure Angle
17 deg
26.0 deg
Ramp Breakover Angle
14 deg
-
Ramp-over Angle
19 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Terrain Modes
Not Available
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
235 mm
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
235 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Four-wheel drive
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
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
30.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
17 deg
26.0 deg
Breakover Angle
14 deg
24.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
800 mm
Breakover Angle Deg
-
24.0 deg
Engine Sump Guard
-
Standard
Skid Plate Guard
-
Standard
Wading Depth Mm
-
800 mm
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Length
5155 mm
4850 mm
Width
1995 mm
1870 mm
Height
1775 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
2855 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
235 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
12.1 m
11.4 m
Kerb Weight
2110 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2750 kg
2800 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
3500 kg
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
11 seats
7 seats
Front Headroom
1010 mm
1005 mm
Rear Headroom
955 mm
975 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
855 mm
900 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
145 l
1119 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
80 l
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
172 mm
220 mm
Number of Rows
3 rows
3 rows
Payload Capacity
700 kg
659 kg
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Front Track Width
1713 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1711 mm
Not Applicable
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Independent High-ride Coil
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-link Coil
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Independent High-ride Coil
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Multi-link Coil
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Gas
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
Hydraulic
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt & Telescopic
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Independent High-ride Coil
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Independent High-ride Coil
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-link Coil
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link
Multi-link Coil
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
Gas
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Gross Axle Mass Front Kg
-
1450 kg
Gross Axle Mass Rear Kg
-
1650 kg
High Ride Suspension
-
Standard
Track Front Rear Mm
-
1570 / 1570
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Front Overhang
938 mm
-
Rear Overhang
1127 mm
-
Body Type
MPV
SUV
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy Alloy
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
-
Rear Wiper
No
Auto, Rain Sensing
Led Headlights
Yes
Bi-LED
LED Headlamps
Yes
Bi-LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
LED
Led Taillights
Yes
Standard
Fog Lights
Yes
Standard, LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard, LED
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Standard, LED
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard
-
Roof Rails
No
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Rear Spoiler
No
Standard
Body Cladding
No
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
Body Colour
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
5
Exterior Colour Options
5
5
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Auto Headlights
Yes
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlamps
Yes
Bi-LED
Headlights
Yes
Bi-LED
Headlight Type
Yes
Bi-LED
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
Automatic
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard, LED
Rear Spoiler
No
Standard
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
-
Front Overhang Mm
-
895 mm
Radiator Grille Colour
-
Dark Chrome
Rear Fog Lamps
-
LED
Rear Overhang Mm
-
1100 mm
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Front Shoulder Room
1405 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1350 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Yes
Hydraulic
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Seat Material
Leather
Partial Leather
Fabric Seats
No
Partial Leather
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Power
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Power
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
-
Memory Seats
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Yes
Standard with 2 cupholders
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
Cup Holders
8
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Interior Colour Options
Black
5
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)
Standard
Boot Space Seats Down
2785
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Standard
Seat Trim
Leather
Partial Leather
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Partial Leather
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Seat Fold Type
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Yes
Standard with 2 cupholders
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Standard with 2 cupholders
Interior Colours
Black
5
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Front Seats Configuration
-
2 x Bucket Reclining
Heated Front Seats
-
Standard
Second Row Seat Configuration
-
Bench 60:40 Fold-Flat
Third Row Seat Configuration
-
Bench 50:50 Fold-Flat
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Front Brake Disc Diameter
330 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
296 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Standard
Tyre Size
235/60 R18
265/60R18
Wheel Rim Size
235/60 R18
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Wheel Diameter
235/60 R18
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Wheel Type
Alloy Alloy
-
Tyre Type
Radial
265/60R18
Tyre Load Index
112
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Standard
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Wheel Material
Alloy Alloy
-
Wheels
Alloy Alloy
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Standard
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
Standard
Wheel Size Type
235/60 R18
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
Standard
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Standard
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Standard
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
Standard
Brake Override Accelerator
-
Standard
Leather Steering Wheel Controls
-
Standard
Multi Collision Brake
-
Standard
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Infotainment Screen
12.3
SYNC
Infotainment Display
12.3
-
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
SYNC
Touchscreen
12.3
SYNC
Navigation System
Yes
-
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
USB Ports
4
Standard
Rear Usb
Yes
Standard
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
12
8
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Radio
Yes
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Head Up Display
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Multi Information Display
Digital
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Connected Services
Yes
SYNC
Audio Speakers
12
8
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
Standard
Voice Control
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Audio System
Yes
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Audio Input
-
USB, Auxiliary
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Basic Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 years / 120 000 km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 years / unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 years / 120 000 km
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Body Style
MPV
7-seat SUV
Model Year
2026
MY26
Segment
MPV
SUV
Vehicle Type
MPV
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Glacial White Pearl
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Red
Tare Mass Kg
2110 kg
2080 kg
Model Introduced Year
2021
2013
Generation
Fourth generation (KA4); global launch 2020, SA 2021
Current generation MU-X built on Isuzu D-Max platform
Facelift History
Fourth generation (KA4) launched SA 2021; 2023 updated specification
Latest updates improved styling and safety tech
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Production Status
active
active
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0 DDi LSE 4x4 AT
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
5900 kg
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Price Zar
1299995 ZAR
973800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
1299995
973800
Starting Price Zar
1299995
973800
Ownership Role
Top
Flagship
Spec
Carnival
MU-X
Engine
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
3.0-litre 4JJ3 Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
D4HB
4JJ3
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2151 cc
3000 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
15.4:1
16.3:1
Bore
85.4 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
94 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
148 kW @ 3800 rpm
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
350 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
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.0 sec
8.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
16.2 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
70.1 kW/tonne
52.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
208.5 Nm/tonne
168.3 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
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carnival and MU-X 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 MU-X 63.
Efficiency index: Carnival 55 vs MU-X 52.
Safety-equipment index: Carnival 100 vs MU-X 93.
Practicality index: Carnival 58 vs MU-X 93.
Ownership-cover index: Carnival 71 vs MU-X 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 MU-X 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
MU-X leads by 5 points
Carnival and MU-X are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
MU-X
Performance
63/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
93/100
Carnival
Performance
67/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexIsuzu MU-X
leads the specification evidence index with 76 pts
vs 71 pts for Carnival
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MU-X 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.