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.
Carnival starts ZAR 1075500 cheaperCarnival from ZAR 1,049,995 · Tourneo Custom from ZAR 1,075,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Engine Power
-
125
Torque
-
390
Engine Size
-
2000
Claimed Mileage
-
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
-
130 mm
Boot Space
-
Not Applicable
Airbags
-
Not Available
Kerb Weight
-
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
-
8
Warranty
-
4 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Tourneo Custom holds a noticeable edge over Carnival, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tourneo Custom
+13 pts
Efficiency
Tourneo Custom
+15 pts
Safety
Tourneo Custom
+66 pts
Practicality
Tourneo Custom
+22 pts
Ownership
Carnival
+8 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Carnival
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Tourneo Custom
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Carnival
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Tourneo Custom
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Model Introduced Year
-
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
-
Current South African Tourneo Custom listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
-
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
-
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
-
Current
Body Style
-
People mover
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
-
2026
Production Status
-
published
Segment
-
MPV
Vehicle Type
-
MPV
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Ground Clearance
-
130 mm
Wheelbase
-
3100 mm
Length
-
5050 mm
Width
-
2032 mm
Height
-
1979 mm
Kerb Weight
-
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Weight
-
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
-
8
Boot Space
-
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
-
2500 kg
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Turning Radius
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
-
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
-
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Number of Doors
-
5
Max Payload
-
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
-
Not Applicable
Doors
-
5
Seats
-
8
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
-
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
-
130 mm
Height Mm
-
1979 mm
Length Mm
-
5050 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
-
Not Applicable
Wheelbase Type
-
Short wheelbase
Cargo Volume
-
Not Applicable
Tare Mass Kg
-
Not Applicable
Turning Circle
-
Not Applicable
Turning Circle M
-
Not Applicable
Width Mm
-
2032 mm
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Engine
-
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
Engine Type
-
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
Displacement
-
2000 cc
Cylinders
-
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
-
Not Applicable
Power
-
125 kW
Power @ RPM
-
Not Applicable
Torque
-
390 Nm
Torque @ RPM
-
Not Applicable
Fuel System
-
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
-
Not Applicable
Top Speed
-
Not Applicable
0-100 km/h
-
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
-
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
-
Not Applicable
Engine Code
-
Not Applicable
Power
-
168 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
-
Diesel
Cylinder Layout
-
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
-
Not Applicable
Engine Type Config
-
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
0–100 km/h
-
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
-
Not Available
Charging Port
-
Not Available
AC Charging Time
-
Not Available
Engine Displacement
-
2000 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
-
2 l
EV Range
-
Not Available
Acceleration 0 100
-
Not Applicable
Combined System Power
-
Not Available
Combined System Torque
-
Not Available
Engine Config
-
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
Engine Cylinders
-
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement Cc
-
2000 cc
Engine Power kW
-
125 kW
Engine Torque Nm
-
390 Nm
Engine Valves
-
Not Applicable
Induction
-
Not Applicable
Max Power kW
-
125 kW
Max Torque Nm
-
390 Nm
Maximum Power
-
125 kW
Maximum Torque
-
390 Nm
Motor Position
-
Not Available
Motor Power
-
Not Available
Motor Torque
-
Not Available
Motor Type
-
Not Available
Power kW Rpm
-
Not Applicable
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
System Output
-
Not Available
Torque Nm Rpm
-
Not Applicable
Turbo Type
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Transmission
-
Automatic
Drive Type
-
Front-wheel drive
Drivetrain Layout
-
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
-
8 km/h
Transmission Type
-
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
-
Front-wheel drive
Transmission
-
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
-
Automatic
Low Range
-
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
-
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
-
8 km/h
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Claimed Mileage
-
Not Applicable
City Mileage
-
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
-
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Claimed Fuel Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Efficiency
-
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
-
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
Not Applicable
Charging Type
-
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption L 100km
-
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
-
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
-
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Airbags
-
Not Available
ABS
-
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
-
Not Available
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
-
Front and rear
AEB
-
Not Available
BA
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
-
Not Available
Driver Airbag
-
Not Available
EBD
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Not Available
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Not Available
Side Airbags
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Not Available
ABS EBD
-
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Cruise Control
-
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Parking Sensors
-
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
-
Digital rear-view camera
360 Degree Camera
-
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Auto Highbeam
-
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
-
Not Available
Drive Modes
-
Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul and Sport
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
-
Digital rear-view camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Around View Monitor
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Front and rear
Parking Sensor
-
Front and rear
Pre-Collision System
-
Standard
Collision Mitigation
-
Standard
Rear View Camera
-
Digital rear-view camera
Reverse Camera Type
-
Digital rear-view camera
Reversing Camera
-
Digital rear-view camera
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Seat Material
-
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
-
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
-
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
-
Not Applicable
Rear USB Ports
-
Front and rear
Steering Wheel Material
-
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
12-inch cluster with 8-inch configurable display
Interior Colour Options
-
3
60 40 Split Seat
-
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
Not Applicable
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Tourneo Custom grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Seat Capacity
-
8
Seat Count
-
8
Seat Trim
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Climate Control
-
Dual-zone automatic
Power Windows
-
Not Available
Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Push Button Start
-
Standard
Wireless Charging
-
Standard
Sunroof
-
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Not Available
AC Type
-
Dual-zone automatic
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Dual-zone automatic
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Standard
TPMS
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
-
Standard
Gear Shift Type
-
Automatic
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Launch Control
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Push Button Start
-
Standard
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
-
Not Available
Service Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Stability Control
-
Standard
Valves Per Cylinder
-
Not Applicable
Air Conditioning
-
Dual-zone automatic
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Battery Voltage
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
12-inch cluster with 8-inch configurable display
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Dual-zone automatic
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Standard
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Front and rear
Source Model Column
-
tourneo-custom
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Unlocking
-
Standard
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Standard
Walk Away Lock
-
Standard
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Infotainment Screen
-
Ford SYNC 4
Apple CarPlay
-
Wireless
Android Auto
-
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Wireless
Number of Speakers
-
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12-inch cluster with 8-inch configurable display
USB Ports
-
Front and rear
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Wireless
Infotainment Screen Size
-
Ford SYNC 4
Infotainment Display
-
Ford SYNC 4
Rear Usb
-
Front and rear
Display Audio
-
Ford SYNC 4
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
-
Ford SYNC 4
Multi Information Display
-
12-inch cluster with 8-inch configurable display
Connected Services
-
Wireless
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Wireless
Touchscreen
-
Ford SYNC 4
Wireless Android Auto
-
Wireless
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
LED Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
-
LED
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Body Type
-
MPV
DRL
-
LED
Led Headlights
-
Standard
Auto Headlights
-
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
-
LED
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamp Levelling
-
Standard
Headlamps
-
Standard
Headlight Type
-
Standard
Headlights
-
Standard
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
-
Not Available
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Locking Differential
-
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
-
Front-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
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
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Tyre Size
-
Not Available
Front Brake Type
-
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
-
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
-
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
-
Not Available
Braked Towing Capacity
-
2500 kg
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Handbrake Type
-
Not Applicable
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Towing Braked Kg
-
2500 kg
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
-
Standard
Wheelbase Mm
-
3100 mm
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Front Suspension
-
Not Available
Rear Suspension
-
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Battery Type
-
Not Available
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Warranty Years
-
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
-
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
-
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty
-
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
CO2 Emissions
-
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
Carnival
Tourneo Custom
Ownership Role
-
Flagship
Price Source
-
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
-
1278500 ZAR
Pricing Role
-
Current listed price
Starting Price
-
1278500
Starting Price Zar
-
1278500
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tourneo Custom leads by 24 points
Tourneo Custom holds a noticeable edge over Carnival, especially in key ownership areas.
🏆Ford Tourneo Custom
wins with 63 pts
vs 39 pts for Carnival
In structured scoring, Tourneo Custom emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Carnival may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Tourneo Custom edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Carnival 50 vs Tourneo Custom 65. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Carnival 0, Tourneo Custom 66. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Carnival 50, Tourneo Custom 42. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Carnival 50, Tourneo Custom 72. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Carnival 50, Tourneo Custom 63. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Tourneo Custom edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tourneo Custom scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Carnival and Tourneo Custom in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Carnival scores 50 vs 63.
Efficiency: Carnival scores 50 vs 65.
Safety: Carnival scores 0 vs 66.
Practicality: Carnival scores 50 vs 72.
Ownership: Carnival scores 50 vs 42.
Final structured scoring gives Tourneo Custom
the advantage in this comparison.
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