VS
At a Glance
Power
274 kW
106kW@3800
Torque
630 Nm
310Nm@2000
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
—
Towing
—
2000
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
14.3
Engine
1991 cc
2902
Choosing between the GAC M8 and the KIA CARNIVAL is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC M8 delivers 274 kW while the KIA CARNIVAL produces 106kW@3800. On fuel, the M8 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km while the CARNIVAL uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 499 900 for the M8 and R299 995 for the CARNIVAL. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
274 kW
106kW@3800
Torque
630 Nm
310Nm@2000
0-100 kph
8.8 s
14.3
Top Speed
—
174
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
2902
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 litre + 25.6 kWh l
75
CO2 Emissions
202 combined g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5212 mm
4925
Width
1893-1940 mm
1900
Height
1823 mm
1805
Wheelbase
3070 mm
2905
Ground Clearance
143 mm
171
Kerb Weight
2420 Kg
2003
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
5
Seats
7
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000
Load Capacity
—
2556
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
?
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
?
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle + hybrid battery + high v
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
100000
—
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARNIVAL
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M8
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARNIVAL
Practicality
CARNIVAL
Pros & Cons
GAC M8
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA CARNIVAL
Lower starting price (R299 995)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M8 or CARNIVAL?
The M8 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km and the CARNIVAL uses 0 on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M8 or CARNIVAL?
The M8 produces 274 kW and 630 Nm of torque while the CARNIVAL delivers 106kW@3800 and 310Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the M8 and CARNIVAL?
The M8 starts from R1 499 900 and the CARNIVAL from R299 995. The CARNIVAL is cheaper by R1 199 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M8 or CARNIVAL?
The M8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CARNIVAL can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M8 or the CARNIVAL?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.