VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
148 kW
Torque
430 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1588 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.4 s
10.7 s
Engine
2199 cc
2151 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Staria and the Kia Carnival is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Staria delivers 130 kW while the Kia Carnival produces 148 kW. On fuel, the Staria returns 8.7 l/100km while the Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R939 900 for the Staria and R1 049 995 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
130 kW
148 kW
Torque
430 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
12.4 s
10.7 s
Top Speed
185 Km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199 cc
2151 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
72 l
CO2 Emissions
189 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5253 mm
5155 mm
Width
1997 mm
1995 mm
Height
1990 mm
1775 mm
Wheelbase
3273 mm
3090 mm
Ground Clearance
186 mm
172 mm
Kerb Weight
2200 Kg
2157 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
9
8
Load Volume
831-1303 l
1139-4110 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1588 Kg
Load Capacity
830 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Carnival
Value
Staria
Practicality
Staria
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Staria
Lower starting price (R939 900)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (130 kW vs 148 kW)
Kia Carnival
More powerful engine (148 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.7 ss)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Staria or Carnival?
The Staria uses 8.7 l/100km and the Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carnival is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Staria or Carnival?
The Staria produces 130 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the Carnival delivers 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The Carnival is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Staria and Carnival?
The Staria starts from R939 900 and the Carnival from R1 049 995. The Staria is cheaper by R110 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Staria or Carnival?
The Staria has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Carnival can tow 1588 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Staria 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.