VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
110kW@5600
Torque
430 Nm
224Nm@4000
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
-
Towing
2500 Kg
1903kg
0-100 km/h
12.4 s
13.2s
Engine
2199 cc
2497cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Staria and the KIA Carnival is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai Staria delivers 130 kW while the KIA Carnival produces 110kW@5600. On fuel, the Staria returns 8.7 l/100km while the Carnival uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 900 for the Staria and R309 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
110kW@5600
Torque
430 Nm
224Nm@4000
0-100 kph
12.4 s
13.2s
Top Speed
185 Km/h
124km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199 cc
2497cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
4
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
75L
CO2 Emissions
189 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5253 mm
4925mm
Width
1997 mm
1900mm
Height
1990 mm
1805mm
Wheelbase
3273 mm
2905mm
Ground Clearance
186 mm
171mm
Kerb Weight
2246 Kg
1903kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
11
7
Load Volume
117-1024 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1903kg
Load Capacity
874 lkg
2556kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
—
✗
Airbag Count
6
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
?
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
?
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Staria
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Staria
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carnival
Practicality
Staria
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Staria
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Carnival
Lower starting price (R309 995)
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 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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 110kW@5600 and 224Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Staria and Carnival?
The Staria starts from R949 900 and the Carnival from R309 995. The Carnival is cheaper by R639 905 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 1903kg. 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.