VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
74kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
240Nm@2000
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
9.44L/100km
Towing
1588 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
10.7 s
14.9s
Engine
2151 cc
1870cc
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carnival delivers 148 kW while the Renault Trafic produces 74kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 6.7 l/100km while the Trafic uses 9.44L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 049 995 for the Carnival and R260 000 for the Trafic. 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.
Specification
KIA Carnival2.2 CRDI EX A/T (8 Seat) 2025 - From R1 049 995
Renault Trafic1.9dci Passenger 2006 - From R260 000
Performance
Power Output
148 kW
74kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
240Nm@2000
0-100 kph
10.7 s
14.9s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
155km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2151 cc
1870cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
9.44L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.5L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
90L
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5155 mm
4782mm
Width
1995 mm
1904mm
Height
1775 mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
3098mm
Ground Clearance
172 mm
152mm
Kerb Weight
2157 Kg
1845kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
8
9
Load Volume
1139-4110 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1588 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1240kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Carnival
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R260 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Trafic?
The Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km and the Trafic uses 9.44L/100km on the combined cycle. The Carnival is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Carnival or Trafic?
The Carnival produces 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Trafic delivers 74kW@3500 and 240Nm@2000 of torque. The Carnival is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Trafic?
The Carnival starts from R1 049 995 and the Trafic from R260 000. The Trafic is cheaper by R789 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carnival or Trafic?
The Carnival has a braked towing capacity of 1588 Kg and the Trafic can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carnival or the Trafic?
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.