VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
11.58
Towing
1588 Kg
1925
0-100 km/h
10.7 s
18.6
Engine
2151 cc
2461
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA Carnival delivers 148 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 6.7 l/100km while the Caravelle uses 11.58 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 049 995 for the Carnival and R394 850 for the Caravelle. 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
148 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
440 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
10.7 s
18.6
Top Speed
190 Km/h
155.2
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2151 cc
2461
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
11.58
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.34
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.88
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
80
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5155 mm
4789
Width
1995 mm
1840
Height
1775 mm
1940
Wheelbase
3090 mm
2920
Ground Clearance
172 mm
180
Kerb Weight
2157 Kg
1925
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
4
Seats
8
8
Load Volume
1139-4110 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1588 Kg
1925
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Carnival
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R394 850)
Higher towing capacity (1925)
Higher fuel consumption (11.58)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km and the Caravelle uses 11.58 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 Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival produces 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Caravelle?
The Carnival starts from R1 049 995 and the Caravelle from R394 850. The Caravelle is cheaper by R655 145 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival has a braked towing capacity of 1588 Kg and the Caravelle can tow 1925. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carnival or the Caravelle?
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.