At a Glance
Power
148 kW
75kW@5200
Torque
440 Nm
182Nm@2400
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
16.1L/100km
Towing
1588 Kg
1250kg
0-100 km/h
10.7 s
-
Engine
2151 cc
2237cc
Choosing between the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Hiace is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Kia Carnival delivers 148 kW while the Toyota Hiace produces 75kW@5200. On fuel, the Carnival returns 6.7 l/100km while the Hiace uses 16.1L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 049 995 for the Carnival and R179 500 for the Hiace. 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@5200
Torque
440 Nm
182Nm@2400
0-100 kph
10.7 s
-
Top Speed
190 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2151 cc
2237cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
LEADED/UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
front
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
16.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.94L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11.59L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
70L
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5155 mm
4725mm
Width
1995 mm
1720mm
Height
1775 mm
1920mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
2495mm
Ground Clearance
172 mm
175mm
Kerb Weight
2157 Kg
1530kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
4
Seats
8
13
Load Volume
1139-4110 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1588 Kg
1250kg
Load Capacity
—
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
7
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ 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
✗
Alloy Wheels
—
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
12
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Carnival
Value
Hiace
Practicality
Hiace
Pros & Cons
Kia Carnival
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1588 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Toyota Hiace
Lower starting price (R179 500)
Higher fuel consumption (16.1L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Hiace?
The Carnival uses 6.7 l/100km and the Hiace uses 16.1L/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 Hiace?
The Carnival produces 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Hiace delivers 75kW@5200 and 182Nm@2400 of torque. The Carnival is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Hiace?
The Carnival starts from R1 049 995 and the Hiace from R179 500. The Hiace is cheaper by R870 495 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carnival or Hiace?
The Carnival has a braked towing capacity of 1588 Kg and the Hiace can tow 1250kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carnival or the Hiace?
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.