VS
At a Glance
Power
110kW@5600
74kW@3500
Torque
224Nm@4000
240Nm@2000
Fuel
—
9.44
Towing
1888
2000
0-100 km/h
13
14.9
Engine
2497
1870
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA Carnival delivers 110kW@5600 while the Renault Trafic produces 74kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0 while the Trafic uses 9.44 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R289 995 for the Carnival and R207 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.
Performance
Power Output
110kW@5600
74kW@3500
Torque
224Nm@4000
240Nm@2000
0-100 kph
13
14.9
Top Speed
175
155
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2497
1870
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
9.44
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
90
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4925
4782
Width
1900
2232
Height
1805
1959
Wheelbase
2905
3098
Ground Clearance
171
152
Kerb Weight
1888
2700
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
3
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1888
2000
Load Capacity
2556
5000
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✗
Traction Control
✗
✗
Airbag Count
2
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
Optional
Climate Control
✗
✗
Cruise Control
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
?
✗
Park Distance Rear
—
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
?
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000
100000
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
30000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Carnival
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Quicker 0-100 km/h (13s)
Higher starting price
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R207 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Trafic?
The Carnival uses 0 and the Trafic uses 9.44 on the combined cycle. 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 Trafic?
The Carnival produces 110kW@5600 and 224Nm@4000 of torque while the Trafic delivers 74kW@3500 and 240Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Carnival and Trafic?
The Carnival starts from R289 995 and the Trafic from R207 000. The Trafic is cheaper by R82 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 1888 and the Trafic can tow 2000. 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.