VS
At a Glance
Power
110kW@5600
75kW@3500
Torque
224Nm@4000
250Nm@1900
Fuel
—
11.39
Towing
1888
1925
0-100 km/h
13
18.6
Engine
2497
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 110kW@5600 while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0 while the Caravelle uses 11.39 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R289 995 for the Carnival and R340 340 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
110kW@5600
75kW@3500
Torque
224Nm@4000
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
13
18.6
Top Speed
175
155.2
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2497
2461
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
6
5
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
11.39
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.07
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.73
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
80
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4925
4789
Width
1900
1840
Height
1805
1940
Wheelbase
2905
2920
Ground Clearance
171
180
Kerb Weight
1888
1925
Doors
5
4
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1888
1925
Load Capacity
2556
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Satellite Navigation
?
✗
Park Distance Rear
—
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
?
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000
120000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carnival
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Lower starting price (R289 995)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (13s)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Caravelle
Higher towing capacity (1925)
Higher fuel consumption (11.39)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival uses 0 and the Caravelle uses 11.39 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 Caravelle?
The Carnival produces 110kW@5600 and 224Nm@4000 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 R289 995 and the Caravelle from R340 340. The Carnival is cheaper by R50 345 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 1888 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.