VS
At a Glance
Power
110kW@5600
75kW@3500
Torque
224Nm@4000
250Nm@1900
Fuel
-
-
Towing
1888kg
-
0-100 km/h
13s
18.5s
Engine
2497cc
2461cc
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carnival delivers 110kW@5600 while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0L/100km while the Caravelle uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R289 995 for the Carnival and R327 940 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
13s
18.5s
Top Speed
175km/h
165km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2497cc
2461cc
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
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
80L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4925mm
5189mm
Width
1900mm
1840mm
Height
1805mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
2905mm
3320mm
Ground Clearance
171mm
180mm
Kerb Weight
1888kg
1961kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1888kg
-
Load Capacity
2556kg
-
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
100000km
120000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carnival
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carnival
Practicality
Carnival
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Lower starting price (R289 995)
Higher towing capacity (1888kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (13ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Caravelle
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival uses 0L/100km and the Caravelle uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 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 R327 940. The Carnival is cheaper by R37 945 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 1888kg and the Caravelle can tow 0kg. 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.