VS
At a Glance
Power
106kW@3800
74kW@3500
Torque
310Nm@2000
240Nm@2000
Fuel
-
9.44L/100km
Towing
2000kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
14.3s
14.9s
Engine
2902cc
1870cc
Choosing between the KIA Carnival and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carnival delivers 106kW@3800 while the Renault Trafic produces 74kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0L/100km while the Trafic uses 9.44L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 995 for the Carnival and R260 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
106kW@3800
74kW@3500
Torque
310Nm@2000
240Nm@2000
0-100 kph
14.3s
14.9s
Top Speed
174km/h
155km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2902cc
1870cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
9.44L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
11.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
6.5L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
90L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4925mm
4782mm
Width
1900mm
1904mm
Height
1805mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
2905mm
3098mm
Ground Clearance
171mm
152mm
Kerb Weight
2003kg
1845kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
9
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
2556kg
1240kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✗
Traction Control
✗
✗
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
20000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Trafic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Quicker 0-100 km/h (14.3ss)
Higher starting price
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R260 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Trafic?
The Carnival uses 0L/100km and the Trafic uses 9.44L/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 Trafic?
The Carnival produces 106kW@3800 and 310Nm@2000 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 R299 995 and the Trafic from R260 000. The Trafic is cheaper by R39 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 2000kg and the Trafic can tow 2000kg. 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.