VS
At a Glance
Power
106kW@3800
75kW@5200
Torque
310Nm@2000
182Nm@2400
Fuel
-
16.1L/100km
Towing
2000kg
1250kg
0-100 km/h
14.3s
-
Engine
2902cc
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 106kW@3800 while the Toyota Hiace produces 75kW@5200. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0L/100km while the Hiace uses 16.1L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 995 for the Carnival and R169 104 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.
Specification
KIA Carnival2.9 CRDI 2002 - From R299 995
Toyota Hiace2200 Super 16 2002 - From R169 104
Performance
Power Output
106kW@3800
75kW@5200
Torque
310Nm@2000
182Nm@2400
0-100 kph
14.3s
-
Top Speed
174km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2902cc
2237cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
LEADED/UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
16.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
19.94L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
11.59L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
70L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4925mm
4725mm
Width
1900mm
1720mm
Height
1805mm
1920mm
Wheelbase
2905mm
2495mm
Ground Clearance
171mm
175mm
Kerb Weight
2003kg
1530kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
7
16
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
1250kg
Load Capacity
2556kg
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
Stability Control
✗
✗
Traction Control
✗
✗
Airbag Count
2
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ 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
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
12
Warranty Distance
100000km
-
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
20000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Hiace
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carnival
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Hiace
Practicality
Hiace
Pros & Cons
KIA Carnival
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher starting price
Toyota Hiace
Lower starting price (R169 104)
Higher fuel consumption (16.1L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Hiace?
The Carnival uses 0L/100km and the Hiace uses 16.1L/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 Hiace?
The Carnival produces 106kW@3800 and 310Nm@2000 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 R299 995 and the Hiace from R169 104. The Hiace is cheaper by R130 891 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 2000kg 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.