VS
At a Glance
Power
106kW@3800
75kW@3500
Torque
310Nm@2000
250Nm@1900
Fuel
—
8.29
Towing
2000
1885
0-100 km/h
14.3
18.1
Engine
2902
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 106kW@3800 while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0 while the Caravelle uses 8.29 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 995 for the Carnival and R362 300 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
106kW@3800
75kW@3500
Torque
310Nm@2000
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
14.3
18.1
Top Speed
174
165
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2902
2461
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
8.29
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.36
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
2003
1885
Doors
5
4
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1885
Load Capacity
2556
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
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
20000
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 (R299 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (14.3s)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Caravelle
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.29)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival uses 0 and the Caravelle uses 8.29 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 106kW@3800 and 310Nm@2000 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 R299 995 and the Caravelle from R362 300. The Carnival is cheaper by R62 305 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 2000 and the Caravelle can tow 1885. 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.