VS
At a Glance
Power
106kW@3800
75kW@3500
Torque
310Nm@2000
250Nm@1900
Fuel
-
11.58L/100km
Towing
2000kg
1925kg
0-100 km/h
14.3s
18.6s
Engine
2902cc
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 106kW@3800 while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the Carnival returns 0L/100km while the Caravelle uses 11.58L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 995 for the Carnival and R394 850 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
14.3s
18.6s
Top Speed
174km/h
155.2km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2902cc
2461cc
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
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
11.58L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
16.34L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
8.88L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
80L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4925mm
4789mm
Width
1900mm
1840mm
Height
1805mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
2905mm
2920mm
Ground Clearance
171mm
180mm
Kerb Weight
2003kg
1925kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
1925kg
Load Capacity
2556kg
-
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
100000km
120000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
20000
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 (R299 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (14.3ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Caravelle
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (11.58L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carnival or Caravelle?
The Carnival uses 0L/100km and the Caravelle uses 11.58L/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 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 R394 850. The Carnival is cheaper by R94 855 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 2000kg and the Caravelle can tow 1925kg. 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.