Verdict
At RM299,000, the Denza D9 costs RM110,112 more than the RM188,888 Kia Carnival, but brings a 103.36-kWh battery, 520-km EV range and 166-kW DC charging rather than the Kia’s 2.2-litre diesel. It is also 95 mm longer and has a far more usable 410-litre boot, although the Carnival’s 11 seats versus seven remains decisive for large families or passenger work. The D9’s captain’s chairs add ventilation, massage and ottomans, while its adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking give it the stronger assistance package.
Pick the Denza D9 if you need seven seats with a 520-km electric range, 410 litres of boot space and properly indulgent second-row captain’s chairs.
Pick the Kia Carnival if carrying up to 11 people matters more than EV running, boot capacity and driver-assistance features.
Key differences
- Price: Denza D9 RM299,000; Kia Carnival RM188,888.
- Powertrain: Denza D9 has one 308-hp, 360-Nm motor; Kia Carnival has a 197-hp, 440-Nm 2,151-cc diesel engine.
- Energy storage: Denza D9 has a 103.36-kWh battery and 520-km range; Kia Carnival has a 72-litre fuel tank.
- Seating: Denza D9 seats 7; Kia Carnival seats 11.
- Boot space: Denza D9 has 410 litres; Kia Carnival has 56 litres.
- Length: Denza D9 is 5,250 mm; Kia Carnival is 5,155 mm.
D9
- 520-km EV range with 166-kW DC charging
- 410-litre boot behind seven seats
- Ventilated, massaging second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans
- Costs RM110,112 more
- Seats seven, versus the Carnival’s 11
- At 1,950 mm wide, it is 45 mm narrower than the Carnival
Carnival
- Eleven-seat cabin
- RM110,112 lower purchase price
- 440 Nm diesel torque and an eight-speed automatic
- Only 56 litres of boot space versus 410 litres
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind-spot information system
- No second-row ventilation, massage or ottoman support
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM299,000 | RM188,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335✓ | RM561 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,151 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 197 hp |
| Torque | — | 440 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Diesel |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 360 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 103.36 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 520 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 166 kW | — |
| V2L | 6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,250 mm | 5,155 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 3,090 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,129 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 11 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 56 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Frequency Selective variable dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag, Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Middle and Outer Third Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Second-row Captain Seats with Ventilation, Massaging and Ottoman Support, 60:40 Split-folding Third Row | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Sliding, Reclining and Removable 2nd Row with Tip-up Centre Seat, 40:20:40 Split-folding, Sliding, Reclining and Removable 3rd Row with Tip-up Centre Seat, Folding 4th Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents |
| Sunroof | Front Single-pane Sunroof, Panoramic Rear Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 Wireless Chargers Rear, 4 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shades | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Dynaudio Sound System | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Rear Sliding Doors | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Heated and Cooled Compartment, Second Row Tray Tables | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used D9 & Carnival for sale
D9 vs Carnival FAQ
Is the Denza D9 or Kia Carnival better?
The Denza D9 is the better-equipped seven-seat MPV, with a 520-km EV range, 410-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking. Choose the Kia Carnival instead when its 11-seat capacity is non-negotiable.
What is the price difference?
The Denza D9 costs RM299,000 and the Kia Carnival costs RM188,888, so the D9 is RM110,112 dearer.
Which has more luggage space?
The Denza D9 has 410 litres of boot space, compared with 56 litres in the Kia Carnival. The D9 therefore has 354 litres more luggage capacity.