Verdict
The Hyundai Staria is the cheaper and more luggage-friendly buy at RM179,888, undercutting the Kia Carnival by RM9,000 while giving you 430 litres of boot space versus just 56 litres. It is also longer, taller and has the longer wheelbase. The Carnival fights back with 11 seats instead of 10, more output from its diesel at 197 hp and 440 Nm, plus eight airbags. Both are CBU diesel, front-wheel-drive MPVs with conventional automatics, so the choice is space and warranty against seating count and power.
Pick the Hyundai Staria if you want the lower price, much bigger boot and longer warranty, and 10 seats are enough.
Pick the Kia Carnival if you need 11 seats, prefer the stronger 197 hp diesel and want eight airbags.
Key differences
- Price: Hyundai Staria RM179,888; Kia Carnival RM188,888
- Seats: Hyundai Staria 10; Kia Carnival 11
- Power and torque: Hyundai Staria 175 hp/431 Nm; Kia Carnival 197 hp/440 Nm
- Boot space: Hyundai Staria 430 L; Kia Carnival 56 L
- Wheelbase: Hyundai Staria 3,273 mm; Kia Carnival 3,090 mm
- Airbags: Hyundai Staria 6; Kia Carnival 8
Staria
- RM9,000 cheaper
- 430-litre boot
- 8-year warranty
- 10 seats versus 11
- Lower 175 hp output
- 6 airbags versus 8
Carnival
- 11-seat layout
- Stronger 197 hp/440 Nm diesel
- 8 airbags
- RM9,000 more expensive
- Only 56 litres of boot space
- 5-year warranty versus 8
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM179,888✓ | RM188,888 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Common-rail Direct Injection and Variable Geometry Turbocharger | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,199 cc | 2,151 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 197 hp✓ |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 440 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 85.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | 16 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.4 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,253 mm | 5,155 mm |
| Width | 1,997 mm | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,990 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,273 mm | 3,090 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,129 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 75 litres | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 10 | 11 |
| Boot Space | 430 litres✓ | 56 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Kumho PorTran KC53 | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 Sliding Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 10 Three-point | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Second Row Passenger Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Occupant Alert | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, Two Flat-folding, Sliding and Reclining 3rd Row Captain Chairs, 60:40 Split-folding 3rd 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 | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Ceiling-mounted Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Second-row USB, 1 Third-row USB, 2 Last-row USB | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 4 Last Row | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 4 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Front Windows, Auto Up and Down, Manual Slide Rear Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM599 | RM561✓ |
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 Staria & Carnival for sale
Staria vs Carnival FAQ
Is the Hyundai Staria or Kia Carnival better?
The Hyundai Staria is better for luggage space, price and warranty. The Kia Carnival is better if you need 11 seats, more power and eight airbags. For most family-use cases with bags on board, the Staria’s 430-litre boot is the big advantage.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Staria costs RM179,888, while the Kia Carnival costs RM188,888. That makes the Carnival RM9,000 more expensive.
Which MPV has more boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has far more boot space at 430 litres. The Kia Carnival is listed with 56 litres, so it prioritises its 11-seat layout over luggage room in this comparison.