Verdict
These two Kia models answer very different Malaysian family needs. The RM59,249 dearer Carnival carries 11 people, has a 3,090 mm wheelbase and a 197 hp/440 Nm 2.2-litre diesel with an eight-speed automatic, so it is the clear choice for large groups. Its 56-litre boot is tiny with all seats in use, however. The Sportage costs RM129,639, seats five and provides a far more useful 587 litres of boot space. Its 154 hp/192 Nm 2.0-litre petrol is less forceful, but the 4,660 mm SUV is 495 mm shorter for daily urban parking.
Pick the Kia Carnival if you need 11 seats, diesel torque and powered sliding doors for moving a genuinely large family.
Pick the Kia Sportage if five seats and a 587-litre boot suit your household, and you want to spend RM59,249 less.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Carnival RM188,888; Kia Sportage RM129,639.
- Seating and boot space: Kia Carnival 11 seats and 56 litres; Kia Sportage five seats and 587 litres.
- Engine output: Kia Carnival 197 hp and 440 Nm; Kia Sportage 154 hp and 192 Nm.
- Size: Kia Carnival is 5,155 mm long with a 3,090 mm wheelbase; Kia Sportage is 4,660 mm long with a 2,755 mm wheelbase.
- Transmission: Kia Carnival has an eight-speed automatic; Kia Sportage has a six-speed automatic.
- Warranty mileage: Kia Carnival 150,000 km; Kia Sportage 100,000 km.
Carnival
- 11-seat cabin with removable, sliding and reclining second- and third-row seats.
- 197 hp and 440 Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with eight-speed automatic.
- Powered sliding doors, powered boot and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM59,249 more than the Sportage.
- Only 56 litres of boot space, against the Sportage's 587 litres.
- At 5,155 mm long and 2,129 kg, it is 495 mm longer and 551 kg heavier.
Sportage
- RM129,639 price saves RM59,249 against the Carnival.
- 587-litre boot behind its five seats.
- 495 mm shorter body and 551 kg lower weight than the Carnival.
- Five seats versus the Carnival's 11.
- 154 hp and 192 Nm are well down on the Carnival's 197 hp and 440 Nm.
- No front parking sensors, power sliding doors or 360-degree camera.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM188,888 | RM129,639✓ |
| Body type | MPV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM561 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,151 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 hp✓ | 154 hp |
| Torque | 440 Nm✓ | 192 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 2,129 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 11 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 56 litres | 587 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag, Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 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 | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 Carnival & Sportage for sale
Carnival vs Sportage FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival or Kia Sportage better?
The Carnival is better for carrying up to 11 people and has much stronger 440 Nm diesel torque. The Sportage is better for a five-person household needing a 587-litre boot, a shorter 4,660 mm body and a lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Carnival costs RM188,888 and the Kia Sportage costs RM129,639, making the Carnival RM59,249 more expensive. Its annual road tax is also RM561, compared with RM440 for the Sportage.
Which has more luggage space?
The Kia Sportage has 587 litres of boot space, far more than the Carnival's 56 litres. The Carnival trades that luggage room for 11 seats and multiple folding, sliding and removable rear-seat arrangements.