Kia Carnival vs Xpeng X9
Verdict
For Malaysian buyers, the Kia Carnival offers a compelling price of RM 188,888, accommodating up to 11 passengers with a robust 2,151 cc diesel engine producing 197 hp and 440 Nm of torque. In contrast, the BYD X9, priced at RM 281,073, boasts an impressive electric powertrain with 315 hp and a remarkable range of 535 km, making it ideal for eco-conscious families. The choice largely depends on your priorities: capacity and cost versus performance and sustainability.
Pick the Carnival if you need maximum seating capacity and a lower price.
Pick the X9 if you prefer electric performance and advanced technology features.
Key differences
- Price: RM 188,888 (Carnival) vs RM 281,073 (X9)
- Seats: 11 (Carnival) vs 7 (X9)
- Power: 197 hp (Carnival) vs 315 hp (X9)
- EV range: — (Carnival) vs 535 km (X9)
- Boot space: 56 L (Carnival) vs 721 L (X9)
- Torque: 440 Nm (Carnival) vs — (X9)
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 188,888✓ | RM 281,073 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 11 | 7 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Electric |
| Engine | 2,151 cc | Electric |
| Power | 197 hp | 315 hp✓ |
| Torque | 440 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 8.2 s |
| Top speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 94.8 kWh |
| EV range | — | 535 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 5,316 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 1,988 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm | 1,785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 3,160 mm |
| Boot space | 56 L | 721 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 | 9✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 561 | RM 365✓ |
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.
Carnival
- Spacious seating for 11 passengers
- Affordable price for a family MPV
- Strong diesel performance with good torque
- Less advanced technology features
- Lower power output compared to rivals
X9
- High-performance electric motor with 315 hp
- Long EV range of 535 km
- Advanced safety features including auto emergency braking
- Significantly higher price point
- Limited seating capacity for larger families
Carnival vs X9 FAQ
Is the Carnival or X9 better?
It depends on your needs; the Carnival is better for families needing space, while the X9 excels in performance and eco-friendliness.
What is the price difference?
The Carnival is priced at RM 188,888, whereas the X9 costs RM 281,073, making the X9 RM 92,185 more expensive.
How does the fuel type affect ownership costs?
The Carnival runs on diesel, which may offer lower running costs compared to the X9's electric powertrain, depending on electricity rates and usage.