Verdict
The Facelift is the sharper new-car buy: it costs RM9,612 less, adds an eighth airbag, six front and rear parking sensors and a 150,000-km warranty, against seven airbags, four sensors at each end and 100,000 km. Its 2,129-kg kerb weight is 121 kg higher and output slips from 199 to 197 hp, although both retain 440 Nm and an eight-speed front-wheel-drive automatic. A used Kia Carnival KA4 still deserves attention if blind-spot information and rear cross-traffic alert are priorities.
Pick the Kia Carnival KA4 if blind-spot information, rear cross-traffic alert and the marginally stronger 199-hp output matter more than warranty length and purchase price.
Pick the Facelift if you want the RM9,612 saving, eight airbags, six parking sensors at each end and 150,000 km of warranty cover.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Carnival KA4 RM198,500; Facelift RM188,888.
- Power: Kia Carnival KA4 199 hp at 3,800 rpm; Facelift 197 hp at 3,800 rpm.
- Height and weight: Kia Carnival KA4 1,740 mm and 2,008 kg; Facelift 1,775 mm and 2,129 kg.
- Airbags: Kia Carnival KA4 7; Facelift 8.
- Parking sensors: Kia Carnival KA4 4 front and 4 rear; Facelift 6 front and 6 rear.
- Manufacturer warranty mileage: Kia Carnival KA4 100,000 km; Facelift 150,000 km.
KA4
- 199 hp versus 197 hp
- Blind Spot Info System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Contactless powered boot and power-sliding rear doors
- Costs RM9,612 more
- Four front and four rear parking sensors versus six at each end
- 100,000-km warranty versus 150,000 km
KA4 Facelift
- Eight airbags and seatbelt reminders for all seats
- 150,000-km manufacturer warranty
- Full LCD instrument monitor and full LED taillamps
- 197 hp versus 199 hp
- 2,129 kg versus 2,008 kg
- Lacks the Kia Carnival KA4's Blind Spot Info System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
What the KA4 has over the KA4 Facelift
What the KA4 Facelift has over the KA4
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM198,500 | RM188,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM561 | RM561 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM2,025/mo | RM1,930/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM5,474 | RM5,224✓ |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM3,318 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM16.59 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM46,765 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Direct Injection | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,151 cc | 2,151 cc |
| Horsepower | 199 hp at 3,800 rpm✓ | 197 hp at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 440 Nm at 1,750 rpm | 440 Nm at 1,750 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 85.4 mm × 96 mm | 83 mm × 99.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | 16 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 151 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 5,155 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,740 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 3,090 mm |
| Weight | 2,008 kg | 2,129 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 11 | 11 |
| Boot Space | — | 56 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact RX | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 26 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 20 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 18" Y-spoke Two-tone Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Y-spoke Two-tone Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 8 (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 | 9 Three-point, 2 Lap Belt | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For Front Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Occupant Alert | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| 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 | 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 with 3rd Row Air Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 4th Row, 3 Front USB, 2 2nd Row USB, 2 3rd 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 2nd Row, 6 3rd Row | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Manual 2nd and 3rd/4th Row Sun Shades | 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, 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 | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power-sliding Rear Doors with Contactless Operation | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used cars for sale
Our reviews & guides
KA4 vs KA4 Facelift FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival KA4 or Kia Carnival KA4 Facelift better?
The Facelift is the better new-car choice, with a lower price, eight airbags, more parking sensors and a 150,000-km warranty. Choose the Kia Carnival KA4 if its blind-spot information and rear cross-traffic alert are more useful to you.
What is the price difference?
The Facelift costs RM188,888 against RM198,500 for the Kia Carnival KA4, so it is RM9,612 cheaper.
Does the Facelift have more safety equipment?
It has eight airbags, all-seat belt reminders and six parking sensors front and rear. The Kia Carnival KA4 counters with Blind Spot Info System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which the Facelift does not list.