Verdict
This is a straight new-versus-outgoing Carnival call. The KA4 Facelift costs RM188,888 against RM198,500, yet keeps the 2,151 cc diesel, 440 Nm, front-wheel drive, 3,090 mm wheelbase and 72-litre tank. It gives away only 2 hp on paper, at 197 hp versus 199 hp, but adds an eighth airbag and sits 35 mm taller. The older KA4 counters with published 7.9 L/100 km and 151 g/km figures. For a Malaysian family MPV buyer, the facelift looks the cleaner buy unless the outgoing unit is heavily discounted.
Pick the Kia Carnival KA4 if you find a used unit cheap enough to offset the newer car’s lower list price, and you want the published 7.9 L/100 km fuel figure.
Pick the Kia Carnival KA4 Facelift if you want the newer 11-seat diesel MPV with eight airbags, the same 440 Nm and a 35 mm taller body.
Key differences
- Price: RM198,500 vs RM188,888
- Power: 199 hp vs 197 hp
- Height: 1,740 mm vs 1,775 mm
- Airbags: 7 vs 8
KA4
- 11 seats in a D-segment MPV
- 199 hp, 2 hp more than the facelift
- Published 7.9 L/100 km and 151 g/km figures
- Costs RM9,612 more on listed price
- 7 airbags versus 8 in the facelift
- Auto emergency braking not listed
KA4 Facelift
- Lower listed price than the outgoing KA4
- 8 airbags versus 7
- Same 440 Nm and 3,090 mm wheelbase
- 197 hp versus 199 hp
- Fuel economy and CO2 figures are not stated
- Boot space listed at 56 L
| 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 |
| 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✓ | 197 hp |
| Torque | 440 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 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 |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, 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 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.
Used cars for sale
KA4 vs KA4 Facelift FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival KA4 or Kia Carnival KA4 Facelift better?
For most buyers, the Facelift is better. It costs less, has eight airbags instead of seven and keeps the same 440 Nm diesel drivetrain. The KA4 only really fights back if its used price is much lower or you want its published fuel and CO2 figures.
What is the price difference?
The gap is RM9,612, with the Kia Carnival KA4 Facelift cheaper than the Kia Carnival KA4 on listed pricing.
Are the engines and drivetrains the same?
Yes in the big ways: both use a 2,151 cc diesel, conventional automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with 440 Nm. The KA4 is rated at 199 hp, while the Facelift is rated at 197 hp.
