Verdict
These MPVs split on mission. The D9 brings a 103.36-kWh battery, 520-km EV range and 166-kW DC charging, plus 410 litres of boot space; that suits a seven-seat family able to charge regularly. Its 308-hp motor also has a 9.5-second 0-100 km/h claim. The Carnival is the practical people carrier for 11 seats, despite its 56-litre boot. Malaysians also face RM335 annual road tax for the D9 against RM561 for the diesel Kia. The D9 adds autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and a six-year warranty.
Pick the Denza D9 if you want EV running, a 520-km range, a 410-litre boot and properly luxurious ventilated, massaging second-row captain seats.
Pick the Kia Carnival if carrying up to 11 people matters more than EV range, boot volume and driver-assistance features.
Key differences
- Price: Denza D9 RM299,000; Kia Carnival RM188,888.
- Seating: Denza D9 7 seats; Kia Carnival 11 seats.
- Boot space: Denza D9 410 litres; Kia Carnival 56 litres.
- Powertrain output: Denza D9 308 hp and 360 Nm; Kia Carnival 197 hp and 440 Nm.
- Annual road tax: Denza D9 RM335; Kia Carnival RM561.
- Length: Denza D9 5,250 mm; Kia Carnival 5,155 mm.
D9
- 103.36-kWh battery, 520-km EV range and 166-kW DC charging
- 410-litre boot and a powered boot
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist
- Higher purchase price than the Carnival
- Seven seats versus the Carnival's 11
Carnival
- 11-seat cabin with removable and tip-up second- and third-row seats
- 440 Nm from its 2,151 cc turbodiesel
- Six front and six rear parking sensors
- Only 56 litres of boot space against the D9's 410 litres
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot system or lane-keeping assist
- Five-year warranty versus six years for the D9
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM299,000 | RM188,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335✓ | RM561 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,151 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 197 hp at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | — | 440 Nm at 1,750 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 83 mm × 99.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 360 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 103.36 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 520 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 166 kW | — |
| V2L | 6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,250 mm | 5,155 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 3,090 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,129 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 11 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 56 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Frequency Selective variable dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags) | 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 | 7 Three-point | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Middle and Outer Third Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Second-row Captain Seats with Ventilation, Massaging and Ottoman Support, 60:40 Split-folding Third 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents |
| Sunroof | Front Single-pane Sunroof, Panoramic Rear Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 Wireless Chargers Rear, 4 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shades | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Dynaudio Sound System | 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 | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Rear Sliding Doors | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Heated and Cooled Compartment, Second Row Tray Tables | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
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 D9 & Carnival for sale
D9 vs Carnival FAQ
Is the Denza D9 or Kia Carnival better?
The Denza D9 is better for a seven-seat family wanting EV range, a much larger boot and more active-safety equipment. The Kia Carnival is better if you need 11 seats and flexible removable rear seating.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Carnival costs RM110,112 less than the Denza D9.
Which MPV carries more people and luggage?
The Kia Carnival carries more people with 11 seats versus seven. The Denza D9 carries more luggage, with 410 litres of boot space against the Carnival's 56 litres.
