Verdict
At RM188,888 versus RM269,888, the Kia Carnival is the pragmatic Malaysian people-mover: 11 seats and a 72-litre diesel tank suit large groups, though its boot is just 56 litres. The Maxus MIFA 9 trades that capacity for a seven-seat layout, a 1,010-litre boot and EV running, with 435 km range plus 11-kW AC and 120-kW DC charging. Its 241-hp motor, adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking help justify the premium, but that RM81,000 buys a lot of diesel and seats.
Pick the Kia Carnival if you need all 11 seats, a far lower entry price and the flexibility of its second, third and fourth rows.
Pick the Maxus MIFA 9 if seven seats are enough and you want a 435-km EV with a 1,010-litre boot and active safety aids.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Carnival RM188,888; Maxus MIFA 9 RM269,888.
- Powertrain: Carnival 2,151-cc 197-hp/440-Nm diesel; MIFA 9 single 241-hp/350-Nm electric motor.
- Range and charging: Carnival 72-litre fuel tank; MIFA 9 435 km EV range, 11-kW AC and 120-kW DC charging.
- Seating and boot space: Carnival 11 seats and 56 litres; MIFA 9 seven seats and 1,010 litres.
- Dimensions: Carnival 5,155 mm long with a 3,090-mm wheelbase; MIFA 9 5,270 mm long with a 3,200-mm wheelbase.
- Road tax: Carnival RM561 per year; MIFA 9 RM220 per year.
Carnival
- 11-seat configuration
- 440 Nm diesel with eight-speed automatic
- Nine power outlets, including six USB-C ports
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or blind-spot information system
- 56-litre boot versus the MIFA 9's 1,010 litres
- Passive cruise control versus adaptive cruise control
MIFA 9
- 435-km EV range with 11-kW AC and 120-kW DC charging
- 1,010-litre boot
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and adaptive cruise control
- RM81,000 more expensive
- Seven seats versus the Carnival's 11
- One front power socket versus the Carnival's nine outlets
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM188,888✓ | RM269,888 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM561 | RM220✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | — |
| Capacity | 2,151 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 197 hp | — |
| Torque | 440 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Diesel | Electric |
| Bore | 83 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 241 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 350 Nm |
| EV Range | — | 435 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 120 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 9.2 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 5,270 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 3,200 mm |
| Weight | 2,129 kg | 3,095 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 11 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 56 litres | 1,010 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag, Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Side and Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 8 Three-point, 3 Lap Belts | 7 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available on front passenger and outer two second row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Headlights |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED Tail Lights |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Power Lumbar |
| 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 | Sliding and Folding Second 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 | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| 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" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 8-speaker sound system |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides | Powered Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | 200,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 8 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 & MIFA 9 for sale
Carnival vs MIFA 9 FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival or Maxus MIFA 9 better?
The Carnival is better for maximum passenger capacity and purchase price, with 11 seats for RM188,888. The MIFA 9 is better for a seven-seat EV package, giving 435 km range, a 1,010-litre boot and more driver-assistance equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Maxus MIFA 9 costs RM81,000 more than the Kia Carnival: RM269,888 against RM188,888.
Which is better for carrying people and luggage?
Choose the Carnival when carrying up to 11 people matters most. Choose the MIFA 9 for seven occupants plus luggage, because it has a 1,010-litre boot compared with the Carnival's 56 litres.
