Verdict
The Kia Carnival costs RM188,888 to the Nissan Serena e-Power’s RM154,800, but its RM561 annual road tax is far above the Nissan’s RM120. For buyers carrying a large family or business passengers, the Carnival’s 11 seats, 3,090-mm wheelbase and powered sliding doors on both sides are decisive. Yet its 56-litre boot trails the seven-seat Serena’s 280 litres. The Nissan is the more affordable seven-seater and adds autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, while its 160-hp motor delivers 315 Nm. The Carnival counters with a 197-hp, 440-Nm diesel and a longer 150,000-km warranty.
Pick the Kia Carnival if you need 11 seats, a 72-litre tank, both-side power sliding doors and the stronger 197-hp/440-Nm diesel.
Pick the Nissan Serena e-Power if seven seats are enough and you want to save RM34,088 while gaining autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Carnival RM188,888; Nissan Serena e-Power RM154,800.
- Seating and boot space: Kia Carnival 11 seats and 56 litres; Nissan Serena e-Power seven seats and 280 litres.
- Power output: Kia Carnival 197 hp and 440 Nm; Nissan Serena e-Power motor 160 hp and 315 Nm.
- Size: Kia Carnival is 5,155 mm long with a 3,090-mm wheelbase; Nissan Serena e-Power is 4,690 mm long with a 2,870-mm wheelbase.
- Road tax: Kia Carnival RM561 per year; Nissan Serena e-Power RM120 per year.
- Warranty mileage: Kia Carnival 150,000 km; Nissan Serena e-Power 100,000 km, plus 160,000 km e-Power component cover.
Carnival
- 11 seats and both-side power sliding doors.
- 197 hp and 440 Nm from a 2.2-litre diesel.
- 150,000-km manufacturer warranty and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM34,088 more and has RM441 higher annual road tax.
- Lacks the Serena’s autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
- Only 56 litres of boot space versus 280 litres.
Serena e-Power
- RM154,800 price and RM120 annual road tax.
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
- 280-litre boot and 160-hp, 315-Nm motor.
- Seven seats versus the Carnival’s 11.
- Only the left sliding door is powered; the right door is manual.
- 100,000-km manufacturer warranty versus 150,000 km.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM188,888 | RM154,800✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM561 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,151 cc | 1,433 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 hp✓ | 97 hp |
| Torque | 440 Nm✓ | 123 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 83 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 16 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 160 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 315 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1.77 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic with E-Shift | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm | 1,885 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Weight | 2,129 kg | 1,784 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 11 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 56 litres | 280 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 205/65R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 205/65R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag, Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | 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 Middle Row Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Manual Adjustable |
| 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 | 50:50 Split-folding, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front, 2 USB Ports Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side 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 Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Manual Operation with Split Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides | Powered Left Sliding Door, Manual Right Sliding Door |
| 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 Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km ePower Components 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 Carnival & Serena e-Power for sale
Carnival vs Serena e-Power FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival or Nissan Serena e-Power better?
The Carnival is better for 11-seat carrying capacity, a 3,090-mm wheelbase and both-side power sliding doors. The Serena e-Power is better for a seven-seat buyer prioritising lower cost, 280 litres of boot space and active safety aids.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Carnival costs RM34,088 more than the Nissan Serena e-Power. Its annual road tax is also RM441 higher, at RM561 versus RM120.
Which MPV has better safety equipment?
The Nissan Serena e-Power has the stronger active-safety list, with autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Both have ABS/EBD, stability control, front and rear curtain airbags, ISOFIX and rear parking sensors.
