Verdict
At RM238,888, the Kia Carnival 8-seater is the rational buy: it carries one more person and its 40:20:40 second row can slide, recline and swivel, while retaining the same 197 hp, 440 Nm 2.2-litre diesel, eight-speed automatic and safety kit. The RM248,888 Kia Carnival 7-seater does not add listed drivetrain or safety hardware; its change is a 50:50 second row and seven three-point belts. Save the RM10,000 unless seven seats and that specific seating layout suit your household better.
Pick the Kia Carnival 8-seater if you need eight proper seats and want the more versatile swivelling 40:20:40 second row for RM10,000 less.
Pick the Kia Carnival 7-seater if seven seats are enough and you specifically prefer its 50:50 split-folding second-row arrangement.
Key differences
- Price: RM238,888 vs RM248,888
- Seats: 8 vs 7
- Seat belts: 8 three-point belts vs 7 three-point belts
- Second row: 40:20:40 split-folding, sliding, swivelling and reclining vs 50:50 split-folding, sliding and reclining
- Third row: 60:40 split-folding vs 50:50 split-folding
8-seater
- RM10,000 lower purchase price
- Eight seats with eight three-point seat belts
- 40:20:40 second row adds a swivel function
7-seater
- 50:50 split-folding second and third rows
- Same 197 hp and 440 Nm diesel powertrain as the 8-seater
- Same 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Costs RM10,000 more
- One fewer seat and one fewer three-point belt
- Second row lacks the 8-seater's swivel function
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM238,888✓ | RM248,888 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM561 | RM561 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,151 cc | 2,151 cc |
| Horsepower | 197 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 | 83 mm × 99.4 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 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,155 mm | 5,155 mm |
| Width | 1,995 mm | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,090 mm | 3,090 mm |
| Weight | 2,129 kg | 2,129 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 8 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 56 litres | 56 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV | Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag, Driver's Knee Airbag) | 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 | 8 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function and Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function and Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Sliding, Swivelling and Reclining 2nd Row, 60:40 Split-folding 3rd 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row | 2 Front, 4 Middle Row, 4 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades | Manual 2nd and 3rd Row Sun Shades |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System |
| 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 Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides | Power Sliding Rear Doors - Both Sides |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 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
8-seater vs 7-seater FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival 8-seater or Kia Carnival 7-seater better?
The Kia Carnival 8-seater is the better buy for most families. It costs RM10,000 less, carries eight people and has a more flexible 40:20:40 swivelling second row, with no listed loss in performance, safety or convenience equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Carnival 7-seater costs RM10,000 more than the 8-seater: RM248,888 against RM238,888.
Does the Kia Carnival 7-seater get more performance or safety equipment?
No. Both use a 197 hp, 440 Nm 2.2-litre diesel with an eight-speed automatic, and both have eight airbags, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and a 360-degree camera.
