Hyundai iMax vs Kia Carnival
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Carnival holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai iMax.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Carnival packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai iMax.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 2 in the Hyundai iMax and 7 in the Kia Carnival.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Carnival counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that the Hyundai iMax does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai iMax gets tricot suede cloth upholstery while the Kia Carnival offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai iMax lines up producing 129kW and 228Nm of torque, sent through a 4-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
The Kia Carnival responds with a Petrol making 216kW and 355Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 129kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai iMax measures 5,125mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Kia Carnival at 5,155mm (3,090mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai iMax generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 842L in the Hyundai iMax and 627L in the Kia Carnival, giving the Hyundai iMax a 215L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Carnival leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.7m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,021/year for the Hyundai iMax and $2,736/year for the Kia Carnival. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Kia Carnival.
Estimated annual total: $3,021 (Hyundai iMax) vs $2,736 (Kia Carnival). The Kia Carnival saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai iMax) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Carnival). The Kia Carnival has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai iMax if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Carnival takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Kia Carnival will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai iMax has a clear edge. The Kia Carnival adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai iMax and Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival is the cheapest at $50,570 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Carnival uses the least fuel at 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Carnival has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai iMax has the largest boot at 842L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Carnival has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Carnival has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Carnival makes the most power at 216kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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