Kia Carnival vs Hyundai Palisade
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Kia Carnival starts from $55,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Palisade opens at $66,800. That makes the Kia Carnival the more affordable entry point by $11,310.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,039 and $73,480 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Carnival by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Palisade hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Kia Carnival and 84% for the Hyundai Palisade.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Carnival stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Hyundai Palisade. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Carnival uses a Petrol producing 216kW and 355Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade responds with a Petrol making 217kW and 355Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 216kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Palisade is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Carnival measures 5,155mm long on a 3,090mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the Hyundai Palisade at 4,995mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 587L in the Kia Carnival and 311L in the Hyundai Palisade, giving the Kia Carnival a 276L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,736/year for the Kia Carnival and $2,993/year for the Hyundai Palisade. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Kia Carnival.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,993 (Hyundai Palisade). The Kia Carnival saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Carnival) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade). The Kia Carnival has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Carnival takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Carnival will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Carnival 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, Kia Carnival and Hyundai Palisade?
The Kia Carnival is the cheapest at $55,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Palisade by $11,310.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Carnival uses the least fuel at 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Carnival and Hyundai Palisade all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Carnival has the largest boot at 587L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Carnival has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Palisade makes the most power at 217kW. The Hyundai Palisade is quickest to 100km/h in 8.9s.
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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