Kia Carnival vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $59,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $3,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Carnival and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Kia Carnival and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia Carnival.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Carnival and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Carnival features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Carnival stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 98kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 98kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 0.4s 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, 445mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 587L in the Kia Carnival and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Kia Carnival a 109L advantage. The Kia Carnival seats 8 vs 7.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $655 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $655 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $655 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Carnival has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
