Kia Carnival vs Ssangyong Stavic
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.
Kia Carnival
From $50,570
People Mover
Petrol
Petrol
216kW
9.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
627L
Ssangyong Stavic
Price TBC
People Mover
Diesel
D20DTR
114kW
7.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Ssangyong Stavic: we're still completing price, height, 0-100km/h and warranty.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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 Ssangyong Stavic. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Carnival gets cloth upholstery while the Ssangyong Stavic offers woven cloth.
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 Ssangyong Stavic responds with a D20DTR making 114kW and 360Nm, paired to a 5-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 114kW. 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, 25mm longer than the Ssangyong Stavic at 5,130mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ssangyong Stavic 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.
11.7m to 12.2m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.2m 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 $2,736/year for the Kia Carnival and $2,223/year for the Ssangyong Stavic. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Ssangyong Stavic.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,223 (Ssangyong Stavic). The Ssangyong Stavic saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ssangyong Stavic if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Ssangyong's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Carnival and Ssangyong Stavic trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ssangyong Stavic will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. 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 Ssangyong Stavic?
The Kia Carnival is the cheapest at $50,570 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ssangyong Stavic uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Carnival all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Carnival has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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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