Kia Carnival vs Subaru BRZ
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 $50,570 before on-road costs, while the Subaru BRZ opens at $49,190. That makes the Subaru BRZ the more affordable entry point by $1,380.
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 $55,627 and $54,109 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Carnival holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
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 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
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 6 in the Subaru BRZ.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Carnival features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Subaru BRZ gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Carnival stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru BRZ. The Subaru BRZ counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Carnival gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru BRZ offers leather.
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 Subaru BRZ responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 174kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 2.8s 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, 890mm longer than the Subaru BRZ at 4,265mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 587L in the Kia Carnival and 284L in the Subaru BRZ, giving the Kia Carnival a 303L advantage. The Kia Carnival seats 8 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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 $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Subaru BRZ.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,708 (Subaru BRZ). The Subaru BRZ saves you roughly $28 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 (Subaru BRZ). The Kia Carnival has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Carnival takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. The Subaru BRZ will save you roughly $28 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 Subaru BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ is the cheapest at $49,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Carnival by $1,380.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru BRZ uses the least fuel at 9.5L/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 Kia Carnival has the largest boot at 587L.
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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Carnival makes the most power at 216kW. The Subaru BRZ is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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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