Kia Carnival vs Subaru Outback
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Carnival starts from $50,570 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $1,580.
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 $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Outback by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Carnival and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Kia Carnival and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Outback 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 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Carnival features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Carnival stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Carnival gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic 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 Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 137kW. 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, 275mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 627L in the Kia Carnival and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Kia Carnival a 97L advantage. The Kia Carnival seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Subaru Outback 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.
11.1m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Outback.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,309 (Subaru Outback). The Subaru Outback saves you roughly $427 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 Outback). 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 Outback 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 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Subaru Outback will save you roughly $427 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 Outback?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Carnival by $1,580.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Outback uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Carnival and Subaru Outback 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 627L.
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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