Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Kia Carnival
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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 6 others.
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.
No price
- no option data for this car
$54,560RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
- REC-005874 · published 17 Jan 2024Due to a hardware component connectivity issue, the Hermes Control Unit (ECE) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-005614 · published 15 Feb 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel filter drainpipe may come in contact with the underfloor panel and chafe whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-005417 · published 2 May 2022Due to a hardware issue with the airbag control unit, the airbags may become deactivated.Year range on the notice: 2021
- 1 more on the model page.
Kia Carnival
- REC-006644 · published 30 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the high-pressure fuel pipe nuts may be insufficiently torqued and could become loose over time.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006093 · published 4 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the main wiring harness may come in contact with the steering column shaft and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 12 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Carnival. The Kia Carnival counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class lines up producing 165kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
The Kia Carnival responds with a Diesel making 148kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has the clear power advantage at 165kW vs 148kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m diameter
Average
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.0 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and $1,853/year for the Kia Carnival. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Kia Carnival.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz V-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (48 vs 80). The Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Carnival will save you roughly $598 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, Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival is the cheapest at $54,560 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Carnival uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Carnival holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz V-Class, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Carnival has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class makes the most power at 165kW.
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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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