Kia Carnival vs Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid
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.
Kia Carnival
From $55,490
People Mover
Petrol
216kW
9.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
587L
Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid
From $52,990
SUV
1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
105kW
1.3 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Carnival starts from $55,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid opens at $52,990. That makes the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $58,289 respectively.
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Carnival, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid by roughly $13,370 in fuel alone.
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
The Kia Carnival features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, Sony audio and ambient lighting that the Kia Carnival does not offer. 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 Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid responds with a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a dedicated hybrid transmission (3dht) driving the front wheels.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 105kW. 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, 355mm longer than the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid at 4,800mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Kia Carnival leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m 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 $62/year for the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid. That is a $2,674 annual difference in favour of the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $62 (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid saves you roughly $2,674 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 7 years (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Carnival and Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will save you roughly $2,674 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 Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid?
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Carnival by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid uses the least fuel at 1.3L/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.
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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