New Kia Carnival vs Toyota Vellfire – Clash of the Premium Luxury MPVs

The new Kia Carnival has been launched in India as a CBU model with a slew of modern-day amenities and a completely fresh design

In this post, I am comparing the recently launched new Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire on the basis of prices, specs, features, safety and design. The premium luxury MPV space is not all that explored in India. Only a select few celebrities or top businessmen opt for these vehicles. It has nothing to do with the products themselves, but the lack of popularity of this segment. Still, with vehicles like the Carnival and Vellfire, perhaps, things will change. For now, let us delve into this thorough comparison.

New Kia Carnival vs Toyota Vellfire – Price

Since India is a price-sensitive market, let us commence with that aspect. The new Kia Carnival comes in a single Limousine + trim which has a retail sticker of a whopping Rs 63.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Being a CBU model is the reason for this price tag. On the other hand, the Toyota Vellfire belong to a segment even higher. It is available in two variants – ‘Hi Grade’ and ‘VIP Grade – Executive Lounge’. These retail for Rs 1.20 Crore and Rs 1.30 Crore, ex-showroom, respectively.

New Kia Carnival vs Toyota Vellfire – Specs

Next up, let us see which powertrains propel these MPVs. The new Kia Carnival carries on with the same engine which used to power the old model. This is a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which churns out a decent 142 kW (190 hp) and 441 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission with a 2WD configuration. These power and torque outputs are only slightly different from the outgoing model.

On the other hand, the Toyota Vellfire comes with an impressive self-charging strong hybrid engine. The MPV is based on the TNGA (GA-K) platform. It gets a large 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder DOHC engine which belts out a maximum power output of 193 PS (142 kW) and a maximum torque of 240 Nm. This is due to electric motor and hybrid battery to keep the emissions in check without compromising on performance. Taking care of the transmission duties is a CVT automatic gearbox. The Japanese auto giant claims a mileage of 19.28 km/l.

New Kia Carnival vs Toyota Vellfire – Features

This is where things get really interesting. We know that modern car buyers want the utmost comfort, tech, convenience and safety amenities from their vehicles. Neither of these premium luxury MPVs is short on the latest features. Let us start with the new Kia Carnival. Its main highlights include:

• Dual-Panoramic 12.3-inch Curved Displays for Infotainment and Instrumentation
• 11-inch Advanced Head-up Display
• Glovebox with Illumination
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Shift-by-Wire Mechanism
• Drive Modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart
• 64-Colour Ambient Mood Lighting
• Auto Anti-Glare IRVMs
• Satin Silver Interior Door Handles
• 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• 2nd Row Powered Relaxation Seats
• Ventilated, Heated 2nd Row Seats with Leg Support
• Electronic Parking Brake
• 12-Speaker Bose Premium Sound System
• Kia Connect 2.0 Suite
• 12-way Power Driver’s Seat with 4-way Lumbar Support and Memory Function
• 8-way Power Front Passenger Seat
• Front Seat Ventilation and Heating
• 3rd Row 60:40 Split Seats
• 4-spoke Leatherette-wrapped Steering Wheel
• Sunshade Curtains for 2nd and 3rd Rows
• 11-inch Advanced Head-up Display
• Powered Tailgate
• One-Touch Smart Power Sliding Doors
• Dual Electric Sunroof
• Level 2 ADAS with 23 Advanced Features
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• 360-degree Camera
• High-Quality Materials
• Premium Leatherette VIP Seats
• 8 Airbags
• All Four Disc Brakes
• Highline TPMS

On the other hand, even the Toyota Vellfire leaves no stone unturned when it comes to offering the latest gadgets and gizmos to pamper the occupants. The main features are:

• 14-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• 14-inch Rear Entertainment Display
• Full TFT Multi-Information Display Panel
• 15-speaker JBL Audio System
• Wireless Smartphone Charger
• Head-up Display
• One Touch Power Slide Rear Door with Protector
• Extra Large Captain Seats with Ottoman – 2nd Row
• Seat Massage Function – 2nd Row
• Detachable Control Device
• Multi-function Foldable Rotary Tray with Vanity Mirror
• 8-Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat with Memory
• One Touch Comfort Mode Switch with Memory – 2nd Row
• Power Roll Down Sunblinds for Rear Seat
• Independently Operable Dual Sunroof
• Super Long Overhead Console
• Ambient Lighting with 14 Colour Options
• Premium Dual Tone Dashboard with Leather Finish & Wooden Inserts
• Genuine Leather Seats with Memory Foam
• Electro Shiftmatic Gear with Leather Finish & Ornamentation
• Genuine Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Wooden Décor
• Connected Car Tech Features
• 6 Airbags
• Pre-Collision Safety
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Adaptive High Beam LED Headlamps
• Lane Trace Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Stop Hold Function
• Impact Sensing Fuel Cut
• ABS with EBD & BA

Design and Dimensions

This is where things are quite distinct. On the one hand, we have the new Carnival which bears a massive departure from the old model. It all starts from the front fascia. It bears the new-age Tiger Nose element with a large rectangular grille with chrome inserts, and prominent LED DRLs which almost join at the centre of the grille and encapsulate sleek LED headlamps on the extreme edges. Apart from that, there is a rugged section underneath the bumper with additional fog lamps. On the sides, we get to experience brand-new alloy wheels, black side pillars, functional roof rails and noticeable wheel arches. At the rear, the modern design theme includes a connected LED taillamp, shark fin antenna, roof-mounted spoiler and a sporty bumper.

On the other hand, even the Toyota Vellfire bears a distinct and modern outlook. The front section is totally dominated by the ginormous grille which covers the entire fascia. It is finished in dark chrome with chunky horizontal slabs culminating into the split-LED headlamp units on either side. Under the main headlamp, we see LED DRLs. Down below, there are colossal chrome-plated fog lamp housings which merge into a splitter-type layer on the bumper. On the sides, it gets a chrome side cladding between the stylish dual-tone alloy wheels and distinct monikers around the windows. The chrome belt runs on the upper side of the windows. Finally, at the rear, the Vellfire gets a large roof-mounted spoiler, connected LED taillamps, and a continuous frame underneath the bumper housing the reflector lights. All in all, it will certainly make heads turn.

My View

Choosing between these two immensely capable and compelling propositions can be a bit hard. However, the one aspect that distinctively sets the two apart is the price. The Vellfire is two times more expensive than the Carnival. Hence, a lot of buyers will be filtered out in this very regard. Apart from that, these have distinct powertrain options. The Carnival gets the turbo diesel mill, whereas the Vellfire uses a fuel-efficient strong hybrid petrol engine. In terms of features, both these are well-kitted. The design is subjective. Therefore, I would urge our readers to visit the nearest showrooms to experience these in the flesh. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Kia Carnival Launched – Here’s How it Compares to Old Model