Hyundai Staria vs Kia Carnival
$50,500 vs $70,500. Same parent company, $20,000 apart. Which people mover wins?
Hyundai Staria Petrol
From $50,500
People Mover
3.5L V6 Petrol
200kW
10.5L/100km
5★ ANCAP
703L
Kia Carnival GT-Line Diesel
From $70,500
People Mover
2.2L Turbo Diesel
148kW
6.5L/100km
5★ ANCAP
587L
Price Breakdown
$20,000 gap. The Carnival saves $945/year in fuel (diesel vs petrol). Over 5 years that's $4,725 back, but the Staria is still $15,275 cheaper overall. The Carnival's 7-year warranty (vs 5) adds some long-term value.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP with AEB, lane keep, adaptive cruise and blind spot monitoring. The Carnival adds surround-view camera on this trim.
Feature Showdown
The Carnival GT-Line gets a premium interior with dual 12.3-inch screens, quilted leather, and powered sliding doors. The Staria base is more utilitarian. You are paying $20k more for significantly better equipment.
The Verdict
Buy the Staria if: value, boot space and towing matter most. $20k saved is $20k earned.
Buy the Carnival if: you want diesel economy, premium features, and a 7-year warranty.
Compare both on CarSorted.
The Verdict
The Staria is $20,000 cheaper, has 116L more boot (703L vs 587L), more power, and tows 500kg more. The Carnival counters with diesel fuel savings ($945/year), 440Nm of torque, and a 7-year warranty. Over 5 years the Staria is still ~$15,000 cheaper to own despite higher fuel costs. For most families, the Staria is the smarter buy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (7 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. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 7 April 2026
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