 Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
VS |  Kia Grand Carnival |
Here’s a comparison between the 150 series Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Kia Grand Carnival, often having a variety of other names overseas. We are comparing the Prado and the Carnival because both are people movers, capable of carrying eight people but realistically 1 adult and 7 children in comfort or as we’ve tried many times 6 adults in fantastic comfort!
Toyota Prado Vs Kia Grand Carnival exterior: There’s no argument – the Prado looks better. The Kia’s exterior design is from the early 2000’s and commercial car like at any angle. The Grand Carnival is not a cool car and the quality of paint for example is not ‘lustrous’ even in white.
Toyota Prado Vs Kia Grand Carnival interior: The 150 series Prado is a step sideways from the 120 series. The 150 series has been redesigned for business use than families since it not particularly car like in the style of materials. There are some nice touches but overall modern but quite plain. The Kia Grand Carnival on the other hand is a step back to the early 2000 in terms of design and materials very similar to the original Honda CRV. You could argue that the Kia interior is simple to cater for families but the various surfaces are easy enough to scratch and mark so that defeats any pretence or PR spin. However with tons of usable space and nice seats along with dual sliding doors win it for the Kia in term of practicality. As an side note the comparable Toyota Tarago is better presented.. Design goes to the Prado but for pure space the Carnival wins.
Toyota Prado Vs Kia Grand Carnival engine and technology: The Toyota has the option of the evergreen V6 and Il4 Diesel which provide plenty of power for whatever you wish. We know that both engines propel the Prado with memorable trust considering the weigh it carries and can tow. However both are showing their age as the basic design has been around for years although improvements have made them better with every time. There plenty of mainly off road technology in the Prado to get you anywhere you want. The Carnival likewise has a evergreen V6 petrol and IL4 diesel that are very powerful especially when only one or two are on board with the diesel engine having more power. Both have relatively high claimed fuel consumption figures that we call more realistic than the latest engine which never reach their claimed figures. Electric doors and tailgate come in the top end version of the Kia but it is missing electric folding seats or the even more useful regular 240V power socket in the Prado along with multiple cameras. In the end the Prado has more advanced features in all models but the Carnival only has it in the top range models.
Toyota Prado Vs Kia Grand Carnival on road: Although we’ve driven the Prado we have only been passengers in the Grand Carnival hence this review. Both are not sports cars but relatively boring but safe handlers. The Prado does feel more luxury like than the less refined Grand Carnival. Everyone goes on about driving excitement but really shouldn’t you be
From a cost point of view the Kia Carnival is a bargain for the amount of space in the package but it is ugly. Although priced well it is expensive it you have a family of that size! The Toyota Prado is expensive and has less space but it is built for any road while the Kia will be stuck strictly on the tarmac.
| 150 Series LandCruiser Prado | Kia Grand Carnival |
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| Engines | |
| 1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified) Quad Cam with Dual VVTi EFI 4 Litre (3956cc) Claimed 203Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM |
G6DC – V6 Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 3.5 Litre (3470cc) Claimed 202Kw @ 6300PM Claimed 336Nm @ 4500PM |
| 1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified) Turbo-charged – Inter-cooler Direct Injection – Common Rail 3 Litre (2982cc) Claimed 128Kw @ 3400RPM Claimed 410Nm @ 1600-2800RPM |
D4HB Series – IL4 Diesel Turbo-charged – Inter-cooler Direct Injection – Common Rail 2.2 Litre (2199cc) Claimed 143Kw @ 3800RPM Claimed 429Nm @ 2000RPM |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight 2190 – 2435 Kg Towing capacity up to 2500Kg 5Dr and 3000Kg for 3Dr |
From 2086Kg Towing capacity up to 2000kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 150 litres IL6 Petrol 11.5 litres per 100km (Auto) IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto) |
80 litres (91 octane) V6 Petrol 10.9 litres per 100km IL4 Diesel 8.1 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto or 6 speed manual Overall height/width 1845/1890 Overall length/wheelbase 4930/2790 Track (front/rear) 1585/1585 Tyre size: 265-65-17 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1760/1985 Overall length/wheelbase 5130/3020 Track (front/rear) 1685/1685 NCAP safety rating 4/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 32 Departure 24-25 Breakover 22 Min ground clearance 220mm Water Fording depth 700mm Max 4WD system: AWD with selectable modes |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach ??? Departure ??? Breakover ??? 4WD system: AWD with selectable modes Minimum ground clearance xxxmm |
| Performance | |
| 150 Series LandCruiser Prado performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $55,990 – 91,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2013 $38,900 – 56,900 AUD |