GAC M8 vs Kia Carnival
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Carnival wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 50%, worth about R 46 922 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| M8 | Carnival | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 499 900 | R 1 049 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 26 216/m | R 18 352/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 71% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 50% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 755 540 | R 708 617 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 744 360 | R 341 378 |
| Value after 5 years | R 529 394 | R 566 331 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Mainstream |
GAC M8 →
GAC priced the M8 Master PHEV at R1,499,900 in February 2026, making it the priciest Chinese vehicle on the SA market. It is also the country's first plug-in hybrid MPV, pairing a 2.0T engine with a 25.5kWh battery. The seven-seater squares up to the Mercedes V-Class on space and equipment.
Known for: sa's most expensive chinese vehicle
Kia Carnival →
Sold in South Africa across four generations under the Carnival, Sedona and Grand Sedona names, this is the default large MPV for big families and shuttle operators. The 2.2 diesel is impressively frugal for something this size. Steady commercial demand keeps used values healthier than most Kias.
Known for: shuttle-favourite large diesel mpv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GAC M8 or the Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 50% for the GAC M8, a gap of 17 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GAC M8 loses about R 744 360 over three years and the Kia Carnival loses about R 341 378. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the GAC M8 runs about R 26 216 per month and the Kia Carnival about R 18 352, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.