Hyundai Staria vs Kia Carnival
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 69% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Staria | Carnival | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 1 049 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 18 352/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 84% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 69% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 483 534 | R 708 617 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 216 366 | R 341 378 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 552 | R 566 331 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Hyundai Staria →
Replaced the H-1 in 2021 with styling nobody misses in traffic. The range runs from a panel van through 9 and 11-seaters to a plush Luxury model, all with the 2.2 diesel. Shuttle operators and big families keep demand and resale firm.
Known for: spaceship styling and shuttle duty
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 Hyundai Staria or the Kia Carnival?
They are close to inseparable: 69% vs 67% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Staria loses about R 216 366 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 Hyundai Staria runs about R 12 233 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.