Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo Custom: In-depth comparison
In the world of people movers, buyers often face a choice between passenger-focused SUVs and versatile, van-derived MPVs. David Taylor compares an example of each – flagship variants of the Kia Carnival and Ford Tourneo Custom – head-to-head.
In this video, we compare the Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL and the Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X in terms of comfort, practicality, on-road refinement and value for money. While both have price tags of around R1.3 million, their approaches to moving passengers and cargo are fundamentally different.
Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo: Design
From a stylistic perspective, both vehicles have evolved to offer an upmarket presence, yet their origins dictate their ultimate form.
Kia Carnival: The SUV masquerading as a bus
When it was updated in mid-2025, the Kia Carnival received a visual refresh that included intricate grille detailing and attractive new wheel designs.
Crucially, the Carnival is underpinned by the same N3 platform as the Kia Sorento, which means that despite its large, boxy shape, it retains the structure and driving dynamics of a large SUV. This provides a car-like seating position and a higher level of on-road refinement than what most van-based MPVs offer.
See also: Kia Carnival (2025) Price & Specs
Ford Tourneo Custom: Unmistakably a Van
While its vertical, boxy silhouette clearly speaks to its van origins, the range-topping 2.0SiT Titanium X is distinguished from its lesser Ford Tourneo Custom siblings by Matrix LED headlamps, an upgraded front grille, body-coloured bumpers and trim pieces, as well as visually striking 19-inch alloy wheels.
Indeed, the model is based on a commercial vehicle platform – a product of the joint arrangement between Ford and Volkswagen (similar to the Ranger/Amarok); it shares its underpinnings with the VW (T7) Transporter. This results in a much higher, more forward-biased seating position for the driver.
See also: Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X (2025) Price & Specs
Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo: Comfort & Practicality
Passenger accommodation and seating flexibility are the core focus of this segment, and this is where the 2 contenders reveal their unique strengths.
Ford Tourneo Custom: Ultimate flexibility
The Ford Tourneo Custom excels in versatility. Its interior offers generous knee room and headroom throughout, even for tall occupants, and a veritable multitude of seat configurations can be achieved.
- Second Row: The seats can be turned around to face the 3rd row, allowing for a “corporate meeting” or social setup.
- Removable Seating: The seats can be easily removed entirely, transforming the vehicle into a cargo van for carrying items like mountain bikes or kayaks.
- Utility: It features integrated gadgets such as a desk setup (when seats are folded) and an integrated phone holder in the 3rd row. A huge highlight is the provision of up to half a dozen USB-C charging ports for 2nd and 3rd-row passengers, along with a multi-zone climate control system that includes separate controls for the rear passengers.
- Luggage Capacity: The load area is highly practical, comfortably swallowing several large Budget Insurance cooler boxes with the option to sacrifice third-row legroom for added cargo volume.
See also: Ford Tourneo Custom (2025) Review
Kia Carnival: SUV Comfort with Premium Features
In the SXL specification, the Kia Carnival features individual 2nd-row captain’s chairs with armrests (David is shown seated in one of them below), and they offer a high-end luxury feel.
- Comfort Trade-Offs: While luxurious, the seating position is noted as being quite low down, which can affect comfort for longer journeys, and headroom can be restrictive for very tall passengers.
- Key Features: The Carnival compensates for that with premium amenities, including a panoramic roof, separate climate controls and vents, plus USB ports cleverly built into the passenger seats.
- Third-row seating: While usable, the 3rd row is a tight squeeze for adults and is better suited for younger passengers. It does offer its own vent and privacy blind, although occupants seated at the back will have to pass their phones forward for recharging – USB ports are absent from this row.
- Boot space: The automated tailgate reveals a deep recess in the load bay, which can accommodate a significant amount of luggage (at least 8 cooler boxes). A major party trick is the ability to easily fold and stow the 3rd-row seats flat into the floor, creating a vast, flat load bay.
| Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL | Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X | |
| Platform Type | SUV-based (shared with Sorento) | Van/Commercial-based (shared with VW Transporter) |
| Second Row Seating | Individual captain’s chairs | Flexible bench/individual (can face backwards) |
| Seating Config. | 7-seater (or 4-seater with folded rear) | Up to 8-seater (fully versatile/removable) |
| Max Rear USB Ports | Available (in seats/12V adapter) | 6 (dedicated ports in 2nd & 3rd row) |
| Roof | Panoramic sunroof (standard) | Panoramic roof (Optional via Lux Pack) |
| Rear Load Bay | Seats fold flat into floor | Seats are removable |
Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo: Driving Dynamics & Efficiency
While high-speed testing is secondary, refinement, overtaking ability, and fuel efficiency are critical for these long-distance road trip specialists.
Kia Carnival: Punchy Performance & Refinement
The Kia Carnival‘s SUV underpinnings are evident in its driving manner. It drives less like a van and more like an extended SUV.
- Engine: Power comes from a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox driving the front wheels.
- Outputs: A robust 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque contribute to responsive in-gear acceleration and overtaking ability.
- Refinement: On the open road, the Carnival proved to be very quiet, logging sound readings between 60 and 68 dB while cruising at 90 kph.
- Efficiency: Kia claims a figure of 6.7 L/100 km from the 72-litre tank. Real-world figures ranged around 8.4 L/100 km, though careful driving in Eco mode yielded averages in the low sixes.
Ford Tourneo Custom: Adequate Power, Van Dynamics
The Ford Tourneo Custom‘s commercial origins shine through in the driving experience, but its handling remains composed, and the steering is compliant.
- Engine: It utilises a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
- Outputs: It produces 125 kW and 390 Nm. While adequate, the higher power figures of the Kia make the latter slightly more responsive, especially under hard acceleration or overtaking.
- Refinement: The Tourneo Custom is also refined, with sound readings slightly higher than the Kia, fluctuating between 65 and 69 dB at 90 kph.
- Efficiency: The Ford features a larger 80-litre fuel tank and claims an economy figure of 7.4 L/100 km. Its higher, boxier silhouette results in poorer aerodynamics, which likely contributes to a higher real-world average of around 9.5 L/100 km.
| Feature | Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL | Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X |
| Engine | 2.2L 4-cyl turbodiesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbodiesel |
| Power | 148 kW | 125 kW |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (FWD) | 8-speed automatic (FWD) |
| Claimed Economy | 6.7 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 litres | 80 litres |
Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo: Features & Ownership Value
At the flagship level, both vehicles come equipped with a high level of luxury and safety technology, justifying their premium price tags.
Kia Carnival: Comprehensive Standard Package
The Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL is well specified. It features standard amenities such as heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose audio system, and a clear head-up display. For connectivity, the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of safety, the Kia comes equipped with 7 airbags, assisted steering, autonomous emergency braking, and a helpful camera that displays a view of the blind spot on the dashboard when indicating.
A 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km maintenance plan are included in the price.
| Model | Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL |
| Price | R1 299 995 (November 2025) |
| Warranty | 5-year/unlimited km |
| Maintenance Plan | 6-year/90 000 km |
| Service intervals | 1 year/15 000 km |
New Kia Carnival Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Kia Carnival listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Ford Tourneo Custom: Customisable Luxury
The Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X, by contrast, offers a good level of standard features, such as a large touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Android Auto/CarPlay) and heated seats.
Buyers who want to upgrade the Blue Oval’s people mover to luxury status can specify the optional Lux Pack, which adds features like a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, ambient lighting, and the innovative Mobile Office function, which allows the steering wheel to be converted into a desk pad.
Ford offers a 4-year/120 000 km warranty. A 6-year/90 000 km service plan (upgradable to a 165 000 km maintenance plan) is included, but buyers can opt out of it to reduce the vehicle’s purchase price.
| Model | Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X |
| Price | R1 264 000 |
| Warranty | 4-year/120 000 km |
| Service Plan | 6-year/90 000 km (can opt out) |
| Service intervals | 1 year/15 000 km |
New Ford Tourneo Custom Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Ford Tourneo Custom listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Summary
Both the Kia Carnival and the Ford Tourneo Custom offer compelling reasons for purchase. The Kia Carnival presents itself as the premium choice, delivering SUV-like driving dynamics, a quiet cabin, and upmarket passenger comfort for those prioritising refinement. The Ford Tourneo Custom, on the other hand, is the segment’s king of practicality, offering unmatched seating versatility and commercial-grade usability. Which model ultimately triumphs in this battle of the people movers? Watch the video above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main differences between the Kia Carnival and the Ford Tourneo Custom?
A: The Kia Carnival is built on an SUV platform (shared with the Sorento) and offers a premium, refined driving experience. The Ford Tourneo Custom is built on a commercial van platform and excels in ultimate seating versatility and cargo flexibility.
Q: What engine output does the flagship Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X produce?
A: The Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Q: What unique interior features does the Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X offer?
A: A major highlight is its seating flexibility, including the ability to swivel the second-row seats to face the third row. It also offers the optional Lux Pack, which includes the Mobile Office function (allowing the steering wheel to convert into a desk).
Q: How does the Kia Carnival achieve its SUV-like driving dynamics?
A: The Kia Carnival is underpinned by the N3 platform, which it shares with the Kia Sorento, giving it a car-like seating position and a high level of on-road refinement compared to van-based rivals.