Are You a Toyota Innova Hycross or Kia Carnival Person?

The newly launched Kia Carnival and Toyota Innova Hycross cater to different ends of the MUV spectrum in India. While both are packed with features and technology, the Carnival presents itself as a more premium and luxurious offering compared to the Hycross. Selecting between the MUVs can be a difficult task and to make that easy for you, here is a detailed comparison based on eight key parameters:

1. Pricing and Positioning

Toyota Innova Hycross: Its range-topping ZX(O) trim has an ex-showroom price of Rs 30.98 lakh, making it a more accessible option for families and business owners. 

Kia Carnival: The Carnival is made available with a single Limousine Plus variant which is priced at Rs 63.90 lakh. That is a price difference of nearly Rs 33 lakh. It reflects the CKD import status and more premium features.

2. Engine and Performace

Toyota Innova Hycross: Powered by a hybrid 2-litre petrol engine under the hood, it generates 152 bhp and an electric motor that makes 111 bhp, resulting in a combined output of 184 bhp and 188 Nm. The eCVT unit is tuned for a smooth drive and high fuel efficiency.

Kia Carnival: It is equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 191 bhp and 441 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed torque converter gearbox. Compared to the previous model, engine output has fallen slightly.

3. Dimensions and Space

Toyota Innova Hycross: Length-wise, it measures 4,755mm and sits on a 2,850mm wheelbase. This helps it to offer plenty of space inside, especially in the second and third rows, thanks to its monocoque construction.

Kia Carnival: Significantly longer and wider than the Hycross, the Carnival comes in a 2+2+3 seating format. Watch this space for a detailed review of the Kia Carnival’s seat comfort. 

4. Exterior Design

Toyota Innova Hycross: The front looks more SUV-like with a large grille, LED headlights and prominent body lines. However, the overall silhouette confirms it is an MPV.

Kia Carnival: Koreans have gone for an imposing look with plenty of chrome all around. The lighting bits are all LEDs and towards the side, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels. 

5. Interior and Features

Toyota Innova Hycross: With a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch driver’s display, Hycross’ cabin feels up-to-date with soft-touch materials. It offers features like a panoramic sunroof, powered captain seats and a JBL sound system. 

Kia Carnival: The Carnival sets a new benchmark for luxury in this segment. It boasts 12.3-inch displays, a Bose sound system, HUD and three-zone AC. But the real highlight is the second-row captain seats with massage function, along with a powered tailgate and electric sliding doors.

6. Safety and ADAS Features

Toyota Innova Hycross: It comes equipped with six airbags, TPMS and Level 2 ADAS which includes lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. There is a 360-degree camera setup but we believe the quality could be improved.

Kia Carnival: In the safety department, the Carnival outshines with 8 airbags and a Level 2 ADAS suite. There is front collision avoidance, high beam assist and lane departure warning. Apart from those, there are rear and side parking sensors, making it easy to manoeuvre in traffic and tight spaces.

7. Ride and Handling

- Toyota Innova Hycross: With a monocoque chassis and front-wheel-drive layout, the Hycross offers a smoother ride compared to the ladder-frame Crysta. It’s quieter and more refined, although the hybrid system may feel underpowered during high-speed overtaking.
- Kia Carnival: The Carnival's larger dimensions and diesel powertrain give it a more robust performance on highways, especially for long-distance journeys. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, handling rough roads with ease.

8. Fuel Efficiency

Toyota Innova Hycross: The 2-litre hybrid system offers a fuel efficiency of 21.1 kmpl, which is impressive for its size. 

Kia Carnival: It comes with a familiar 2.2-litre diesel engine. We are yet to test its real-world fuel efficiency so you can watch this space for that. 

Conclusion: Which MUV to Go With?

The Toyota Innova Hycross is ideal for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich MUV with excellent fuel economy at a more affordable price tag. It offers good ride comfort and practicality for families and fleet owners, with the added benefit of hybrid technology. Uttar Pradesh is encouraging hybrids by waiving off road tax on these cars.

On the other hand, for buyers who are looking for a more luxurious and premium experience, the Kia Carnival is a standout. With its spacious, feature-loaded cabin and superior comfort, especially in the second row, it caters to the ultra-rich and those who prefer chauffeur-driven cars. Being a diesel, note that it will have a road validity cap of 10 years in areas like the NCR.

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