Firstly, how do the two compare on design and style? This is possibly the biggest difference, because the Kia Carnival is slowly edging into SUV territory while the Volkswagen Multivan remains true to its roots and staunchly a proud van shape.
The Carnival has black wheels, a new grille, and a brand new look, with a longer nose and wider body. There are black tinted windows with a textured silver plate on either side and the whole effect is that of a much flashier car.
Inside has stepped up and it feels like you’re in a proper SUV. Compared with other people movers that tend to look like a utilities van, this is next level.
It’s got synthetic leather seats (I couldn’t tell the difference between these and the real thing) and a 'premium' steering wheel, and it still feels good.
The seats are comfortable on a long drive. Sometimes I get an achy hip if I drive long distances but the Carnival's 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat had me fully supported.
The centre console is well designed, especially if you compare it with more van-like people movers, some of which don’t even have a centre console.
This makes you feel like you’re in a car rather than a van and is more in line with Hyundai’s new eight-seat Palisade SUV.
If you want something that reminds you of an old-school van, you’ll want to check out the Multivan. It stays true to its Kombi roots with the very rectangular shape and high wheel arches.
And this colour! It’s like the Mystery Machine! It’s called 'Bayleaf' in case you’re into it.
How about the interior? Again, sticking to its van history, there’s no centre console, rather a large open space between the passenger and driver’s seat which makes it feel less premium for me, especially when compared to the Carnival.
That aside, the rest of the features are good on their own. There are fabric seats in this lower rung model, which are comfortable and smooth.
The steering wheel is big but has a flat-ish bottom which makes it feel good. There are high-gloss and brushed metallic accents peppered here and there, so it does feel well designed.
So, as far as looks go, if you like the retro coolness of the Multivan that’s going to be the one for you, but the Carnival wins with a fresh, modern shape that’s less like a van, and a plusher interior that makes it feel like a proper car.