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The Toyota Vellfire has long been the go-to luxury MPV, often equipped with the finest features the segment has to offer. It’s the preferred choice of the elite, offering comfort and sophistication in equal measure. Add to that the renowned reliability of the Toyota brand, and the Vellfire becomes an even more compelling package.
 However, there’s now a Korean challenger poised to disrupt the status quo of this Japanese giant. The Kia Carnival, which costs nearly half as much as the Vellfire, offers three rows of seating and an impressive array of features.
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So, the question is – does the Vellfire really offer twice the luxury, features, and space to justify its price tag over the Carnival?






<h2>Toyota Vellfire vs Kia Carnival: Size Comparison</h2>

Despite being the more affordable of the two, the Carnival has a larger footprint. It’s not only longer and wider but also has a longer wheelbase. This translates to more boot space when all three rows of seats are in use. However, the Vellfire stands taller, offering more headroom – something that taller people will particularly appreciate. Its height, combined with an ornate chrome grille, gives the Vellfire a more imposing presence. In contrast, the Carnival features a longer bonnet and more flowing curves, which, in my opinion, make it the better-looking vehicle of the two. Likewise, while the Vellfire rides on 19-inch alloys compared to the Carnival’s 18-inch wheels, I prefer the darker, more stylish design of the latter.

<h2>Toyota Vellfire vs Kia Carnival: Interior Space</h2>

Both vehicles we tested featured a six-seater configuration. While the captain seats in the Carnival are quite comfortable and offer Ottoman support, adjusting them can be cumbersome. You have to manually slide the seat forward or backwards to create legroom, and to fully recline the seat, you must first pull a tab on the side and shift the entire seat inward.
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The Vellfire, on the other hand, offers a far more seamless experience. Its seats rival those of a business-class airliner, with all adjustments available at the press of a button. The headroom on offer here is also noticeably better. That said, it’s impressive that the Carnival, despite costing half as much, still offers heated and ventilated second-row seats. However, the Vellfire offers even more luxury features, such as memory and massage function, and a pair of smartphone-like touch devices that control seat positioning, AC, lighting, and more. Even the sunblinds in the Vellfire are powered and cover the full window, unlike the manual blinds in the Carnival.

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Oddly, in the Carnival, the second-row AC controls are placed on the roof panel toward the right side, making them a bit hard to reach. The approach to the sunroof differs significantly between the two. The Carnival features conventional dual sunroof panels, both of which can be opened, enhancing the sense of space and airiness in the cabin. In contrast, the Vellfire opts for two slimmer, fixed glass panels. While this design lends a more refined and upscale appearance and also discourages the unsafe habit of sticking one’s head out of a moving vehicle, I find that the Carnival’s traditional sunroof setup contributes more to an open, spacious feel inside the cabin.

<h2>No Child’s Play</h2>

Move to the third row, and the Vellfire once again offers a more comfortable experience. By sacrificing some boot space, it provides ample legroom, even for passengers up to 6 feet tall. While under-thigh support is lacking in both vehicles, the Vellfire’s third row is genuinely usable for longer journeys. These seats can also be slid forward or backwards to further optimise space.Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/toyota-vellfire-review-when-space-is-luxury-120725/" target="_blank">Toyota Vellfire Review: When Space is Luxury</a>





Accessing the third row is easier in the Vellfire as well. A simple pull of a tab slides the second-row seat forward, allowing for an easy ingress. Doing the same in the Carnival requires a bit more effort – you first need to shift the second-row seats outward, then carefully squeeze through the gap between them, which can be a challenge even for a reasonably fit adult. That said, both vehicles offer conveniences like AC vents, USB-C charging ports, and cup holders in the.

<h2>Features Galore</h2>

As one might expect, the Vellfire’s higher price tag brings with it a clear advantage in terms of features. It has a larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system compared to the Carnival’s 12.3-inch unit. Additionally, the Vellfire offers an extra roof-mounted screen for second-row passengers, enhancing the rear-seat experience.
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Both vehicles come equipped with premium sound systems, but the Vellfire’s 15-speaker JBL setup delivers noticeably richer tone and clarity than the Carnival’s 12-speaker Bose system. The Vellfire also includes thoughtful touches like retractable tray tables built into the captain seats, complete with integrated vanity mirrors. Then there are a number of ways to open and close the Vellfire’s powered sliding doors, which is rather cool. You can do it via the handle on the door itself, buttons on the roof, or buttons next to the driver.
<img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Toyota-Vellfire-Interior-1749469788313.webp" alt="Toyota Vellfire-Interior.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">





That said, the Carnival has some clever tricks of its own. The driver’s seat offers a 14-way power adjustment, while the Vellfire has an 8-way setup. The Carnival also features a more intuitive third-row stowage system – a single lever collapses the seats into the boot cavity – than the Vellfire’s cumbersome system, which involves straps and sideways lifting of the seats. While the Vellfire wins on screen size, the Carnival’s infotainment interface is arguably more user-friendly and responsive. And in a surprising twist, the Carnival comes with eight airbags, compared to just six in the Vellfire.

<h2>Getting Down to Business</h2>

The Carnival and Vellfire take very different approaches to propulsion. The Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, while the Vellfire employs a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid setup. Both deliver 190bhp, but the Carnival, being a diesel, produces much more torque. Each vehicle strikes its own balance between power and efficiency, but the driving experience they offer couldn’t be more different.

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The Vellfire is notably more refined in its operation, delivering power in a smooth and linear fashion. However, its tall profile and softly tuned suspension result in noticeable body roll, especially around corners. The Carnival, by contrast, feels more responsive and eager at low speeds. Its lower centre of gravity and firmer suspension tuning lend it the driving dynamics that make it feel more like a long sedan rather than a lazy MPV. In terms of ride quality, both vehicles are very comfortable, but the Vellfire edges ahead with a plusher, more luxurious feel. It glides over potholes almost effortlessly, keeping occupants isolated from road imperfections in a near-magical manner.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/toyota-innova-hycross-vs-skoda-kodiaq-comparison-review-117783/" target="_blank">Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq Comparison: Utility Over Fun?</a>Cabin noise is another area where the Vellfire holds an advantage. Its petrol engine runs quieter than the Carnival’s diesel, and its overall cabin insulation is also superior. Aside from the occasional CVT groan under hard acceleration, the Vellfire remains impressively quiet. Its hybrid system also allows for short bursts of electric-only driving, adding to the calm, EV-like silent experience.

<h2>Toyota Vellfire vs Kia Carnival: Verdict</h2>

So, does the Vellfire offer twice the experience of the Carnival? Absolutely not. But it’s important to understand that around the ₹1 crore mark, you begin to hit diminishing returns, regardless of the segment. At ₹63.91 lakh (ex-showroom), the Carnival is a very well-rounded people mover. It offers strong driving dynamics and exceptional value for money, making it the more sensible choice for most buyers.
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That said, if you have the budget to spare, the Vellfire is a compelling upgrade. With prices starting at ₹1.22 crore and going up to ₹1.33 crore for the VIP variant we tested, it’s far from an affordable option. However, that premium buys you an undeniably elevated experience – a quieter, more refined ride, more space and greater comfort in all three rows, and a cabin that exudes luxury.

While the Carnival is ideally suited for families looking for practicality and comfort, the Vellfire makes more sense for businesses that want to transport high-profile clients in style and opulence.

 


[tabs]

[tab title="Kia Carnival"]

Engine: 2,151cc 4-Cylinder

Transmission: 8-Speed AT FWD

Power: 190bhp 

Torque: 441Nm

Fuel: Diesel

Price: ₹63.91 Lakh Ex showroom

X-Factor:&nbsp;The practicality of an MPV and the driving character of a sedan, all in one.

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Pros &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 •&nbsp; Butch design, punchy engine, boot space

 </td>
 <td>
 Cons 
 • 2nd row seat adjustment
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

[/tab]

[tab title="Toyota Vellfire"]

Engine: 2,487cc 4-Cylinder

Transmission: e-CVT FWD

Power: 190bhp 

Torque: 240Nm

Fuel: Petrol-Hybrid

Price: ₹1.33 Crore Ex showroom

X-Factor:&nbsp;The vehicle that has comfort, space, luxury, and reliability by the bucket-loads.

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Pros &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 •&nbsp; Smooth acceleration, 3rd row space, sound system

 </td>
 <td>
 Cons 
 • Noisy gearbox, body roll
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

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Toyota Vellfire vs Kia Carnival Comparison: Luxury MPV Battle!

It’s time for a titanic showdown between two luxury MPVs - the Toyota Vellfire and the Kia Carnival. Can the Carnival dethrone the Vellfire as the go-to choice for comfortable travels?

After the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council reclassified which cars would fall within the utility vehicle category, purchasing an MPV in India with a powerful engine will become more expensive. The highest GST rates, now at 28 per cent, have previously applied to SUVs. A new uniform GST rate and extra cess will be imposed on all multi-utility vehicles that the council has determined to be in the same category. There has been a lot of ambiguity about this categorization, therefore the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has attempted to clear things up. An SUV is a vehicle that meets the standard definition of the word by being capable of exceptional driving dynamics on and off-road, as well as having a rugged construction and reliable performance. A wide variety of vehicles may be classified as SUVs, but those with 4x4 capabilities are often considered the epitome of the genre.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/industry-news/mahindra-marazzo-bolero-xuv300-more-get-discounts-of-up-to-rs-73000-in-july-113857/" rel="bookmark" title="Mahindra Marazzo, Bolero, XUV300 &amp; More Get Discounts of up to Rs 73,000 in July">Mahindra Marazzo, Bolero, XUV300 &amp; More Get Discounts of up to Rs 73,000 in July</a>

<h2>What did GST Council Decide?</h2>

<img alt="Toyota Innova Hycross Front Static" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/01/Toyota-Innova-Hycross-Front-Static.jpg" width="1280" />

The GST Council in India has specified the definition of an SUV. SUVs in this context are defined as vehicles longer than four metres, powered by engines of 1,500cc or more, and boasting a ground clearance of 170 mm or more when empty. There are a number of automobile models that do meet this narrow definition of an SUV, but there are a lot more that no longer do.

At its 50th meeting on Tuesday, the GST council resolved to eliminate the differential rate of compensation cess and place all Utility Vehicles (UVs) in the 22&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;cess band, an increase of 2 per cent. SUVs and MUVs, which are considered sport utility vehicles, will now be subject to a higher tax rate as a result of this decision.

Whatever you want to call them—SUV, MUV, MPV—the council has chosen to include them all. The council has decided that every vehicle that fits certain criteria and has a name will be subject to a 22&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;compensation cess in addition to the 28% GST.

All vehicles with a length more than 4000mm, an engine displacement greater than 1.5 litres, and a ground clearance greater than 170mm would be subject to a 22 per cent compensatory cess in addition to the standard 28 per cent GST, as per the revision.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/industry-news/kia-seltos-gets-discounts-of-up-to-rs-85000-in-july-2023-113860/">Kia Seltos Gets Discounts of up to Rs 85,000 in July 2023</a>

<h2>What Kinds of Vehicles Can Be Expensive?</h2>

<img alt="KIA CARENS" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/03/KIA-CARENS.jpg" width="1280" />

Most, if not all, sub-compact SUVs have an engine capacity of less than 1,500cc, therefore the change in categorization is unlikely to affect shoppers. However, the manufacturers of SUVs are expected to add the increased cess to the final purchase price, making it more expensive for customers to buy a vehicle that fulfils the above three criteria and is therefore classed as an SUV.

Popular cars including the Toyota Hyryder, Toyota Hycross, Kia Carens, Seltos, and Creta, and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Grand Vitara, will increase in price if they meet the requirements.

Bad News for Car Buyers as SUVs, MPVs to Cost More Following GST Cess Increase

The cost of buying an SUV or MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) for your garage is going up. The GST Council decided to raise the cess from 20 per cent to 22 per cent, which would likely lead to a 2 per cent increase in the price of UVs, especially those longer than four metres.

Mercedes-Benz is hoping that it’ll be third-time lucky for them as they launch a new MPV in India – the V-Class.&nbsp;

The V-Class from Mercedes-Benz is finally here in India. This isn’t the first time that the German luxury car brand has launched an MPV (or minivan) in India. In fact, it’s their third attempt! In 1999, they launched the MB, and then again in 2011, they came up with the R-Class. And, in spite of being very good products, both of them were a total flop in terms of sales as India wasn’t ready for a luxury MPV at that time. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Toyota, on the other hand, has made a killing with the Innova, as it was a more practical and affordable option with a premium feel. Today, though, the MPV segment in India has grown in leaps and bounds – something that you may have noticed from our February 2019 cover story. There are good options available at different price points. Korean carmaker Kia is also expected to bring in the Carnival, which is even more premium than the Innova.

The V-Class, however, is priced absurdly high. But does this fancy luxury van justify its optimistic price tag?

Rectangle on wheels 
There are those who like the long and straight-forward design of the V-Class, but, to me, it simply looks like a large rectangular box. There’s no doubt that this car is humongous – it’s well over five metres in length and weighs over three tonnes. Also, there’s no hiding from the fact that it looks like a full-size van on Indian roads. The design doesn’t really look appealing, but the car stands out because it’s big and it has that three-pointed star on it – something that still adds a lot of appeal in these parts.&nbsp;

The only attractive section of the vehicle is the front, which gets a shiny big grille and a nicely designed front bumper. It’s a typical Mercedes illustration that now adorns all Merc vehicles. The overall attractiveness of a car is always subjective, but, to me, the Innova and Carnival look much better. The fact of the matter is that the V-Class is a van, and even Shakespeare would find it difficult to romanticise the design and aesthetics of a van.

<img alt="Mercedes-Benz V-Class Exterior" src="/uploads/2019/03/Mercedes-V-Class-exterior.jpg" />

All about the cabin&nbsp; 
This design of the V-Class is obviously very practical. In fact, the cabin looks like a small conference room. The V-Class comes in two variants. There’s a six-seater and a seven-seater version, which is a little longer. We got our hands on the six-seater, which had four rear seats facing each other. Of course, you can change the direction of the seats, so that they all face forwards. All the seats are on rails, which means that you can also slide them back and forth, or even fold them to provide additional boot space.&nbsp;

Between the seats, there’s a centrepiece that also slides up and down the cabin. Two small tables fold out of it and it can be used as a makeshift desk. The seats are comfortable, no doubt. The cabin has acres of leg room, headroom, shoulder room and cubby holes.&nbsp;

There are massive sliding rear doors that open with just the press of a button. The boot also has a pretty good amount of space. It has a platform in the middle, which can be folded away or used as a shelf. And if you don’t want to open the boot door, you can simply open the large rear windscreen and access any luggage that’s placed on the shelf. You can also access a secret compartment inside this shelf that contains two foldable plastic crates, which can hold anything from groceries to office supplies.&nbsp;

For rear passengers, there are rear AC vents and four great quality speakers. The front seats are very comfortable and spacious too, but let’s be honest no one who buys this car is ever going to be in any of the front seats. The front dash setup is, once again, typical Mercedes-Benz fare – there’s a central infotainment system and round AC vents in chrome along with the wooden inlays.

<img alt="2019 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Interior" src="/uploads/2019/03/V-Class-interior.jpg" />

German engineering&nbsp; 
To power this three-tonne van, the V-Class has a pretty average-sized 2,143cc, four-cylinder turbo diesel. It generates 163 horses and 380Nm of torque. The figures are respectable, no doubt, and they do get the car going. But – and here’s the rub – it takes its time. From a standstill, the car is slow and there’s a lot of turbo lag. But once it gets going, it picks up speed pretty well – although you’re always acutely aware of the weight of this car.&nbsp;

The engine is refined but it is loud. Again, we’re talking about a van, so you can’t really expect hair-raising performance. I must mention, though, that both the Innova and Carnival have similar-sized diesel engines that offer more power and better performance.&nbsp;

The V-Class gets a 7-speed automatic transmission, which ensures that gearshifts are nice and smooth – but, again, it is a bit lazy. You do, however, have those sweet paddle shifters, which certainly help during a quick overtake. Considering its three-tonne weight, the engine and gearbox do a pretty good job – but the V-Class is never going to be the perfect getaway car if you’re planning a bank heist. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Smooth sailing &nbsp; &nbsp; 
You feel the brilliance of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering in terms of its handling, ride quality and suspension setup. Considering its massive dimensions and weight, the steering is very direct. It is, of course, quite light but still quite responsive. The V-Class borrows its electro-mechanical steering from the C-Class.

Along with the intuitive steering, the suspension also plays a major role in offering a plush ride. It really absorbs everything nicely and keeps the rear-seat passengers comfortable and unaffected despite the road surface. The V-Class gets adaptive dampers, so it’s soft when it needs to be, like on the highway, where it feels more like a yacht coasting over small waves. If the V-Class is meant for ferrying people around in a very relaxed and comfortable manner, then it certainly achieves its purpose. &nbsp;

<img alt="Mercedes-Benz V-Class Dashboard " src="/uploads/2019/03/v-class-dash.jpg" />

Who will buy it? 
When it comes to a luxury and premium feel, the competitors of the V-Class aren’t very far behind. And, from under the hood, they actually offer a more compelling argument. The Carnival, for instance, is likely to get the most powerful engine of the lot when it’s launched towards the end of the year – and it will cost you far less than half of what the Merc will. The V-Class, with its rather outrageous price tag of ` 81.3 lakh (ex-showroom) for this Exclusive edition, is perfect if you’re planning secret meetings on the move to execute your strategy for global domination!&nbsp;

The V-Class will be a very successful luxury fleet vehicle, but I’m not sure who will buy this as a personal vehicle – especially when you have the Innova that sets the benchmark in the segment in terms of ride quality, space or comfort. The only thing the V-Class has going for it is the adjustable seating position that provides the option of its conference room setup. Oh, there’s that famous three-pointed star too! But if you want something that feels premium and is nice to drive too, I would recommend waiting for the Kia Carnival. But if you aren’t too disturbed by the high price, the Merc provides space and comfort unlike anything else on&nbsp;our roads. &nbsp;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDra86i1E_M

Also Read:

<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/gims-2019-new-mercedes-benz-cla-shooting-brake-revealed-105578/">GIMS 2019: New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Revealed</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/2018-mercedes-benz-cls-review-first-drive-105444/">2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Review</a>

[tabs]

[tab title="Mercedes-Benz V-Class"]

Engine:&nbsp;2,143cc / 4-Cylinders / Turbocharged

Fuel:&nbsp;Diesel

Transmission:&nbsp;7-Speed AT / Rear-Wheel Drive

Power:&nbsp;163bhp @ 3,800rpm

Torque:&nbsp;380Nm @ 1,400-2,400rpm

Price: ₹ 81.3 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

X-Factor:&nbsp;An ultra-luxurious business van, with a Mercedes badge and quality. &nbsp;

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Pros &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
			•&nbsp;Spacious &amp; Luxurious 
			•&nbsp;Great Features
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			Cons 
			• Way too Expensive 
			•&nbsp;Not Powerful Enough
			</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

[/tab]

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Mercedes-Benz V-Class Review: First Drive

The MPV market is populated with the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. But, what if you need a luxury MPV, or in this case a Van? Well, Mercedes has you covered with the V-Class. Here's a comprehensive review.

Mpv

Toyota Vellfire vs Kia Carnival Comparison: Luxury MPV Battle!

Bad News for Car Buyers as SUVs, MPVs to Cost More Following GST Cess Increase

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Review: First Drive

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