Carnival IV (KA4) vs Alphard III (AH30): which is better?
Kia Carnival IV (KA4) (2020–present) vs Toyota Alphard III (AH30) (2015–2023): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Carnival IV (KA4)
Toyota Alphard III (AH30)Specifications
| Kia Carnival IV (KA4) | Toyota Alphard III (AH30) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2015–2023 |
| Body | minivan | minivan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 294 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque, up to | 355 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 155 mm | 4 945 mm |
| Width | 1 995 mm | 1 850 mm |
| Height | 1 775 mm | 1 895 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 090 mm | 3 000 mm |
| Ground clearance | 172 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | 75 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Carnival IV (KA4)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 294 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 72 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream): new engines, few widespread problems so far.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Toyota Alphard III (AH30)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 300 hp
- Large tank: 75 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Carnival IV (KA4) — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- Alphard III (AH30) — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Carnival IV (KA4) or Alphard III (AH30)?
Carnival IV (KA4): up to 294 hp, Alphard III (AH30): up to 300 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Carnival IV (KA4) — about 68 375 ₸, Alphard III (AH30) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.