ROYALTY VS PRESTIGE

It’s time for a titanic showdown – not between bosses, but between the machines built to ferry them.

- AAKASH S PAUL

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. So, the question is — does the Vellfire really offer twice the luxury, features, and space to justify its price tag over the Carnival?

SIZING UP

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.

THE LAP OF LUXURY