The Kia Carnival is our pick when eight people and their luggage need to travel together. It's a diesel automatic with three rows of full-size seats, so nobody draws the short straw in the back — and unlike most 8 seaters, there's still real boot space with every row in use.
Overview
Most people hiring an 8 seater in Perth discover the same problem: fill every seat and there's nowhere left for the bags. The Carnival solves it. Boot space starts at 627 litres and expands to 2,827 litres depending on how the rows are configured — enough for a full airport run without anyone holding a suitcase on their lap. Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel producing 148kW and 440Nm, driving through an eight-speed automatic, with a claimed combined fuel figure of 6.5L/100km. That last number matters more than it sounds. On a Perth-to-Margaret River run with eight people aboard, a diesel Carnival will cost you noticeably less in fuel than a petrol people mover doing the same trip, and the torque means it doesn't labour on the hills coming into the South West. Inside, the second row slides on rails so you can shift legroom to whichever row needs it, and the third row genuinely fits adults rather than just children. The middle seat in row two folds down into a travel tray with cupholders, which is the sort of detail you appreciate three hours into a drive. Both rear doors are power sliding — worth having in a tight airport car park with kids either side. It carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and at 5,155mm long and 1,995mm wide it's a large vehicle. Perth's suburban streets and shopping centre car parks are fine, but check the height clearance before you commit to an underground car park in the CBD.
Benefits of choosing Suzuki
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Premium Damage Waiver ($500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $500. Available for drivers aged 21+.
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STANDARD Young Driver Damage Waiver ($1,000 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $1,000. Compulsory for drivers aged 18-20.
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PRESTIGE Premium Damage Waiver ($1,500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $5,000 to $1,500. Available for drivers aged 25+.
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STANDARD Compact SUV Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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PRESTIGE Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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125kms/Day Free
125km included free per day. Extra kilometres charged at $0.50 per km.
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Unlimited Kilometres
Unlimited kilometres within a 500km radius of Perth CBD only. $12/day standard, $20/day MU-X, $30/day Prestige vehicles.
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Extended Area of Use
Required for travel into regional WA including Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Exmouth.
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Additional Driver Fee
Add an extra approved driver. Capped at $50 per driver.
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Child Seat
Various sizes available - choose on collection. Capped at $100 per seat.