Who needs a minivan in Dubai
Once there are more than five of you, an ordinary crossover stops working: suitcases, child seats and a third row of passengers all need real space. Our fleet has two clear answers for this: the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Granvia. They are close on power and seat count, but they feel different and cost very different amounts. Below is a comparison based on real numbers from our fleet (prices as of October 2026; the current price is always on each car page).
Three cars in one table
We have two Kia Carnivals from different years and one Granvia. The 2025 Carnival is supplied by a partner company and has its own terms, shown on its page.
| Model | Seats | Power | Drive | Per day, AED | Per week, AED | Per month, AED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carnival Noblesse 2022 | 8 | 294 hp | front | 199 | 1,390 | 4,990 |
| Kia Carnival 2025 (partner car) | 7 | 290 hp | front | 300 | 1,800 | 6,000 |
| Toyota Granvia 2024 | 8 | 280 hp | rear | 450 | 2,700 | 9,000 |
All three have a 3.5-litre V6 and an automatic gearbox. The difference is not in performance but in comfort and price.
Kia Carnival: the practical family choice
The Carnival Noblesse 2022 in top trim seats eight: three rows, power sliding doors, separate climate control for passengers and a big boot even with every seat taken. It needs no deposit, insurance is included and 250 km per day is part of the price.
The 2025 Carnival is newer and softer inside: seven seats, two individual second-row seats with leg rests and recline, two 12-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise, ventilated seats and three-zone climate. The boot holds 630 litres with seven aboard. It is a partner car with its own terms, including a 1,000 AED deposit and a 7-day minimum, so check its page before you book.
Toyota Granvia: business class on wheels
The Granvia is built on the Hiace platform but the cabin is a different world: eight individual seats with armrests, power adjustment and near-flat recline. There are three climate zones with a dedicated vent at every seat, USB at each place, power sliding doors and blinds. Behind the last row there is room for six suitcases. It is rear-wheel drive with a 3.5-litre, 280 hp engine.
No deposit, and delivery is free on rentals from 7 days. If you want a driver, ask us: the service is available on request. It is a natural choice for a delegation, a wedding party or any trip where passengers will spend hours on board.
What it costs per person
The price gap is nearly double, so let us work it out for a group of eight (seven for the 2025 Carnival) at the weekly rate:
- Carnival Noblesse: 1,390 AED for 8 people, about 174 AED each per week, or roughly 25 AED each per day at the daily rate.
- Carnival 2025: 1,800 AED for 7 people, about 257 AED each per week.
- Granvia: 2,700 AED for 8 people, about 338 AED each per week, or about 56 AED each per day at the daily rate.
These figures leave out fuel, Salik and fines, which the renter pays at actual cost. For rentals under 7 days, delivery and return together cost 210 AED on most cars; from 7 days it is free.
In practice: parking, fuel and the road
A minivan is longer and taller than a sedan, and that matters in the city. In malls and underground car parks in the Marina and Downtown, watch the height signs and pick spaces at the edge where it is easier to turn. The 2025 Carnival has a 360-degree camera, which helps, but on any of these cars you need to get used to the size from day one.
A 3.5-litre V6 uses a noticeable amount of fuel, especially in city traffic, so on longer routes budget for petrol separately from the rental. With a big group, splitting that cost is easier than it sounds, and that is the main advantage of one large vehicle over two sedans.
Another benefit: one car means one driver, one parking space and one Salik charge per gate. With two cars all of that doubles.
Which one to choose
- Family with kids, friends, an airport transfer plus a few days of touring: Carnival Noblesse. Lowest price, eight seats, no deposit, from one day.
- A comfortable second row and a newer car: the 2025 Carnival, if its partner terms suit you.
- Long drives, a business group, VIP guests: Granvia. The price is higher, but the seats and the quiet are a step up.
- A lot of luggage for eight people: Granvia, with space for six suitcases according to its description.
For a trip to Abu Dhabi, Hatta or the east coast, either minivan copes well, since both have a strong V6. On a day like that, passengers care far more about second and third row comfort than about acceleration.
