2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that gave it a more muscular appearance compared to its predecessors. The design retained some of its original sophistication, especially noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear, where a new all-LED taillamp spanned the width of the vehicle. Chrysler offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out with its premium materials and practical design, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and its sound-deadening technology was enhanced with new windows, seals, and insulation.

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design for each trim level, with the LX trim featuring a standard black grille and silver-painted 17-inch wheels. The EX trim offered more paint colors, 19-inch wheels, and simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, while the SX Prestige focused on cabin upgrades with VIP Lounge Seats and real leather. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and a robust roof rack. Despite visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was appealing, with sharp angles and a conservative yet tasteful look. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a crossover-like dashboard and center console, offering upscale features even in the base trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival lacked AWD and electrified powertrain options but offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated unobtrusively. The Carnival offered Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode occasionally causing delayed downshifts. The EPA rated the Carnival at 22 mpg combined, and testing showed an average of 21.7 mpg. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and a padded center console lid for a sense of togetherness. It featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats with in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage was a practical addition, and the third-row bench seat provided ample legroom. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was practical, with an SUV-style dashboard and center console that limited storage space compared to competitors. The LX trim had captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while the LX Seat Package added a middle second-row seat. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, and the SX Prestige featured VIP Lounge Seats with an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rearmost cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of volume. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate had pros and cons, and the vehicle offered up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered hands-free sliding doors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional in-seat entertainment. The Pacifica's sound system options included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, and the Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim added a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and wireless charging. The Carnival offered Passenger View and Passenger Talk features, and the SX trim included a dual-screen rear entertainment system. The SX Prestige featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 driving aid. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, and the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of publication.