2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a luxurious sight for weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. With its Magnetic gray paint, four-wheel drive, and a host of premium features, it promised a comfortable ride. However, the Expedition's inability to accommodate all the luggage of six passengers highlighted a significant drawback. Despite its plush interior and bold presence, the lack of cargo space behind the third row meant one passenger had to carry a suitcase on their lap during the journey.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival offered a unique design with SUV styling elements and a practical interior. Each trim level had distinct features, from the standard grille on the LX to the VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige. The Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a stylish dashboard and center console, providing an upscale feel even in the base trim. The Carnival's interior was versatile, with options for different seating configurations and materials, making it a standout choice for families.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, with the Platinum trim receiving a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration even when fully loaded. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension.

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. While it lacked all-wheel drive and electrified options, the Carnival offered smooth and steady acceleration. The vehicle's driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most used despite some delayed downshift responses. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. The front-wheel-drive setup provided a taut and athletic feel, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers and an independent rear suspension ensuring a smooth ride. However, the regular-length model struggled with cargo space, offering only 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Expedition MAX provided more room, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but still fell short compared to minivans. The high liftover height of the cargo floor was another consideration for loading heavy items.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was a practical choice with its versatile interior and SUV-style design. The LX trim offered captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims added features like VIP Lounge Seats and a power rear sunroof. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space. Folding the third-row seats expanded the cargo volume to 86.9 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats in certain trims increased it to 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing even the Chevy Suburban.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. While it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other modern features, the system's response time and display size were less impressive. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but lacked the available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, with the LX offering an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and wireless charging. The Carnival also included unique features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige boasted a digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower with rear-wheel drive. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, though the Expedition lacked more advanced driving systems.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, 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 also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for families. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.