2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, each offering front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S was considered a great value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV with features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, both inside and out, with a contemporary design and quality execution, although the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless one chose the SX trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, offered unique design elements across its trims. The LX trim featured a standard grille and silver-painted 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim doubled the available paint colors and added 19-inch machined-finish wheels. The SX trim replaced the standard grille with a mirrored grid-pattern design and added black wheels. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior enhancements, including VIP Lounge Seats and real leather. The Carnival's SUV styling included features like simulated skid plates and a floating roof design. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was considered appealing, with a sharp and angular look that stood out in its segment. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover, offering an upscale appearance even in base trim.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive that included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. The self-leveling rear suspension in EX and SX trims ensured proper handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, with a real-world average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options but offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The engine provided smooth acceleration, though the transmission exhibited delayed downshifts in Smart mode, particularly on inclines. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a test average of 21.7 mpg. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could be stiff over certain road surfaces.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustments and a forward view reminiscent of a Range Rover. The Prestige package added luxurious leather upholstery and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Carnival prioritized practicality, with an SUV-style dashboard limiting storage compared to competitors. The LX trim offered captain’s chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims featured Slide Flex seating for versatile configurations. The SX Prestige trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, with a large cargo area providing 40.2 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could activate unintentionally.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and UVO Link connected services. The system allowed for dual smartphone pairing and included features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and UVO Link services. The Carnival offered features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk for enhanced communication. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a similar array of advanced driving assistance systems, with additional features like cyclist detection and Highway Driving Assist on EX trim and above. The Carnival included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim featured a surround-view camera system, with a Blind View Monitor exclusive to the SX Prestige. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.