2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling cues. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL models with a third row of seating. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with options for larger wheels and additional exterior upgrades. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of features from power-adjustable front seats to semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated steering wheels. However, the infotainment system, while functional, was criticized for its dated appearance and lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presented a unique design with distinct elements across its trims. The LX trim featured a standard grille and 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim offered more paint options and 19-inch wheels. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, and the SX Prestige focused on cabin enhancements with VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and robust roof-rack options. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was praised for its sharp angles and conservative taste, making it a standout in its segment. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover, offering a range of interior color options and seating configurations, including the luxurious VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering 308 horsepower. The RX offered a smooth ride, though the transmission occasionally struggled with gear selection under acceleration. Fuel efficiency for the FWD RX 350 was rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with slight variations for AWD and hybrid models. The RX's handling was improved with tuning adjustments, providing a dynamic driving experience, especially with the F Sport Handling package. The RX could reach 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces. The absence of AWD and electrified powertrain options was noted, but the Carnival's performance was generally well-received.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row RX. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering various seating configurations and ample cargo space. The LX trim featured captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while the EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leg rests. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Removing the second-row seats in certain trims increased cargo volume to 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Lexus RX came equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system, while functional, was criticized for its complexity and lack of wireless smartphone integration. The Remote Touch controller offered an alternative to touchscreen interaction but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the LX trim. The EX trim and above featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and additional features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a digital instrumentation display and a Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was generally intuitive, though the extensive features required time to fully explore and set up.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a range of driver-assist technologies. The RX's safety suite was comprehensive but lacked the advanced hands-off systems found in some competitors.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added features like front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival's safety features were extensive, with systems like Safe Exit Assist and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were pending at the time of review.