2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a noticeable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, maintaining a familiar aesthetic that Subaru enthusiasts appreciated. The interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that could easily be mistaken for other Subaru models, reinforcing brand consistency. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features such as larger touchscreens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique design elements across different trims. The LX trim featured a standard grille and 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim offered more paint options and upgraded interior materials. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, and the SX Prestige focused on cabin enhancements with VIP Lounge Seats and leather upholstery. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like a floating roof and robust roof-rack, making it visually appealing. Inside, the Carnival's dashboard and seating arrangements leaned towards a crossover style, with various interior color options and configurations that added to its upscale feel.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided reliable performance for everyday driving. The Ascent excelled in comfort, handling corners with ease and absorbing road imperfections, making it a popular choice in regions with challenging weather conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent was well-suited for light off-roading and towing needs.

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 effortless acceleration. It included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Sport mode addressing delayed downshift responses. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. Its dynamic handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. While spacious, some competitors offered more cargo capacity. The Ascent featured a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option. It accommodated up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent boasted 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with a flexible seating configuration. The LX trim offered captain’s chairs with a center pass-through, while the LX Seat Package added a middle seat for various configurations. The EX and SX trims featured an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, and the SX Prestige included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. The Carnival's cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats in certain trims increased cargo volume to 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and easy-to-read icons. It offered two touchscreen sizes, both with hard buttons and dials for convenience. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Optional features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium Harman Kardon stereo.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim. The LX trim had analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen system with wired smartphone integration, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation. It also included features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk for enhanced communication. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige featured a digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the technology.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ rating, thanks to its crash test performance and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Ascent also offered optional features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The SX trim featured a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige included a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.