2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to the vehicle's length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality over decorative elements. However, the material quality, particularly in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, offered a unique design for each trim level, with the LX trim featuring a standard grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim introduced more paint color options, 19-inch wheels, and simulated wood trim. The SX trim swapped the grille for a mirrored design and added black wheels. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior upgrades, including real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. 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 dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover, and the interior was stylish even in the base trim. The Carnival's practicality was evident in its seating configurations and storage options, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The 4Motion system could switch to rear-wheel drive when needed. However, the driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine, but only 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy was not impressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined.

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 had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated unobtrusively. The Carnival offered Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most used. However, there was a noticeable delay in downshifts when accelerating out of corners or up hills. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, and it felt taut and athletic on the road, although it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, the second-row legroom was lacking. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. It featured up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was highly practical, with an SUV-style dashboard and center console. The LX trim featured individual captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat that could slide forward or fold flat. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige had VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 86.9 cubic feet by folding the seats. The second-row seats could be removed for a total of 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Carnival also featured smart hands-free power-sliding doors and a liftgate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trims offered Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, with improved voice recognition and navigation. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, but the displays were plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim featured analog gauges with a digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. It also included navigation, wireless charging, and eight speakers. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival also offered features like Passenger View, Passenger Talk, and Quiet Mode.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, but it was not always reliable. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. Starting with SX trim, the Carnival had a surround-view camera system, with a Blind View Monitor exclusive to the SX Prestige.