2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior with a surprisingly spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from its previous shared platform with the Honda Pilot. The vehicle's proportions were adjusted, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. Acura's use of Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier and more modern exterior design. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard was designed to emphasize cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of color options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, despite being a minivan. The Carnival's design elements, such as high-tech lighting and intricate grille, gave it an attractive appearance. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action imparted a sense of quality. The Carnival's seating options, including the VIP Lounge Seats, offered comfort and luxury, although they came with some compromises in terms of cargo space. Overall, the Carnival's design and interior features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and functional minivan.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup provided a satisfying driving experience, although it lacked the option for all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain. The brakes performed well in most situations, but there was a one-time issue with brake fade during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softened with a full load of passengers. Overall, the Carnival was enjoyable to drive, though it lacked the athleticism of some competitors.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered versatile seating arrangements, with comfortable seating for the first two rows and a third row best suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured a removable center section and could slide to balance legroom. The MDX provided between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. The Carnival offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather available on the SX Prestige trim. The vehicle featured a three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. The smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience and luxury, although the latter limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Carnival provided ample cargo capacity behind it. The smart power liftgate and removable second-row seats allowed for a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a range of tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The MDX also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera system on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carnival's tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, although it was not widely used by passengers. The Carnival's voice recognition system had some limitations, but the overall tech package was impressive.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received high marks, and Acura aimed for even better ratings in 2022. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable standard features. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and reliable semi-autonomous driving assistance. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, although the standard headlights received a Poor rating.