2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, featuring exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the new Timberline trim, which catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like standard four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The Limited Stealth Edition, with its leather seats and advanced tech, provided a luxurious experience despite some F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim.

The 2023 Kia Carnival distinguished itself with a unique sense of style and impressive technology, setting it apart from typical minivans. Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, the Carnival offered a range of features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system in the SX trim. The SX Prestige trim came with eight-passenger seating as standard, with the option for VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's design, from its high-tech lighting to intricate grille, conveyed an upscale image. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, ensuring the minivan did not feel cheap.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels unless 4WD was opted for. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The SUV's driving dynamics were enhanced by the Stealth Edition Package's sport-tuned suspension, although the ride quality could be harsh due to the 22-inch wheels. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking sensors. On the highway, it excelled, providing a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The minivan offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. While AWD was not available, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Carnival's brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant but softened with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic experience.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, with available power running boards. The interior featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, while the third-row seat offered outstanding leg support. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. The SUV's interior was designed for convenience, with numerous storage options and climate controls for rear passengers.

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 in the SX Prestige trim. The minivan featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim provided a luxurious experience but limited cargo capacity to 86.9 cubic feet. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 40.2 cubic feet of space, easily expandable by folding the third-row seats.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system featured a 12-inch touchscreen, while the optional Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio and premium sound systems. The Sync 4A system, while sophisticated, had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a high-end presentation similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Kia Connect Ultimate connected services provided remote engine starting and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carnival's tech package included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system allowed streaming from services like Netflix. However, the Bose audio system was deemed mediocre, and the native voice recognition system had limitations due to an inactive Kia Connect subscription.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 collections of driving-assistance systems. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and intersection assist. The King Ranch and Platinum trims offered a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also introduced Road Edge Detection and offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. While the adaptive cruise control was smooth and refined, the lane-centering assist had issues, such as steering the vehicle to the side of the lane in heavy traffic.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement inside the minivan. The Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles when parked on a busy street. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation. The 2023 Carnival was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year.