2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, it didn't visually stand out from other Explorer models. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, with a floating roof effect. Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, but the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials. While mostly worthy of its price, occasional reminders of the base trim were evident.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, in its second year in the U.S. market, came in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with base prices from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a $1,365 destination charge. Our SX Prestige test vehicle, priced at $49,285, featured Astra Blue paint, floor mats, the SX Prestige Seating Package, and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package. The Carnival relied on style, unique interior fittings, and technology to differentiate itself from typical minivans. The SX Prestige trim offered eight-passenger seating, with VIP Lounge Seats as a no-cost option. The Carnival's upscale image was enhanced by high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, dual screens added sophistication, and the interior materials prevented a cheap feel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving.

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. It achieved 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. While lacking AWD and a hybrid powertrain, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated flawlessly. The brakes, however, faded during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride was firm and sporty with a single driver, softening with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey felt more athletic.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger use. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, but the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical pockets and shelves. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival didn't resemble a typical minivan, with a lower driving position and SUV-like center console. It offered cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather upholstery options. The SX Prestige trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors revealed VIP Lounge Seats, which were great for road trips but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's smart power liftgate revealed 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a deep well for sports equipment. Without VIP Lounge Seats, the Carnival offered 145.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with 8-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreens. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was lacking, and Ford needed to upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. The Carnival's voice recognition system was partly successful, and additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, but teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings. Ford Co-Pilot360, standard on all Explorers, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The semi-autonomous driving tech worked well, though steering wheel sensitivity was an issue.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a stair-step collection of driver assistance systems, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors, and the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. 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 excellent, and the IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022.