2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched its upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding destination charges. Our test model, equipped with all-wheel drive and additional option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and impressive technology, setting it apart from typical minivans. The Carnival came in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with base prices from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a destination charge. Our SX Prestige test vehicle, priced at $49,285, featured extra-cost Astra Blue paint and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package. The Carnival's second year in the U.S. market brought changes like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system in the SX trim. The SX Prestige offered eight-passenger seating as standard, with the VIP Lounge Seats as a no-cost option. The Carnival's upscale image was enhanced by its high-tech lighting, intricate grille, and stylish roof pillar trim, although the black alloy wheels were less imaginative. Inside, dual screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials contributed to its sophisticated feel.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved performance, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with all-wheel drive, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities. The Compass felt nimble with its 19-inch wheels but exhibited bouncy dynamics on uneven pavement.

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 offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, achieving an EPA-rated 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival's V6 provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality varied, with a firm, sporty feel when lightly loaded and a softer ride with a full passenger load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard, Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and premium leather upholstery elevated the Compass's perceived quality. The cargo area offered 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and center console arrangement. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The test vehicle included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats provided comfort but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and the cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet behind it. Removing the second-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 145.1 cubic feet, rivaling a Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. Additional options included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities but failed to engage teenage passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Highway Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assistance were available. However, the lane-keep assist was intrusive at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable additions. The EX trim introduced Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim added a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.