2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique design elements across different trims. The LX trim featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a more sophisticated look with 19-inch machined-finish wheels and simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, appealing to modern tastes. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior luxury with real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling, with its floating roof design and robust roof-rack, added to its appeal, despite the visible sliding door tracks. Inside, the Carnival's dashboard and seating arrangements resembled a crossover, offering an upscale feel even in the base trim. The interior color options, including the bold Tuscan Umber, matched the vehicle's distinctive personality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its sporty look. The test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive and additional options like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather. The Sorento's interior was noted for its quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin's construction felt solid, and the design details were impressive even in the base LX model. The Sorento's interior style and traditional transmission shifter did not compromise storage space, making it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most used despite some delayed downshift responses. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, with the base engine being a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, was more satisfying, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine made it feel energetic, and despite the X-Line's raised suspension, it handled like a sports sedan. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The Sorento's suspension offered a blend of compliance and composure, making it a willing partner on winding roads.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was a practical choice, with its SUV-style design limiting some storage space compared to competitors. The LX trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a wide center pass-through, while the EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim included power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided ample space. The smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, with a deep storage well offering 40.2 cubic feet of volume behind the third-row seat. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. The Sorento's cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The smart power tailgate added convenience, opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, with the LX trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and UVO Link connected services. The Carnival also offered features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication with rear passengers. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's technology included a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, except for the base LX trim, which had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and active blind-spot monitoring. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, and the SX Prestige trim had a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim, with features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor available on the SX Prestige X-Line. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.