2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design across its various trims, each offering distinct elements that set them apart. The LX trim featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim doubled the available paint colors and added 19-inch machined-finish wheels, simulated wood trim, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, and the SX Prestige focused on interior upgrades with real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling included skid plates, a floating roof design, and a robust roof-rack on higher trims. Despite visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was sharp and angular, standing out in its segment. Inside, the SUV theme continued with a crossover-like dashboard and console, offering an upscale look even in base trim. The interior color options varied, with the EX trim introducing a bold Tuscan Umber option.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a design that eliminated chrome, creating a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's overall design felt dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor. The cabin, though crafted with care and featuring Lexus's signature refinement, also retained an old-school feel with physical controls. The GX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with a V8 engine providing a satisfying note. Available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, the GX's pricing ranged from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX maintained a level of quality and comfort expected from Lexus, though its design and technology lagged behind more modern competitors.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options, but offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and steady 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 EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, and testing showed an average of 21.7 mpg. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive system felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance and responsive tires. However, it could feel stiff and bouncy on uneven surfaces, potentially settling down when loaded with passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain enabled a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX featured a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. Its drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine and 4WD system, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg. Testing showed a slightly better result of 16.8 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, enhanced the GX's off-road prowess with additional features.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, designed as a practical minivan, offered an SUV-style dashboard and center console, limiting storage space compared to competitors. The LX trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while the LX Seat Package added a middle seat for flexible configurations. The EX and SX trims shared an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, and the SX Prestige offered VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The third-row seat provided comfort for adults and ample cargo space behind it. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate had pros and cons, 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 in certain trims expanded it to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its design, suitable for global markets, made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. However, rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and close to the tailgate, raising safety concerns. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading hassle, especially in tight spaces.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. It also featured navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and eight speakers. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming apps and voice control for rear passengers. The SX Prestige included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide for the technology, emphasizing the need to familiarize oneself with the features.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. The Lexus app offered smartwatch compatibility and Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display allowed a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras, though it lacked some modern technology found in competitors.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure and lane-keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, 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 offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a more favorable driving experience, free from intrusive technology.