2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Carnival

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 silver-painted aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a more sophisticated look with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX trim replaced the standard grille with a mirrored grid-pattern design and added black wheels, appealing to modern tastes. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior enhancements, including real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. All trims showcased SUV styling cues, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design, making the Carnival visually appealing and distinct from its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival maintained its stylish appeal with a few updates. The SX trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the vehicle's technological sophistication. The SX Prestige trim now included eight-passenger seating as standard, with the VIP Lounge Seats available as a no-cost option. The exterior design continued to impress with high-tech lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, along with dual power sunroofs, added to the upscale feel. However, the black alloy wheels were considered less imaginative.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and featured driving modes such as Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, and the transmission operated seamlessly. However, the Smart mode exhibited delayed downshift responses, particularly noticeable on inclines. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 22 mpg estimate. The front-wheel-drive setup contributed to a taut and athletic driving experience, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Kia Carnival retained the same powertrain, offering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The absence of all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain was noted, especially during wet weather conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission performed flawlessly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other situations. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty, with a softer feel when fully loaded. Overall, it offered a satisfying driving experience, though the Honda Odyssey was considered more athletic.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard and center console limited storage space. The LX trim featured captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat for added flexibility. The EX and SX trims provided an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige offered power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats. These seats were luxurious but limited cargo space due to their non-removable design. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided ample space. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally. The Carnival offered 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Kia Carnival continued to defy typical minivan expectations with its SUV-like design and driving position. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim. The test vehicle featured a three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. The smart sliding doors provided easy access, and the SX Prestige Seat Package included VIP Lounge Seats. However, these seats limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet and required adjustments for third-row access. The third-row seat offered adequate legroom and amenities like USB ports and cupholders. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 40.2 cubic feet of space, expandable by folding the third-row seats.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the LX trim. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired connectivity, navigation, and additional features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The technology was generally intuitive, though the Bose system was considered a step down from previous offerings.

The 2023 Kia Carnival impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a complimentary Kia Connect subscription. However, the Bose audio system was deemed mediocre. The vehicle featured Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though teenagers preferred their own devices. The Kia Connect subscription was inactive during testing, limiting voice recognition functionality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The HDA system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it was found to be less reliable in this evaluation. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a similar array of safety features, with standard collision warnings and avoidance systems. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which performed exceptionally well. The SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was praised for its accuracy and reliability. The 2023 Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the standard headlights were rated poorly.