2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 options. 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-like 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, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the Carnival's dashboard and seating arrangements resembled a crossover, with a stylish and upscale appearance even in the base trim. The interior offered various color options, including the attention-grabbing Tuscan Umber.

The 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability and exclusive paint colors. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed compact from the side, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky language, making it easier to maneuver in technical driving. Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat undermined by the presence of plastic materials, a result of cost-saving measures. However, luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery were present. The GX's design and features catered to those seeking a blend of luxury and off-road capability.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive or electrified options. The Carnival's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, while the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. Driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most used despite some delayed downshift responses. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 22 mpg. The front-wheel-drive setup contributed to a taut and athletic feel, with flat cornering and responsive handling. However, the ride could be stiff over uneven surfaces, potentially improving with a full load.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity was 6,500 pounds, surpassing many three-row crossovers. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to noticeable body roll in corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The GX's 4WD system, with a Torsen limited-slip differential, provided versatility in various driving conditions, enhancing its off-road capability.

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. Higher trims like the SX Prestige included power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with leather upholstery and a rear sunroof. The third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the rear cargo area was spacious, offering 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats created a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently triggered.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. The GX's interior featured hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row offered comfort with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open and provided limited cargo space, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row increased capacity to 46.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows offered 64.7 cubic feet, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim. The LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation. Features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk enhanced communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities, while the SX Prestige included a digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide for the technology, emphasizing the need for setup and familiarization.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the system lagged behind newer Lexus models in terms of graphics and responsiveness. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included 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 introduced a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several ADAS features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While lacking some advanced features, the GX's safety systems were a testament to Toyota and Lexus's commitment to safety.