2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Lexus RX

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 enhancements, including VIP Lounge Seats and real leather. The Carnival's SUV-like styling, with its tall hood and floating roof design, gave it a distinct presence, 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, added to its unique personality.

The 2023 Lexus RX, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, flowing into an elevated hood. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation. Inside, the RX featured a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology offered convenience, though it required a subscription after three years. The RX's quality levels were high, with options for genuine leather and various trims. The RX 350 was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options, providing a range of choices for buyers.

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 smooth acceleration and a solid shifter feel. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, 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 22 mpg estimate. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy results of 21.8 mpg. The RX's turbo engine provided satisfying performance, despite its less refined sound.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard limited storage space. The LX trim featured captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while the EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. The Carnival's third-row seat provided ample space, and the cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfort with its luxury and sport-oriented interiors. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport Handling trim offered sportier features, including NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The RX's back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded down, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen 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 trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, though setting it up required time and effort.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant offered natural voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The RX's infotainment system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system required tone adjustments for optimal performance. The RX also featured digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional technology like a head-up display and digital key.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with 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 features like cyclist detection and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system offered Level 2 driving aid, though it was not always reliable. 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 Lexus RX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a range of ADAS features. New additions included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The system's performance was generally impressive, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not predictive. The RX's driver monitoring system ensured attention, though it could be obstructed by certain driving positions.