2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class maintained a balance between new and old. The GLC 300 was redesigned, featuring narrower taillights, but retained the classic styling of its predecessor. The interior received a significant update with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC's design was classy and timeless, though some might have desired more personality. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their first-generation design, with a coupe-like roofline that distinguished them from the standard GLC 300. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, focusing on elegance rather than sportiness or technological novelty.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive, 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. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, delayed downshift responses were noted, particularly on hills, which Sport mode helped alleviate. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, comparable to its class. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 offered a smoother ride than rivals, with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a sportier ride and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was a practical minivan with SUV-style design elements. The LX trim featured captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat for added flexibility. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige trim included power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with leather upholstery. 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 had pros and cons, with the liftgate offering a deep storage well and 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of space, and removing the second-row seats increased cargo volume to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincing, and real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage space, with a large center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals, but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim introduced a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The Carnival also offered Passenger View and Passenger Talk features, along with a Quiet Mode for the stereo. 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The GLC included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. The new infotainment system performed well but lacked physical buttons for easy adjustments.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 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, while the SX Prestige trim offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous model received high ratings. The GLC 300 included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation.