2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Kia Carnival

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 silver-painted aluminum wheels, while the EX trim doubled the available paint colors and introduced 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, simulated open-pore wood trim, and SynTex simulated leather in three color options. 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. The Carnival's SUV styling cues, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design, contributed to its appealing and upscale appearance, even in the base trim. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover, offering a stylish and upscale look.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior changes that were easy to miss, even for trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights received minor updates. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior color choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin. The GLE's design, while not groundbreaking, maintained a sophisticated and upscale appearance, appealing to those seeking a luxurious SUV experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, while the automatic transmission operated unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, it exhibited delayed downshift responses in certain situations, which could be resolved by switching to Sport mode. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 22 mpg. Dynamically, the Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance and responsive handling. However, it could feel stiff and bouncy over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, providing swift and seamless performance. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph, with an estimated EV range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was nearly undetectable, and the transmission operated smoothly. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to handle, with sophisticated steering enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, although the SUV-style dashboard and center console limited storage space compared to competitors. The LX trim featured individual 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 Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival's third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the rear cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of volume behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE had an optional third-row seat, it was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, and massaging front seats. The GLE's interior was well-appointed, offering a high level of comfort and luxury.

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 and higher offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice recognition. The Carnival included features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication with rear-seat passengers. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities, while the SX Prestige trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the technology.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The GLE 450e included a head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation, providing clear and convenient directions. The system was feature-rich, requiring a learning curve to master its various menus and capabilities. The GLE's technology was intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The HDA technology provided Level 2 driving assistance, although it could be intrusive at times. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for passengers. The SX trim included 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety. The GLE's safety systems were reliable and effective, enhancing driver confidence on the road.