2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design across its various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. 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 added 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, simulated open-pore wood trim, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim replaced the standard grille with a mirrored grid-pattern design and introduced black wheels. 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, setting it apart from traditional minivans.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim and featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, and bronze interior accents. The 4Runner's design evoked a nostalgic 1970s vibe, appealing to those who appreciated its truck-based SUV stance. The interior, while solid and purposeful, included plenty of plastic but maintained a quality feel. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those seeking a rugged, classic 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 engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, and 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, particularly noticeable on hills. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 22 mpg. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD option. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 17 mpg in combined driving, and the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg during testing. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. The 4Runner was more at home in off-road environments, where it demonstrated its capabilities.

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 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 an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat provided comfort for adults and ample cargo space behind it. The smart hands-free power-sliding side 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 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seats, with the Limited trim offering heated and ventilated leather seats. The 40 ASE trim included SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and air conditioning vents. The optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area included storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor. With the third-row seat, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet, while the standard five-passenger configuration offered 46.3 cubic feet, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim. The 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, and navigation. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities. 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, with features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The 4Runner offered connected services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and voice recognition performed well. The 4Runner's technology was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons for easy operation.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure and -keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Carnival also included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim featured a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige included a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, though it was slow to accelerate. The lane-departure warning could be turned off. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.