2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Seltos S. Prices initially ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and additional body cladding, with an MSRP of $28,045, including the destination charge. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent color for the infotainment system was not universally liked. Despite some design quirks, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its competitors.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, in its second year in the U.S. market, offered a distinctive style and impressive technology to stand out in the minivan segment. Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, base prices ranged from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a $1,365 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the SX Prestige, included extra-cost Astra Blue paint, floor mats, the SX Prestige Seating Package, and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package, with an MSRP of $49,285. The Carnival's SX trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system, along with Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The SX Prestige trim now featured eight-passenger seating as standard, with the VIP Lounge Seats as a no-cost option. The Carnival's upscale image was enhanced by its high-tech lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, though the black alloy wheels were less imaginative. Inside, the dual screens and sunroofs added sophistication, and the interior materials were of high quality.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for the LX, S, and EX trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The suspension tuning was less appealing, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions and a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite some handling issues, the Seltos was easy to park and offered good visibility.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. While AWD was not available, the V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode was effective on steep roads. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softer with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The interior included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival did not resemble a typical minivan, with a lower driving position and an SUV-like center console. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The test vehicle had a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, though the seats limited cargo volume to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival offered 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet when the second-row seats were removed.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims. It included Bluetooth, a navigation system, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige had 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a Mercedes-Benz-like presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a range of driver assistance systems, with standard collision warnings and avoidance features. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not tested it.