2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a striking midsize SUV that captivated consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions. It featured trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, which added to its handsome appearance. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and updated the badges, maintaining the successful design. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge. The interior was well-organized and appealing, though the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from its overall upscale feel. Despite this, the Telluride offered numerous new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, in contrast, relied on its distinctive style, unique interior fittings, and impressive technology to stand out in the minivan segment. It was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with base prices from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a destination charge. The Carnival SX Prestige trim featured eight-passenger seating as standard, with the option for VIP Lounge Seats. The exterior design was attractive, with high-tech lighting and intricate grille details, though the black alloy wheels were less imaginative. Inside, the Carnival boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that elevated its image. However, the VIP Lounge Seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered AWD with a Lock mode for power distribution. The Telluride provided a smooth ride with its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving with AWD, matching our test results. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's EPA rating was 22 mpg in combined driving, though our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Carnival's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. While the V6 engine provided ample power, the lack of AWD and hybrid options was a drawback. The Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, though they faded during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride, with a softer feel when fully loaded.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with its upscale interior design and practical features. It offered thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all rows. The Telluride's interior materials, including Nappa leather upholstery in the SX Prestige trim, contributed to a premium feel. The SUV provided comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan stereotypes with its SUV-like driving position and center console layout. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control and heated and ventilated front seats added comfort. However, the VIP Lounge Seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet and complicated third-row access. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders for passengers. Cargo capacity behind the third row was 40.2 cubic feet, with a deep well for additional storage. Removing the second-row seats expanded cargo space to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and voice recognition. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered USB ports in all rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride also had Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, along with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a premium feel. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect Ultimate services. However, the 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 it was underutilized by teenagers during our test.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it required driver attention. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

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