2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's exterior was a blend of sleek lines and bold features, with pop-out door handles and a trapezoidal roof that echoed the grandeur of its larger Range Rover siblings. The vehicle's proportions were meticulously crafted, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs that contributed to its sporty yet refined appearance. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, still boasted high-quality materials and a polished black center stack that defined its aesthetic. The Velar's three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and a sophisticated interface, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and practicality, setting it apart from traditional minivans. Its design was more akin to an SUV, with a lower driving position and a center console reminiscent of those found in SUVs. The Carnival's interior was spacious and versatile, with options for cloth, artificial leather, or genuine leather upholstery. The SX Prestige trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added a touch of luxury, although they came with some compromises in terms of cargo space. The minivan's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area offered ample space, with a smart power liftgate providing easy access.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune, delivering up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enhanced performance while reducing emissions.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving and offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The Carnival's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. While the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, its V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and the brakes performed well in most situations, although they showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softened with a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, and the new shifter design obstructed access to volume and climate controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user interface, making it faster and easier to use.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. The Carnival offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim featuring genuine leather. The minivan's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, although they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. The Carnival's smart power liftgate and removable second-row seats allowed for a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road measurements. The instrument panel offered customizable layouts, although the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering impressive graphics and imagery. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The Carnival's tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, although it was not popular with teenage passengers. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was deemed mediocre by audiophiles.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP, earning five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System added extra layers of safety. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, although the NHTSA had not yet tested it.