2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the lack of traditional controls posed a challenge for newcomers, requiring time to acclimate to the vehicle's technology.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, despite being a minivan. The SX Prestige trim, with its Astra Blue paint and decorative roof pillar trim, made the Carnival attractive. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, along with dual power sunroofs, added sophistication. The interior materials were of good quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap. However, the black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative. The Carnival's design successfully combined style with practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a minivan with a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, offering various driving modes. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving easier. However, the brake pedal was challenging to modulate for smooth stops. The GLE Coupe excelled in Sport+ mode, showcasing its performance capabilities on challenging roads, but its size and weight were drawbacks.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive minivan offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other situations. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softer and smoother with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe technically accommodated up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were children. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and a Warmth and Comfort Package with heated armrests.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan expectations with its SUV-like driving position and center console arrangement. The Carnival 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 latter limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was suitable for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, including a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate connected services. However, 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaptation function was irritating. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. 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 Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not performed crash tests.