2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold redesign, drawing inspiration from Nissan's latest SUV design language. It featured a new V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the updated Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the C-pillar design paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 14 paint options and a black roof available, the Pathfinder offered a robust and contemporary aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and shorter length contributed to its rugged appearance, aligning it more closely with competitors like the Kia Telluride.

Inside, the Pathfinder aimed for a more upscale feel, especially in higher trims. It offered eight-passenger seating, with the option for second-row captain's chairs in the Platinum trim. The interior boasted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats in the SL and Platinum grades, enhancing comfort and luxury. While a Midnight Edition package wasn't available, Nissan provided components for a similar look. The Pathfinder's interior design was competitive with other midsize SUVs, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presented a unique design approach for each trim level. The LX trim featured a standard grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered more paint options and 19-inch machined-finish wheels. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, appealing to modern tastes. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior enhancements, including VIP Lounge Seats and real leather upholstery. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included simulated skid plates, a floating roof, and robust roof-rack options, giving it a distinctive look in the minivan segment.

Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover. The LX trim offered a two-tone black-and-gray interior with cloth seats, while higher trims introduced options like Tuscan Umber, a bold interior color choice. The Carnival's interior was designed for practicality, with features like a removable second-row center seat and VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim. Despite some compromises, the Carnival's interior was spacious and versatile, catering to families with its thoughtful design.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered smooth gear transitions and improved driving dynamics. Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Pathfinder provided a range of drive modes for different terrains. Its towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds, making it a capable choice for hauling. The Pathfinder's fuel economy varied slightly between FWD and AWD models, with the latter achieving up to 25 mpg on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Carnival introduced a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered smooth and steady acceleration. The Carnival's driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, some drivers experienced delayed downshifts in certain conditions. The Carnival's fuel economy averaged around 21.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 22 mpg. While the Carnival's towing capacity was lower at 3,500 pounds, it provided a dynamic and athletic driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Enhanced insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise, creating a quieter cabin. The Pathfinder's design focused on family-friendly features, such as wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to accommodate up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system allowed easy access to the third row, even with a car seat installed. The Pathfinder offered ample cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with a focus on versatility and comfort. The LX trim featured individual captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim introduced VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival's cargo space was generous, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a range of technology features, even in lower trims. Standard equipment included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display, enhancing the driving experience. NissanConnect Services and a wireless charging pad were also available in upper trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a variety of technology options across its trims. The LX trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting with the EX trim, the Carnival included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and wireless charging. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities. The SX Prestige trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound audio system. Kia's technology was intuitive, though the quick reference guide was extensive.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety technologies including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available in upper trims. The Pathfinder featured ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

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