2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version of the Ascent featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition aimed to provide a sporty appearance that the SUV previously lacked. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition offered a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, which was preferable to a black interior. However, the StarTex synthetic leather upholstery had a tendency to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable on hot days.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image. The Carnival SX Prestige trim featured high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and fancy decorative roof pillar trim. The interior boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and flashy dashboard trim. The Carnival's interior materials were of high quality, preventing it from looking or feeling cheap. The robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality to the driving experience. However, the black alloy wheels were considered boring and unimaginative.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided off-roading capability. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies sometimes made the driving experience uncertain.

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. It was front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with an average of 21.1 mpg during testing. The V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with just the driver, but softer and smoother with a full load. The Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was noted to be more athletic.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, but third-row comfort was limited for taller adults. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to load, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, while not looking like a typical minivan, offered a lower driving position and an SUV-like center console. The Carnival's interior featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige offering genuine leather. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, but the latter limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. The maximum cargo space with the second-row seats removed was 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features were reserved for the Touring trim level.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate connected services. The Carnival's voice recognition system was only partly successful, and the 12-speaker Bose audio system was deemed 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 but was not popular with teenagers.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with 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, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable safety features. 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 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, but the NHTSA had not performed crash tests on the Carnival at the time of the review.