2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. It started at an MSRP of $25,195, with the top-tier Touring model priced at $35,295, excluding a $1,125 destination charge. The Forester Wilderness, tested in the rugged terrains of Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior and a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Priced at $33,945, it included options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound, and a power rear liftgate, bringing the total to $36,014. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, increasing ground clearance to 9.2 inches, and featured protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, maintaining a quality feel despite its somewhat dated look. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique blend of style and technology to stand out in the minivan segment. Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, its base prices ranged from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a $1,365 destination charge. The SX Prestige trim, tested with Astra Blue paint and additional packages, was priced at $49,285. The Carnival's second year in the U.S. market brought updates like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system in the SX trim, along with Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor. The SX Prestige trim now included eight-passenger seating as standard, with the VIP Lounge Seats as a no-cost option. The Carnival's design conveyed an upscale image, with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the dual screens added sophistication, while the interior materials and robust transmission shifter enhanced the sense of quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model's CVT design increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA rated the Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate near sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness, though a turbocharger would have been welcome. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different surfaces, enhancing off-road capability. The Wilderness trim's re-tuned suspension and longer springs improved ride and handling, with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road courses, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

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 EPA-rated at 22 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. Despite lacking AWD and a hybrid powertrain, the V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode kept the drivetrain in its power band on steep climbs. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, softening with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey felt more athletic.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and washable materials. Upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating and good visibility, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area was practical, and the Wilderness trim included a full-size spare.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's design and driving position resembled an SUV more than a minivan. It offered cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather upholstery options. The SX Prestige trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate and additional storage compartments. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo space to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a WiFi hotspot, while Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system was only partly successful. Additional tech 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 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Kia Carnival included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors, and 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 smooth and reliable. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.