2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a station wagon. The vehicle featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in the lineup, priced at $36,995 plus destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, despite being a minivan. It was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with prices ranging from $33,100 to $46,200, plus destination charges. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with features like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system. The Carnival's design included high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The Carnival's interior materials were of high quality, contributing to its premium feel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA rated its fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, but its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's all-wheel drive system, combined with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road. It also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual function X-Mode traction system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated at 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with the V6 engine providing ample power even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode was particularly effective on steep inclines. However, the Carnival's brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations. The minivan's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softened with a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, and the driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, offered a more SUV-like driving experience with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. It came with three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control system included heated and ventilated front seats. The minivan'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 spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area behind it offered 40.2 cubic feet of space. The Carnival's maximum cargo capacity was 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While it offered physical knobs for volume and tuning, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive than desired. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness also featured a PIN code entry system, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a premium experience 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, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. 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 it was not widely used by teenagers during testing.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The vehicle also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The minivan also featured a rear-seat reminder system and a Safe Exit System. Starting with EX trim, the Carnival added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet performed crash tests on the vehicle.