2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens. While materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, in contrast, offered a unique style and impressive technology to differentiate itself from typical minivans. Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, the Carnival's pricing ranged from $33,100 to $46,200, with our test vehicle priced at $49,285. The SX Prestige trim featured eight-passenger seating as standard, with the option for VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's design was attractive, with high-tech lighting and intricate grille details. Inside, dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while dual power sunroofs provided natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, and the transmission shifter's action imparted a sense of quality. The Carnival's upscale image and style made it a compelling choice in the minivan category.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making it feel slower than its 5.7-second 0-60 mph estimate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined and offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, which would have been beneficial in wet conditions. Despite this, the V6 provided ample power, and the transmission operated flawlessly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softened with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey felt more athletic.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned to minimize distraction, and traditional dials and buttons were used for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model only slightly reducing headroom. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive with rivals.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior did not resemble a typical minivan, with a lower driving position and SUV-like center console. Upholstery options included cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather, though the latter felt stiff. The SX Prestige trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats offered convenience but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was adult-friendly, with USB ports and cupholders. Cargo capacity behind the third row was 40.2 cubic feet, with a deep well for additional storage. Without VIP Lounge Seats, the Carnival offered up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though CarPlay took time to activate. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, enhancing the interior's appeal. The digital instrumentation offered 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. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. 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 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, 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. Higher trims added Junction Turning Detection, Highway Driving Assist, and a surround-view camera. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not tested it.