2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, was noted for its attractive Astra Blue paint and sophisticated interior, which included dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that enhanced the overall feel of the vehicle. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival's black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged look traditionally associated with Jeep. The Compass shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, offering a more mature appearance. The Limited trim, wrapped in Granite Crystal paint and equipped with multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents provided a sophisticated atmosphere, enhanced by digital displays and metallic trim. However, the Compass's price point was considered high for its segment, especially when compared to larger compact crossovers.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel-drive minivan offered a satisfying driving experience, with multiple driving modes including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. Despite its power, the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power even with a full load of passengers, but the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride, though it was softer and smoother when fully loaded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, transformed the Compass's driving dynamics. The Trailhawk version featured additional off-road capabilities, including a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. While the new engine improved the Compass's performance, it prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a combined EPA rating of 27 mpg. The Compass offered a more engaging driving experience than previous models, though it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a spacious and versatile interior, with a design that mimicked SUVs. It featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim offering genuine leather. The Carnival's interior was equipped with a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The VIP Lounge Seats in the second row provided luxury but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing even the Chevrolet Suburban. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 40.2 cubic feet of space.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. The Compass offered cloth upholstery on lower trims, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, and the Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Compass also featured a manually-adjustable front passenger seat that folded for carrying long items.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige was equipped with dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a high-tech and visually appealing interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate services. However, the Bose audio system was considered 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, though it was not popular with teenagers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on higher trims. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in technology, which performed well. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, though the vehicle's size made the parking assist less necessary.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable features. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, though the NHTSA had not tested it.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass's Highway Assist performed well in light traffic but struggled in certain conditions. The NHTSA had not published crash-test results for the 2023 Compass, and the IIHS had not completed testing for the year.