2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

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 prevented the minivan from feeling cheap. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival maintained a practical approach with its spacious interior and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged well since its debut in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim added a fresh touch with Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats. The CX-5's interior was praised for its upscale feel, with premium materials and a design that could rival luxury-branded vehicles. Despite being one of the smaller models in its segment, the CX-5 offered a comfortable and supportive cabin for four adults, with thoughtful features like rear air conditioning vents and a center fold-down armrest. The overall design and quality of the CX-5's cabin elevated it above many of its mass-market competitors.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was front-wheel drive and offered driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's powertrain provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and was rated to achieve 22 mpg in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive and a hybrid option was a drawback, especially in adverse weather conditions. The brakes performed well in most situations, though they showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a satisfying driving experience, with a firm, sporty ride quality that softened when fully loaded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas. It offered a smooth and rewarding driving experience when the accelerator was pressed steadily, allowing the revs to build. The CX-5's fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 22.9 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's handling was enhanced by Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, providing a smooth ride and responsive handling. The CX-5's all-wheel drive and off-road mode allowed it to tackle trails with ease, and it could tow up to 2,000 pounds. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and lively in the city, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and an SUV-like center console. It provided three types of upholstery, with genuine leather available in the SX Prestige trim. 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 smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience and luxury, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet, rivaling larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in terms of interior space, offered a comfortable and supportive cabin for four adults. The standard heated front seats were redesigned for comfort, and the top trims featured premium Nappa leather. The rear seat provided good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest for added comfort. The CX-5's cargo area offered 30 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While this was less than some competitors, it was sufficient for a family of four on a week-long vacation.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated and visually appealing interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. However, the Bose audio system was deemed mediocre, and the native voice recognition system was only partly successful. 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 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, favoring traditional switchgear over touchscreens to reduce driver distraction. The 10.25-inch display allowed for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available in several trims. The infotainment system was controlled via a large knob and surrounding buttons on the center console, offering a user-friendly experience. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, standard in the Carbon Turbo, added to the SUV's premium feel.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped 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, enhancing safety for passengers. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and reliable semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Carnival was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though the rating had not carried over for 2023.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 also offered a robust set of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 had previously been a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it had not earned the accolade for 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.